Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 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
It's a dead heat, both score 8.2/10 overall. The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo wins in Speed, Reliability, while the Elegoo Centauri Carbon takes Value. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Direct answer
Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for multi-color and speed, and the safer recommendation. Choose Elegoo Centauri Carbon only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo
Best value
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Best build volume
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo | Elegoo Centauri Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 17.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
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
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
+Enclosed CoreXY at $299. Yes, really.
+PLA, PETG, ABS: all print well out of the box
+Pre-assembled, printing within minutes of opening the box
+Carbon-fiber-infused materials are a go
−Firmware needs attention after unboxing
−Heat creep shows up on long prints above 270C
−Elegoo's ecosystem is years behind Bambu's
−17.5kg for a 256mm build volume is heavy
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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling (4 pressure sensors)
- Chamber camera monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
They tie at 8.2/10. The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo suits multi-color and speed, while the Elegoo Centauri Carbon is aimed at budget and enclosed.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo or Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Centauri Carbon to save $200.
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo worth $200 more than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon actually scores higher (8.2/10) 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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
Build volume (250x250x260mm vs 256x256x256mm) and print speed (600 vs 500 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is best for multi-color; the Elegoo Centauri Carbon targets budget.