Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $499 vs $449. 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 8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo saves you $50 and wins on Value.
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 2 Combo 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 2 Combo
Best build volume
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $449 |
| 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 | 0.08 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 19.35 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8/10 |
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 2 Combo
+First enclosed multi-color CoreXY under $500
+91% first-attempt success rate on multi-color jobs
+RFID reads filament type automatically, no manual input
+TPU prints without complaints
−Spool holders are finicky
−Loading routine doesn't get hot enough for high-temp filaments
−Build plate grip is mediocre
−Canvas software works but looks like it was designed fast
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 2 Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed CoreXY
- 4-color Canvas multi-color system
- 350C hardened steel nozzle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo may be the smarter buy if you need multi-color.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo or Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo worth $50 more than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 8/10). The extra $50 gets you 8 colors out of the box, double what the bambu a1 combo offers.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
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 2 Combo targets multi-color.