Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and QIDI X-Smart 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers — $499 vs $349. 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 8/10. It pulls ahead in Speed. That said, the QIDI X-Smart 3 saves you $150.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $349 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 12.5 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8/10 |
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
QIDI X-Smart 3
+Fully enclosed in a compact footprint
+Chamber heating for better layer adhesion
+Good software experience
+Fast CoreXY
−Small 175mm build volume
−QIDI ecosystem smaller than Bambu
−175mm limits large prints
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-Smart 3 if you want:
- A great printer for compact
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Chamber heating (35C)
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the QIDI X-Smart 3 may be the smarter buy if you need compact.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo or QIDI X-Smart 3?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the QIDI X-Smart 3 to save $150.
Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo worth $150 more than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 8/10). The extra $150 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 QIDI X-Smart 3?
Build volume (250x250x260mm vs 175x175x165mm) and print speed (600 vs 600 mm/s). The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is best for multi-color; the QIDI X-Smart 3 targets compact.