Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo vs Anycubic Photon Mono 2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Choosing between two Anycubic printers? The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo ($499) and Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $330 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $330 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $169 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 143 x 89 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.02 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 5.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 7/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo
+8 colors out of the box (double the Bambu A1 Combo's 4)
+CoreXY speed at a competitive price
+Improved ACE Pro 2 reduces filament waste on color swaps
+Strong Anycubic slicer with paint-on multi-color tools
−Anycubic software ecosystem still behind Bambu Studio
−Community smaller than Bambu or Creality
−Open frame design (no enclosure)
−ACE Pro 2 adds significant footprint
Anycubic Photon Mono 2
+Budget resin entry point from a known brand
+6K sufficient for most miniatures
+Small and portable
+Well-supported by Photon Workshop
−6K below current 9K/12K standard
−No WiFi
−No tilt release
−Very small build plate
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- 8-color ACE Pro 2 multi-color system
- CoreXY architecture
- Auto bed leveling
Choose the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 6K mono LCD
- USB
- Anycubic Photon Workshop slicer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo better than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo or Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo worth $330 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7/10). The extra $330 gets you 8 colors out of the box (double the bambu a1 combo's 4).
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
Technology: the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is FDM (filament) and the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.