Anycubic Kobra 3 Max vs Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The two machines do different jobs: the Kobra 3 Max is a very large open Cartesian printer, the X1 Carbon a compact enclosed CoreXY that reaches 16 colours with the accessory. The choice is between volume and an enclosed chamber.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2022 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 699 € | ~1050–1250 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 70.6 × 94 × 75.3 cm | 38.9 × 38.9 × 45.7 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 22.1 kg | 14.13 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 420 × 420 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 500 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 1000 W |
| Maximum speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.05 mm | 7 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 420 mm | 256 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 500 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 90 °C | 110 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | No | Yes |
| 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 | 16 |
| 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. | The printer is controlled via Bambu Studio, the proprietary slicer available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as the Bambu Handy mobile app. LAN mode is supported, allowing full local control without an internet connection or cloud account. Remote monitoring via Bambu Cloud is optional. Bambu Studio accepts 3MF, STL, OBJ, and STEP files and includes advanced features such as vibration compensation and flow rate control. |
The differences that matter
- Volume: 420 × 420 × 500 mm vs 256 × 256 × 256 mm → a part half a metre tall can only be printed on the Kobra 3 Max.
- Price: €699 vs about €1,050–1,250 → the Kobra 3 Max costs about €450 less.
- Chamber and bed: X1 Carbon enclosed, bed up to 110 °C; Kobra 3 Max open, 90 °C (manufacturer's figures) → the range of printable filaments is wider on the X1 Carbon.
- Colours: 8 vs 16, with an accessory on both → beyond eight colours it has to be the X1 Carbon.
Which one to choose
Choose Kobra 3 Max if…
For printing tall or wide parts in one piece, such as housings, prototypes and long spares, for less money, on Kobra OS (Klipper-based) with app control over Wi-Fi. The trade-offs are no enclosure, and multicolor needing the ACE Pro module sold separately.
Choose X1 Carbon if…
For multicolor parts of ordinary size in an enclosed chamber, with Bambu Studio and a LAN mode that needs no cloud. The trade-offs are a much smaller volume and a higher price.
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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