Anycubic Kobra 2 Max vs Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Choosing between two Anycubic printers? The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max ($399) and Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo ($499) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $100 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max saves you $100 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra 2 Max | Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $499 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 420 x 420 x 500 mm | 250 x 250 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 20.5 kg | 12.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra 2 Max
+Massive 420x420x500mm at $399
+Direct drive at this size
+WiFi connectivity
+Great for large cosplay pieces
−Open frame only
−Large footprint needs dedicated space
−Slower at full bed utilization
Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo
+8 colors out of the box (double the Bambu A1 Combo's 4)
+CoreXY speed at a competitive price
+Improved ACE Pro 2 reduces filament waste on color swaps
+Strong Anycubic slicer with paint-on multi-color tools
−Anycubic software ecosystem still behind Bambu Studio
−Community smaller than Bambu or Creality
−Open frame design (no enclosure)
−ACE Pro 2 adds significant footprint
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for cosplay
- A great printer for budget
- 420x420x500mm build
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Choose the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- 8-color ACE Pro 2 multi-color system
- CoreXY architecture
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max better than the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra 2 Max or Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo worth $100 more than the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7/10). The extra $100 gets you 8 colors out of the box (double the bambu a1 combo's 4).
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra 2 Max and Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo?
Build volume (420x420x500mm vs 250x250x260mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max is best for large-prints; the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo targets multi-color.