Anycubic Kobra S1 Max vs Bambu Lab A1
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Two FDM printers for the same use, with a size difference that decides: the Kobra S1 Max prints up to 350 mm a side in an enclosed chamber, the A1 stops at 256 mm with an open frame. The Kobra costs about €270 more.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~599–799 € | 429 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 50.27 × 48.3 × 58.4 cm | 38.5 × 41 × 43 cm |
| Weight (kg) | — | 8.3 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 350 × 350 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 350 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 2200 W | 1300 W |
| Voltage (V) | 220 V | 220 V |
| Maximum speed | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.05 mm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 350 mm | 256 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 350 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 350 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | Yes | 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 | No | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | 4 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The firmware runs on a proprietary Kobra OS layer built on top of Klipper; the official slicer is Anycubic Slicer Next, derived from OrcaSlicer, available for Windows and macOS. Third-party OrcaSlicer is also supported. Remote monitoring and control are available via the Anycubic app (iOS/Android) over LAN, with no mandatory cloud connection required for ordinary printing operations. Unlike the Combo version, the ACE 2 Pro module is not included in the box. | The A1 works natively with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer available for Windows and macOS, which handles slicing, automatic calibrations, and remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app. Third-party slicers — including PrusaSlicer, SuperSlicer, and Ultimaker Cura — are supported via standard G-code export, but advanced features such as vibration compensation and active flow control are only available within the Bambu ecosystem. |
The differences that matter
- Build volume: 350 × 350 × 350 mm against 256 × 256 × 256 mm → a part 30 cm tall or wide prints whole on the Kobra; on the A1 it has to be split and glued.
- Chamber and temperatures: enclosed, nozzle 350 °C and bed 120 °C against open, 300 °C and 100 °C → technical filaments that want more heat print only on the Kobra.
- Price: about €699 against €429 → the A1 leaves roughly €270 for filament and spares.
- Software: the A1 works with Bambu Studio; in other slicers vibration compensation and active flow control are not available. The Kobra uses Anycubic Slicer Next or OrcaSlicer.
Which one to choose
Choose Kobra S1 Max if…
You print large parts, such as a housing or a shell, in one piece instead of splitting and gluing them, and you use filaments that want an enclosed chamber, a nozzle up to 350 °C and a 120 °C bed. The trade-off: about €270 more, a footprint of 50.3 × 48.3 × 58.4 cm against 38.5 × 41 × 43 cm, and 4-color multicolor needs the ACE 2 Pro module, which is not in the box.
Choose A1 if…
You print parts that fit in 256 mm a side and want to spend €429. Multicolor up to 4 colors needs an accessory here too. The trade-off: open frame, nozzle up to 300 °C and bed up to 100 °C, and a larger part has to be split.
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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