Anycubic Kobra 3 vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Kobra 3 ($299, 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 3 takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $100 and wins on Print Quality, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra 3 | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra 3
+CoreXY at 600mm/s for $299 is Bambu A1 territory
+WiFi and camera come standard without paying extra
+Add the ACE Pro multi-color system later if you want it
+Open frame is accessible for maintenance
−Anycubic's slicer software is behind Bambu Studio in polish and usability
−No multi-color out of the box: the A1 Combo at $399 already includes it
−Limited long-term data: first-gen product with fewer community fixes documented
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 3 if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
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 3 better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra 3 scores higher (8.2/10). 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 3 or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Anycubic Kobra 3 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Kobra 3 worth $100 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Anycubic Kobra 3 scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $100 gets you corexy at 600mm/s for $299 is bambu a1 territory.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra 3 and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Anycubic Kobra 3 is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.