Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo and Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus 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 Neptune 4 Plus takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Reliability. The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo still puts up a fight in Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo | Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 250 mm | 320 x 320 x 385 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 13 kg | 12.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 |
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 Neptune 4 Plus
+320×320×385mm at $299 — the largest build volume at this price point
+Stock Klipper means real input shaping, pressure advance, and Moonraker API access
+Direct-drive handles TPU and flexible filaments without clog risk
+Mainsail interface enables remote monitoring and print farm integration
+Dual Z-axis prevents gantry sag on tall prints
−Open-frame limits material compatibility — ABS/ASA require an enclosure
−500mm/s achievable but optimal quality typically at 200-300mm/s
−Large bed means longer homing and leveling cycles
−Elegoo's support and community is smaller than Creality's
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 Neptune 4 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-format
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for beginner
- A great printer for speed
- Stock Klipper firmware with Mainsail web interface
- 320×320×385mm XL build volume
- 500mm/s max print speed with input shaping
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo better than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus scores higher (8.4/10). 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 Neptune 4 Plus?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus 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 Neptune 4 Plus?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus actually scores higher (8.4/10) 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 Neptune 4 Plus?
Build volume (250x250x250mm vs 320x320x385mm) and print speed (600 vs 500 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo is best for multi-color; the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus targets large-format.