Anycubic Kobra 2 Max vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max ($399, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199, RESIN) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability. The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max still puts up a fight in Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra 2 Max | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 420 x 420 x 500 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 20.5 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 |
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
Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
+9K resolution is a meaningful jump from 7K: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts
+Tilt release means FEP films last longer; $50 less per year in consumables is real money
+Built-in air purifier takes the edge off the smell without requiring an external solution
+WiFi monitoring means you can start a print and check it from another room
−153x77mm plate is tight for anything larger than small character models
−Still needs a wash and cure station: budget $50-80 extra
−Resin workflow is messier and slower to start than FDM
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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 9K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra scores higher (7.8/10). 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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max worth $200 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $200 less. The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra 2 Max and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.