Anycubic Kobra 2 Max vs Creality Ender 5 S1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max and Creality Ender 5 S1 are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $399 vs $399. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 5 S1 takes the crown with 7.4/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability. The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max still puts up a fight in Value and Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra 2 Max | Creality Ender 5 S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $399 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 420 x 420 x 500 mm | 220 x 220 x 280 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 20.5 kg | 10.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 7.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra 2 Max
+420x420x500mm for $399 is the largest bed you'll find at this budget
+Direct drive at this scale handles flexible filament when needed
+WiFi means you're not walking over with a USB stick for every job
−Open frame on a 420mm heated bed means serious adhesion prep is mandatory
−Full bed heating at this size takes 10+ minutes to reach temp
−Discontinued: Anycubic no longer supports this model
Creality Ender 5 S1
+Cube frame is mechanically stiffer than bed-slinger designs: first layers are more consistent
+Sprite direct drive handles TPU and flexible filaments properly
+220x220x280mm Z-height is the standout dimension for tall prints
+Stock experience is genuinely good without requiring calibration
−250mm/s is embarrassingly slow in 2024: this is not a speed machine
−No WiFi means manual file management every time
−$399 is a lot when the Bambu A1 Mini does more for $199
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 Creality Ender 5 S1 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for reliability
- Cube frame
- Direct drive
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max better than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 5 S1 scores higher (7.4/10). 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 Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Which is the better value, Anycubic Kobra 2 Max or Creality Ender 5 S1?
Same price ($399), so it comes down to features. The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max edges ahead on value score.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra 2 Max and Creality Ender 5 S1?
Build volume (420x420x500mm vs 220x220x280mm) and print speed (500 vs 250 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max is best for large-prints; the Creality Ender 5 S1 targets beginners.