Both programs run on a host computer, often a Raspberry Pi, and give you a browser dashboard for uploading files, starting jobs, watching temperatures and viewing a webcam. The deciding question is your firmware.
OctoPrint says it works out of the box with most consumer 3D printers. Mainsail is a Moonraker-based interface for printers running Klipper. Klipper's own documentation also lists OctoPrint as an alternative way to control a Klipper printer.
OctoPrint and Mainsail side by side
| Feature | OctoPrint | Mainsail |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Gina Häußge, with community funding | Maintained by meteyou with community contributors |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Price | Free; funded by donations and sponsors | Free; supported by vendor partners |
| Printer compatibility | Most consumer 3D printers out of the box; some brands through plugins | Klipper only, through Moonraker |
| Latest stable version | 1.11.8, released June 23, 2026 | 2.19.0, released August 27, 2026 |
| Install options | OctoPi image, Windows installer, manual Python install on Linux, Windows or macOS, Docker | MainsailOS image, KIAUH, Docker, manual setup, hosted my.mainsail.xyz |
| Recommended host hardware | Raspberry Pi 3B, 3B+, 4B or Zero 2; Zero and Zero W not recommended | Raspberry Pi and Orange Pi Zero 2, Zero 3, 3 LTS and 4 LTS listed |
| Extensions | Official plugin repository listing 409 plugins | Macros, custom CSS and themes; Moonraker integrations such as timelapse |
| Multiple printers | Separate instances, for example with octoprint_deploy | Printer farm view in one interface |
| Documented features | Webcam, G-code visualizer, timelapse, temperature control, access control, event hooks, built-in slicing | Job queue, print history, bed mesh, G-code viewer, webcams, object exclusion, power devices |
Checked November 2, 2026 against OctoPrint 1.11.8 (released June 23, 2026) and Mainsail 2.19.0 (released August 27, 2026). OctoPrint 2.0.0rc7, published October 20, 2026, was a release candidate at the time and is not treated as stable here.
Firmware decides first
OctoPrint connects to the printer itself and describes broad compatibility with consumer machines, with specific Flashforge, MakerBot, Dremel and PowerSpec models supported through plugins. Its home page does not tie it to one firmware family.
Mainsail is a client for Moonraker, the API server that runs alongside Klipper. Without Klipper and Moonraker it has nothing to connect to. Klipper's installation guide calls Mainsail and Fluidd the two main Moonraker-based front ends and lists OctoPrint as an alternative, which you can install through the OctoPi image or KIAUH.
Host hardware and installation
OctoPrint's download page recommends a Raspberry Pi 3B, 3B+, 4B or Zero 2 and explicitly does not recommend the original Zero or Zero W, citing Wi-Fi problems when streaming video. Besides the OctoPi image, it documents a Windows installer, manual installation with Python 3 and pip, an official Docker image and Octo4a for Android phones.
Mainsail's documentation lists Raspberry Pi and several Orange Pi boards, and its install options include the MainsailOS image, KIAUH, Docker and manual setup. Mainsail itself is a browser application, so the Klipper and Moonraker services do the printer-side work.
Plugins and features
Plugins are OctoPrint's main strength. Its official repository listed 409 plugins when checked, and the app can install them from inside the interface. Core features include an embedded webcam view, a G-code visualizer, timelapse recording, access controls and event hooks.
Mainsail builds on what Klipper and Moonraker expose: macros with prompts and parameters, bed-mesh views, a job queue, print history, object exclusion during a print and smart power control. Timelapses come through the moonraker-timelapse add-on.
Maintenance and security updates
OctoPrint 1.11.8 is a bug-fix release that patches two security issues, and the 2.0 release candidates were still in testing when checked. The 2.0.0rc7 notes describe a bundled Serial Connector plugin and added handling for printer firmware, such as Prusa's Buddy firmware, that reports file selection differently. Whichever interface you use, keep the host software updated.
Which should you choose?
Choose OctoPrint if…
- Your printer runs its stock firmware rather than Klipper.
- You want a large plugin catalog you can install from inside the interface.
- You want to run the host on Windows, macOS, Docker or an Android phone as well as a Raspberry Pi.
Choose Mainsail if…
- Your printer already runs Klipper and Moonraker.
- You want Klipper-specific views such as macros with prompts, bed mesh and object exclusion.
- You manage several Klipper printers and want them in one interface.
Common questions
Can OctoPrint control a Klipper printer?
Yes. Klipper's installation guide lists OctoPrint as an alternative to the Moonraker-based front ends and says it can be installed via the OctoPi image or KIAUH.
Can Mainsail control a printer without Klipper?
No. Mainsail is an interface for Klipper printers and depends on the Moonraker API running alongside Klipper.
Which Raspberry Pi should I use for OctoPrint?
OctoPrint recommends a Raspberry Pi 3B, 3B+, 4B or Zero 2, and says the original Zero and Zero W are not recommended.
Sources
- OctoPrint home page OctoPrint project · Checked 2026-11-02
- Mainsail documentation Mainsail project · Checked 2026-11-02
- OctoPrint repository and license OctoPrint project on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- Mainsail repository and README Mainsail project on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- OctoPrint 1.11.8 release notes OctoPrint project on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- Mainsail v2.19.0 release notes Mainsail project on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- Download and setup OctoPrint OctoPrint project · Checked 2026-11-02
- OctoPrint plugin repository OctoPrint project · Checked 2026-11-02
- Moonraker documentation Moonraker project · Checked 2026-11-02
- Klipper installation guide (front ends) Klipper project · Checked 2026-11-02
- OctoPrint 2.0.0rc7 pre-release notes OctoPrint project on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
This comparison summarizes the cited documentation; it is not a lab test. Features and prices change between releases; check the developer’s site for the current version.