Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Max
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket — $499 vs $469. We scored both 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 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max saves you $30 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo | Elegoo Neptune 4 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $469 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 420 x 420 x 480 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 22 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 7/10 |
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 Max
+420mm build volume at $469
+Klipper pre-installed
+Great for props and cosplay
+Direct drive
−Huge footprint
−Slower at this bed size
−Open frame
−Large prints need adhesion care
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 Max if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for cosplay
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo better than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo or Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo worth $30 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7/10). The extra $30 gets you 8 colors out of the box (double the bambu a1 combo's 4).
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
Build volume (250x250x260mm vs 420x420x480mm) and print speed (600 vs 500 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is best for multi-color; the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max targets large-prints.