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. 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 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 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 Neptune 4
+Klipper at $199
+500mm/s capable
+Direct drive handles TPU
+Great value vs Ender 3
−No WiFi on base model
−Smaller community than Bambu/Creality
−Firmware can need tweaking
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.