Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo vs QIDI X-Max 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo and QIDI X-Max 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $499 vs $799. 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 Value, Beginner Friendliness, while the QIDI X-Max 3 takes Print Quality, Reliability. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo | QIDI X-Max 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $799 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 250 mm | 325 x 325 x 315 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 13 kg | 25 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
QIDI X-Max 3
+325mm enclosed with 60C active heating is a combination you almost can't find under $1,500
+Independent Z motors keep the bed trammed even on 24-hour prints
+Handles PA-CF and PC natively without a fight
+600mm/s in a large-format heated chamber is rare at any price
−25kg: set it up once and it lives there
−$799 with a smaller community than Bambu means you're mostly on your own troubleshooting
−QIDI's slicer profiles are thin for specialty materials
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 QIDI X-Max 3 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for professional
- Enclosed
- Large CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo better than the QIDI X-Max 3?
They tie at 8/10. The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo suits multi-color and speed, while the QIDI X-Max 3 is aimed at large-prints and engineering.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo or QIDI X-Max 3?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Max 3 worth $300 more than the Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $300 less. The QIDI X-Max 3 only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo and QIDI X-Max 3?
Build volume (250x250x250mm vs 325x325x315mm) and print speed (600 vs 600 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo is best for multi-color; the QIDI X-Max 3 targets large-prints.