Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo vs Elegoo Neptune 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Elegoo Neptune 4 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $499 vs $199. 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 Neptune 4 takes Value. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo | Elegoo Neptune 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 9.5 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 Neptune 4
+Klipper at $199 means real input shaping and pressure advance, not just fast travel speeds
+Direct drive handles TPU without a fight
+500mm/s capable on stock profiles
+225mm bed is slightly larger than the V3 KE at the same price
−No WiFi on the base model: Elegoo charges extra for connectivity the KE includes free
−Elegoo's community is smaller than Creality's, which matters when you hit unusual problems
−Klipper config occasionally needs manual edits out of the box
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 Neptune 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo better than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
They tie at 8.2/10. The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo suits multi-color and speed, while the Elegoo Neptune 4 is aimed at budget and speed.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo or Elegoo Neptune 4?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Neptune 4 to save $300.
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo worth $300 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $300 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 Neptune 4?
Build volume (250x250x260mm vs 225x225x265mm) and print speed (600 vs 500 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is best for multi-color; the Elegoo Neptune 4 targets budget.