Anycubic Kobra 3 Max vs Bambu Lab A1 mini
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Same process, two formats: the Kobra 3 Max is a large-volume machine, the A1 mini a compact one for the bench. What decides it is how big the part has to be, because the Kobra costs about €400 more.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 699 € | 299 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 70.6 × 94 × 75.3 cm | 34.7 × 31.5 × 36.5 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 22.1 kg | 5.7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 420 × 420 mm | 180 × 180 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 500 mm | 180 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 150 W |
| Maximum speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.05 mm | 50 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 420 mm | 180 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 500 mm | 180 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 90 °C | 80 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 600 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 | No |
| Native Klipper | Yes | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | 8 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Equipped with Kobra OS, a Klipper-based firmware, controllable via a 4.3-inch touchscreen. Compatible with Anycubic Slicer and third-party software like OrcaSlicer. Features Wi-Fi for remote control via app. Multicolor printing requires the ACE Pro module, sold separately. | Compatible with Bambu Studio (OrcaSlicer-derived) and OrcaSlicer. Supports LAN mode for cloud-free printing. Does not run native Klipper. |
The differences that matter
- 420×420×500 mm volume against 180×180×180 mm → beyond 180 mm the A1 mini needs the part split, the Kobra 3 Max does not.
- Native Klipper against Bambu firmware without Klipper → the Kobra 3 Max can be customised in the Klipper ecosystem; the A1 mini works with Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer and has a cloud-free LAN mode.
- Multicolour with an accessory on both, 8 colours against 4 → more colours in one part on the Kobra 3 Max.
Which one to choose
Choose Kobra 3 Max if…
you print large parts, such as a helmet or a 400 mm panel, or batches of small parts on a single 420×420 mm bed with 500 mm of height. You accept about €400 more, 22 kg of weight and a 71×94 cm footprint; multicolour needs the ACE Pro module, sold separately.
Choose A1 mini if…
you print objects up to 180 mm on a side with a 5.7 kg machine that sits on a workbench (35×32×37 cm). The trade-off is volume: a part beyond 180 mm has to be split, and multicolour, up to 4 colours, needs an accessory.
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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