Anycubic Kobra 2 Max vs Snapmaker U1
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Anycubic Kobra 2 Max and Snapmaker U1 serve different priorities at a similar price: the Kobra 2 Max bets everything on build volume, the U1 on native multicolor and open firmware. The choice comes down to what you actually need — space or color.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~500–600 € | 849 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 73.5 × 64 × 74 cm | 58.4 × 49.9 × 73 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 21 kg | 18.2 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 420 × 420 mm | 270 × 270 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 500 mm | 270 mm |
| Power (W) | 500 W | 1150 W |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.04 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 420 mm | 270 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 500 mm | 270 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 260 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 90 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | No | No |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | No | Yes |
| Native Klipper | No | Yes |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | No | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | — | No |
| Max colors | 1 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Compatible with major third-party slicers such as PrusaSlicer and Cura. It features Wi-Fi connectivity managed through the Anycubic app, while still allowing offline use via USB. | The primary software is Snapmaker Orca, an optimized version of the popular OrcaSlicer, which provides native management of the four toolheads and factory-calibrated material profiles. The printer can also be seamlessly managed via the Snapmaker mobile app for remote monitoring, taking advantage of the built-in 1080p camera. The internal firmware is built on Klipper, Moonraker, and Fluidd, which Snapmaker has made open-source, allowing experienced users to customize the machine and integrate it into complex workflows. |
The differences that matter
- Bed size: 420×420 mm on the Kobra 2 Max against 270×270 mm on the U1 — decides whether a large part fits in one piece.
- Z height: 500 mm on the Kobra 2 Max against 270 mm on the U1.
- Native multicolor and multi-extruder only on the U1, no external accessory.
- Native Klipper only on the U1, versus the Kobra 2 Max's proprietary firmware.
- Price: around €550 for the Kobra 2 Max against €849 for the U1.
Which one to choose
Choose Kobra 2 Max if…
A 420×420 mm bed and 500 mm of Z height fit large parts — frames, stands, architectural prints — that would need splitting on the U1's 270×270 mm bed. The price, roughly €300 below the U1, leaves room for the filament needed to fill that volume.
Choose U1 if…
The U1's four independent toolheads print up to 4 colors natively with no external accessory, something the Kobra 2 Max can't do. Native Klipper also opens up tuning and community support, while the Kobra 2 Max's firmware stays closed: for anyone who wants to tinker or print multicolor regularly, that outweighs the smaller bed.
Where to buy
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Filaments for these printers
The most chosen spools among the materials both printers can print according to their specifications.
- ELEGOO PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- Bambu Lab PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- OVERTURE PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)High speed1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
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