Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro ($249, 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 Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $50 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 6.5 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro
+Klipper at $249: real input shaping and pressure advance out of the box
+Direct drive handles flexibles without a fight
+26-point mesh leveling means first-layer failures are rare
+Anycubic's ecosystem has solid community support and replacement parts
−220x220mm bed is smaller than newer $250 competitors like the Neptune 4 Plus
−Open frame limits material options; ABS is borderline without modification
−Anycubic's Klipper fork is more locked-down than Elegoo or Creality stock Klipper
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 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- Klipper firmware with input shaping and pressure advance
- 500mm/s max print speed
- Direct-drive extruder
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 Pro better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro worth $50 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $50 gets you klipper at $249: real input shaping and pressure advance out of the box.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.