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. 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 8.2/10 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.
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 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
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
+Enclosed CoreXY at an unbelievable $299
+Excellent print quality across PLA, PETG, and ABS
+Pre-assembled — print within minutes of unboxing
+Handles carbon-fiber-infused materials
−Firmware can be unreliable and needs updates
−Heat creep issues on long prints above 270C
−Elegoo ecosystem is immature compared to Bambu
−Heavy at 17.5kg for a 256mm build volume
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.