Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo vs Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $499 vs $218. We scored both across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat, both score 8/10 overall. The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo wins in Print Quality, Speed, while the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE takes Value, Beginner Friendliness, Reliability. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $218 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 250 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 13 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo
+16 colors out of the box — doubles the 8-color S1 Combo and quadruples the Bambu A1 Combo (4)
+Fully enclosed CoreXY handles ABS, ASA, and engineering filaments without warping
+44dB quiet mode is unusually low for a 600mm/s CoreXY — apartment-friendly
+Upgraded hotend is rated for the full Anycubic filament range
+Early bird €459 undercuts the Bambu P2S (€549) and matches pricing of the older 8-color S1 Combo
−Brand new product — early adopter risk on firmware and ACE 2 Pro reliability
−Anycubic slicer still trails Bambu Studio on automation and profile polish
−ACE 2 Pro adds significant desk footprint
−Early bird pricing ends May 31 — regular price expected to climb
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
+Auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth
+Direct drive means you can print TPU without fighting the extruder
+r/ender3 has 200,000 members who've fixed every problem you'll ever have
+Spare parts are everywhere and cheap
−250mm/s max is half what CoreXY printers do at this price in 2024
−Open frame, no WiFi, no camera: this is a no-frills machine
−Firmware updates require a USB stick and patience
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for enclosed
- ACE 2 Pro multi-color system (up to 16 colors)
- Fully-enclosed CoreXY architecture
- Upgraded hotend (all-filament compatible)
Choose the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
They tie at 8/10. The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo suits multi-color and speed, while the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is aimed at beginners and budget.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo or Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo worth $281 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $281 less. The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo only makes sense if you specifically need multi-color.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
Build volume (250x250x250mm vs 220x220x250mm) and print speed (600 vs 250 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo is best for multi-color; the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE targets beginners.