Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo vs Creality CR-M4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Creality CR-M4 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $499 vs $599. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 6/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo | Creality CR-M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $599 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 450 x 450 x 470 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 38 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 6/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo
+8 colors out of the box, double what the Bambu A1 Combo offers
+CoreXY speed at a competitive price point
+ACE Pro 2 wastes less filament on color swaps than its predecessor
+Paint-on multi-color tools in the Anycubic slicer are genuinely good
−Anycubic's software is solid but still behind Bambu Studio
−Community is smaller than Bambu or Creality
−No enclosure
−ACE Pro 2 takes up a lot of desk space
Creality CR-M4
+450mm build volume: print a torso, a chest plate, a full helmet in one run
+Dual Z axis keeps a bed this large from sagging mid-print
+Relatively affordable for the volume: comparable machines cost $1,500+
+Direct drive handles flexible and abrasive materials on a large scale
−200mm/s is the slowest print speed on the list by a wide margin: large prints take days
−38kg: this printer lives where you put it, forever
−Open frame on a 450mm machine means ABS warping is brutal without a DIY enclosure
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 Creality CR-M4 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for cosplay
- A great printer for professional
- 450x450x470mm build volume
- Auto bed leveling
- Dual Z motors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo better than the Creality CR-M4?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality CR-M4 may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo or Creality CR-M4?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 4/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality CR-M4 worth $100 more than the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $100 less. The Creality CR-M4 only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Creality CR-M4?
Build volume (250x250x260mm vs 450x450x470mm) and print speed (600 vs 200 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is best for multi-color; the Creality CR-M4 targets large-prints.