Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo vs Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $499 vs $299. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo | Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 300 x 300 x 330 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 9.7 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
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 Ender 3 V3 Plus
+$299 for 300×300×330mm and 600mm/s — no other printer at this price gets close on volume and speed simultaneously
+CoreXZ keeps the gantry lightweight for reliable high-speed moves
+Direct-drive Sprite extruder handles flexible filaments without a bowden gap
+Klipper-based firmware means real input shaping, not marketing figures
+PEI sheet gives excellent adhesion and clean part release
−Open-frame means ABS and ASA warping without an aftermarket enclosure
−CoreXZ means Y-axis moves the bed — large heavy prints can shift if acceleration is too high
−600mm/s is achievable but real-world quality prints run at 200-300mm/s
−Support quality from Creality varies; community forums are more reliable
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 Ender 3 V3 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-format
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginner
- CoreXZ motion system (vs CoreXY on the K1C)
- 300×300×330mm large build volume
- 600mm/s max print speed with input shaping
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus scores higher (8.6/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo may be the smarter buy if you need multi-color.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo or Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus to save $200.
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo worth $200 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus actually scores higher (8.6/10) despite costing $200 less. The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo only makes sense if you specifically need multi-color.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus?
Build volume (250x250x260mm vs 300x300x330mm) and print speed (600 vs 600 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is best for multi-color; the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus targets large-format.