Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo and Elegoo Centauri Carbon are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $459 vs $299. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness. The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo still puts up a fight in Speed.
Direct answer
Elegoo Centauri Carbon is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Elegoo Centauri Carbon if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for budget and enclosed, and the safer recommendation. Choose Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Best value
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Best build volume
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo | Elegoo Centauri Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 250 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 13 kg | 17.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo
+16-color capable (4 colors standard; 16 colors requires 4x ACE 2 Pro units purchased separately). 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
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
+Enclosed CoreXY at $299. Yes, really.
+PLA, PETG, ABS: all print well out of the box
+Pre-assembled, printing within minutes of opening the box
+Carbon-fiber-infused materials are a go
−Firmware needs attention after unboxing
−Heat creep shows up on long prints above 270C
−Elegoo's ecosystem is years behind Bambu's
−17.5kg for a 256mm build volume is heavy
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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling (4 pressure sensors)
- Chamber camera monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo may be the smarter buy if you need multi-color.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo or Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo worth $160 more than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $160 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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
Build volume (250x250x250mm vs 256x256x256mm) and print speed (600 vs 500 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo is best for multi-color; the Elegoo Centauri Carbon targets budget.