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. We scored both 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
+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
Creality Ender 5 S1
+Rigid cube frame means great print quality
+Sprite direct drive extruder
+Handles tall prints well
+Good stock experience
−Not fast by modern standards
−Open frame
−No WiFi
−Pricier than Bambu A1 Mini for less
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.