When it comes to 3D printer firmware, Klipper and Marlin are the two most widely used options. Marlin has been the standard for years, running on countless printers straight out of the box. Klipper, on the other hand, is a newer firmware that leverages additional processing power to deliver impressive speed and precision improvements.
So, which one should you use? That depends on your setup, your printing goals, and how much time you’re willing to spend fine-tuning your machine. Let’s break down the key differences and help you decide which firmware best suits your needs.
What is Marlin?
Marlin is the most commonly used firmware for consumer 3D printers. It runs directly on your printer’s mainboard and has been around for years, constantly evolving with new features and improvements. Most stock 3D printers ship with some version of Marlin pre-installed.
Pros of Marlin:
✅ Widely supported – Nearly every 3D printer board is compatible with Marlin.
✅ Highly customizable – Supports a wide range of hardware, including BLTouch, filament sensors, and custom kinematics.
✅ Standalone operation – Runs entirely on the printer’s mainboard without needing extra hardware.
✅ Mature and reliable – Used by thousands of printers worldwide, with extensive documentation and community support.
Cons of Marlin:
❌ Limited processing power – Since Marlin runs on your printer’s mainboard, it can struggle with high-speed calculations.
❌ Harder to configure – Requires recompiling and flashing firmware for every change.
❌ Slower performance – Stepper motor control is limited by the board’s processing speed, leading to potential motion bottlenecks.
What is Klipper?
Klipper takes a different approach by offloading the heavy computational work from the printer’s mainboard to an external device, typically a Raspberry Pi. This allows for much higher step rates, smoother motion, and advanced features like pressure advance and input shaping, which significantly improve print quality and speed.
Pros of Klipper:
✅ Faster printing – Offloading calculations to a Pi means higher step rates and faster acceleration.
✅ Input shaping – Reduces ringing (ghosting) for sharper prints at higher speeds.
✅ Easier to tweak settings – Changes can be made in real-time without reflashing firmware.
✅ Great for advanced setups – Perfect for CoreXY printers and machines with complex kinematics.
Cons of Klipper:
❌ Requires extra hardware – You need a Raspberry Pi (or equivalent) to run Klipper.
❌ More complex setup – Initial installation and tuning require more effort than Marlin.
❌ Not as plug-and-play – Some features require extra configuration, making it less beginner-friendly.
Performance Comparison: Klipper vs. Marlin
1. Speed and Motion Control
- Marlin: Limited by the microcontroller's step rate. Pushing high speeds can lead to stuttering.
- Klipper: Can achieve much higher step rates, allowing for faster print speeds without sacrificing quality.
2. Print Quality
- Marlin: Can produce excellent quality prints but may suffer from ringing and motion artifacts at higher speeds.
- Klipper: Features like input shaping and pressure advance lead to sharper, more precise prints.
3. Ease of Use
- Marlin: Easier for beginners since most printers come with it pre-installed. However, making changes requires recompiling firmware.
- Klipper: More complex to set up initially, but much easier to tweak and modify settings in real-time.
4. Compatibility
- Marlin: Works on almost every 3D printer mainboard and is widely supported.
- Klipper: Compatible with many popular boards, but not all, and requires a Raspberry Pi or similar SBC. As someone who personally uses Klipper, I use an old HP PC, which is a tad overkill.
Which Firmware Should You Choose?
Use Marlin if:
✅ You want something that works out of the box with minimal setup.
✅ Your printer doesn’t need extreme speed improvements.
✅ You prefer a simple, standalone setup without extra hardware.
✅ You’re using a budget printer with limited upgrade potential.
Use Klipper if:
✅ You want to print faster without sacrificing quality.
✅ You’re willing to invest time in fine-tuning and experimenting.
✅ You have a Raspberry Pi or other external processing power.
✅ You’re working with a high-speed CoreXY or custom printer build.
If you’re a beginner or just want a reliable, no-fuss firmware, stick with Marlin. It’s well-supported, gets the job done, and is compatible with nearly every printer.
If you’re looking to push your printer to the limits, reduce print artifacts, and unlock higher speeds, then Klipper is the way to go. The learning curve is steeper, but the rewards are worth it.
Whichever firmware you choose, both have strong communities and continuous development. The best firmware is the one that suits your needs, whether it’s ease of use or high-performance tuning.
As a personal Klipper superfan, I can’t imagine going back to Marlin for my own printers. The ability to tweak settings in real-time, achieve smoother prints at higher speeds, and fine-tune every aspect of my machine makes Klipper the clear winner for me. Sure, the setup takes a little more effort, but once it’s dialed in, the performance boost is absolutely worth it. If you love experimenting and pushing your printer to its limits, Klipper is the way to go.
Install Klipper Install Marlin
Have you tried Klipper or Marlin? Which one do you prefer? Let me know in the comments!