Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo ($499, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199, RESIN) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $300 and wins on Value, Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 Mars 4 Ultra
+9K resolution is a meaningful jump from 7K: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts
+Tilt release means FEP films last longer; $50 less per year in consumables is real money
+Built-in air purifier takes the edge off the smell without requiring an external solution
+WiFi monitoring means you can start a print and check it from another room
−153x77mm plate is tight for anything larger than small character models
−Still needs a wash and cure station: budget $50-80 extra
−Resin workflow is messier and slower to start than FDM
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 Mars 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 9K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
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 $300 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $300 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 Mars 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.