Anycubic Kobra S1 vs Prusa Research XL
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The Kobra S1 and the XL aren't aimed at the same budget: the Kobra S1 is built for those who want a complete enclosed machine at a contained price, the XL for those investing in a fully open printing ecosystem and a larger build volume.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 549 € | ~1700–1900 € |
| Price updated on | 06/2026 | — |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 40 × 41 × 49 cm | — |
| Weight (kg) | 18 kg | — |
| Work area (mm) | 250 × 250 mm | 300 × 300 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 250 mm | 330 mm |
| Voltage (V) | — | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 600 mm/s | — |
| Declared precision | 0.05 mm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 250 mm | — |
| Build height Z (mm) | 250 mm | — |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | — |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 320 °C | — |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | — |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 600 mm/s | — |
| Enclosed chamber | Yes | — |
| Filament sensor | Yes | — |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | — |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | — |
| Multi-extruder | No | — |
| Native Klipper | Yes | — |
| Input shaper | Yes | — |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | — |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | — |
| Max colors | 8 | — |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The Kobra OS firmware is based on Klipper and controlled via a proprietary touch interface. The official slicer is Anycubic Slicer Next (derived from OrcaSlicer, available for Windows and macOS), but it also supports third-party OrcaSlicer. Remote control is possible via the Anycubic app (iOS/Android) over a local network, with no mandatory cloud connection for daily operations. | Compatible with PrusaSlicer (open source, with material profiles verified and maintained by Prusa Research), OrcaSlicer, and SuperSlicer, as well as any slicer that exports standard G-code. The firmware is based on Prusa Research's open-source Marlin fork, with input shaping support. Unlike Bambu Lab models, which use a partially proprietary protocol and work best with Bambu Studio, the CORE One L accepts generic G-code via USB, SD card, and PrusaConnect. The user is not locked into a single software ecosystem and can freely modify or update the firmware. |
The differences that matter
- Price: the XL costs €1251 more than the Kobra S1.
- Build plate: 300×300 mm on the XL versus 250×250 mm on the Kobra S1 → more room for large parts.
- Z height: 330 mm on the XL versus 250 mm on the Kobra S1.
- Software ecosystem: open-source Marlin firmware on the XL, with no tie to a specific slicer; Klipper-based Kobra OS on the Kobra S1.
Which one to choose
Choose Kobra S1 if…
Pick it if you want a ready-to-use enclosed machine at a contained price: an enclosed chamber, native Klipper and multicolor up to 8 colors with the dedicated accessory, for €1251 less than the XL. The bed stays smaller, 250×250 mm versus 300×300 mm, and the height tops out at 250 mm versus 330 mm.
Choose XL if…
Pick it if you want to stay on open firmware with no slicer lock-in: Prusa Research's open-source Marlin accepts PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer or SuperSlicer without tying you to a proprietary ecosystem, and the 300×300 mm bed with 330 mm of height leaves more room for large parts. The price, €1251 more than the Kobra S1, reflects that investment jump.
Where to buy
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: the purchase links are the same as on the two product sheets and don't influence the verdict. The sheets have the complete data.