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. Both are scored 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 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-Smart 3
+Fully enclosed CoreXY in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers
+35C chamber heating helps layer adhesion on ABS and PETG without a full 60C setup
+QIDI's slicer is better than Creality's for enclosed use cases
+600mm/s speed in a machine this small is impressive
−175mm cube is the real ceiling: anything larger needs to be split and assembled
−QIDI's community is a fraction of Bambu's or Creality's size
−35C chamber heating is modest: the X-Plus 3's 60C chamber is meaningfully better for engineering materials
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 what the bambu a1 combo offers.
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.