Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo vs QIDI X-Plus 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and QIDI X-Plus 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $499 vs $499. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Plus 3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality. The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo still puts up a fight in Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo | QIDI X-Plus 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $499 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 280 x 280 x 270 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 17 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
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
QIDI X-Plus 3
+60C active chamber heating is the real feature: ABS stops warping, Nylon actually sticks
+Handles PA, PC, and carbon-fiber composites without drama
+CoreXY at 600mm/s inside a heated enclosure is genuinely rare under $600
+280mm build volume is larger than most enclosed competitors at this price
−QIDI's slicer software feels like 2020: functional but not pleasant
−Community is small; problems require more DIY solving than Bambu or Creality
−Some components are proprietary, which makes upgrades harder
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 QIDI X-Plus 3 if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed
- CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo better than the QIDI X-Plus 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher (8.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo may be the smarter buy if you need multi-color.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo or QIDI X-Plus 3?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Which is the better value, Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo or QIDI X-Plus 3?
Same price ($499), so it comes down to features. The QIDI X-Plus 3 edges ahead on value score.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and QIDI X-Plus 3?
Build volume (250x250x260mm vs 280x280x270mm) and print speed (600 vs 600 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is best for multi-color; the QIDI X-Plus 3 targets engineering.