Kobra 3 vs U1 3D Printer
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Kobra 3 and U1 3D Printer are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3.3×). Kobra 3 costs less (~€260) and is the entry-level choice; U1 3D Printer offers more capability at a higher price (~€849). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Kobra 3
Anycubic
F1 · Entry
|
U1 3D Printer
Snapmaker
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Riconoscimenti | — | |
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F1 — Entry | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~220–300 € | 849 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 45.3 × 50.5 × 48.3 cm | 58.4 × 49.9 × 73 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 9.2 kg | 18.2 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 250 × 250 mm | 270 × 270 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 260 mm | 270 mm |
| Power (W) | 400 W | 1150 W |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.05 mm | 0.04 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 250 mm | 270 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 260 mm | 270 mm |
| Kinematics | cartesian | corexy |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 110 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | False | False |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto leveling | mesh | mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | True |
| Native Klipper | True | True |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | — | True |
| Requires external accessory | — | False |
| Maximum colors | 1 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Operated via AnycubicSlicer and compatible with the proprietary cloud app. It leverages a Klipper-based firmware, natively integrating Input Shaping algorithms to reduce vibrations at high speeds. | 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. |
MakerSpecs Awards
Best value Entry
At €260 it offers the best performance-to-price ratio among the 6 entry-level Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM) machines, with a technical score of 90/100.
How we assign awards →Nessun riconoscimento in questa fascia.
The differences that matter
- Price: Kobra 3 260 € vs U1 3D Printer 849 € — Kobra 3 wins (+227%)
- Maximum colors: Kobra 3 1 vs U1 3D Printer 4 — U1 3D Printer wins (+300%)
- Multi-extruder: U1 3D Printer yes, Kobra 3 no
- Max print speed: Kobra 3 600 mm/s vs U1 3D Printer 500 mm/s — Kobra 3 wins (+20%)
- Work area: Kobra 3 250×250 mm vs U1 3D Printer 270×270 mm — U1 3D Printer wins (+17%)
Which one to choose
Choose Kobra 3 if…
you value price, max print speed and max bed temperature. «The rated maximum speed indicates the theoretical hardware limit, not the everyday working speed. Faster machines reduce print times on simple geometries, but real-world speed depends on material, geometry, required surface finish, and slicer settings. Values above 200–300 mm/s are meaningful only on machines with CoreXY kinematics, active input shaping, and a stiffened mechanical frame.»
Choose U1 3D Printer if…
you value maximum colors, multi-extruder and work area. «The maximum number of colors indicates how many distinct color zones or materials can be used in one print without manual intervention. Two colors cover most practical uses, including soluble support. Higher values are useful for complex decorative models or color-coded prototypes. Each additional color increases print time due to transition purges, so the practical benefit should be weighed against the added time cost.»
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.