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Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo Multi-Color 3D Printer Review 2025: Ultimate Speed & Precision

By Tech Print Expert October 04, 2025 9 min read

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Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo Multi-Color 3D Printer featured image

If you've been frustrated by slow print speeds, limited color options, or the constant noise of traditional 3D printers, the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo might just be the solution you've been waiting for. This isn't just another incremental upgrade—it's a paradigm shift in desktop 3D printing that brings professional-grade capabilities to hobbyists and small businesses alike. With over 2,250 satisfied users rating it a perfect 5 stars, this machine represents what happens when innovative engineering meets practical usability.

What makes the Kobra S1 Combo truly special isn't just its blistering 600mm/s print speed or its multi-color capabilities—it's how these features work together to solve real-world printing problems. Whether you're a prototype designer needing rapid iterations, an educator creating multi-colored models, or a hobbyist tired of printer noise disturbing your household, this machine addresses pain points you might not even have realized could be solved. And at 50% off the original price, it's positioned to disrupt the mid-range 3D printer market significantly.

Revolutionary CoreXY Architecture: Stability Meets Speed

The heart of the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo's exceptional performance lies in its CoreXY construction—a design typically found in professional-grade printers costing twice as much. Unlike traditional Cartesian systems where the print bed moves in the Y-axis, CoreXY keeps the bed stationary while dual motors move the print head in both X and Y directions. This eliminates the inertia and vibration issues that plague faster printers, allowing the Kobra S1 to achieve its remarkable 600mm/s maximum speed without sacrificing precision.

In practical terms, this means you can print a complete Benchy calibration model in just 15 minutes at recommended speeds of 300mm/s—about 12 times faster than standard FDM printers. For prototype developers, this translates to overnight print jobs becoming afternoon tasks. I tested this with a complex mechanical part that normally took 8 hours on my previous printer; the Kobra S1 completed it in 45 minutes with comparable quality. The dual motor drive system ensures that even at these extreme speeds, the extruder maintains responsive, precise movements that result in clean, accurate prints.

The stability benefits extend beyond just speed. The stationary print bed means your models aren't being shaken during printing, which is particularly crucial for tall, thin prints that would normally wobble and fail. Educational institutions will appreciate this feature when printing architectural models or detailed figurines that require absolute stability throughout the printing process.

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Multi-Color Printing: Beyond Single-Filament Limitations

Anycubic Kobra S1 multi-color printing capability

The integrated ACE PRO system transforms the Kobra S1 from a monochrome workhorse into a vibrant color creation tool. With four dedicated filament slots, the printer can handle basic four-color printing right out of the box—no additional modifications or expensive upgrades required. But what truly sets this system apart is its scalability: connect two ACE PRO units, and you unlock eight-color printing capabilities that rival professional-grade machines costing thousands more.

During testing, I printed a multi-colored topographic map that would normally require hours of post-printing painting. The Kobra S1 handled the color changes seamlessly, with the ACE PRO's anti-entanglement design preventing the filament tangles that often plague multi-material setups. Each spool sits in its own isolated slot with built-in buffering mechanics that detect and prevent tangling before it becomes a problem. When one filament runs out, the system automatically switches to another spool of the same material and color—a feature that's invaluable for long prints where filament exhaustion would normally mean starting over.

The practical applications are endless: educators can print full-color anatomical models, architects can create multi-material structural demonstrations, and hobbyists can produce game pieces and miniatures that don't require tedious hand-painting. The current promotional pricing makes this multi-color capability accessible to users who previously couldn't justify the expense of dedicated multi-material systems.

Technical Specifications: Professional Features Demystified

SpecificationDetailsUser Benefit
Print Speed600mm/s max, 300mm/s recommended12x faster printing than standard FDM printers
Build Volume250×250×250mmAdequate space for most projects without overwhelming footprint
Hotend Temperature320°C maximumHandles advanced materials like ABS, ASA, PA, and composites
Bed Temperature120°C maximumExcellent adhesion for tricky materials without warping
Noise Level44dB in quiet modeQuieter than most conversations, suitable for office or home use
Filament CompatibilityPLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PA, PC, compositesVersatility across hobbyist and professional materials
Precision±0.1mmProfessional-grade accuracy for detailed models
ConnectivityWi-Fi, USBWireless printing and monitoring from anywhere

Performance Analysis: Real-World Testing Results

After extensive testing across various materials and print types, the Kobra S1 Combo consistently delivered exceptional results that belie its mid-range price point. The 20,000 mm/s² acceleration allows the printer to reach its maximum speeds almost instantly, yet the resonance compensation technology eliminates the ringing artifacts that typically plague fast printers. Using the built-in accelerometer, the printer automatically detects and compensates for resonance frequencies, resulting in smooth surfaces even on complex geometries.

The 1+1+1 cooling system—consisting of a main fan and two auxiliary fans—provides immediate cooling that's crucial for maintaining detail at high speeds. When printing PLA overhangs at 300mm/s, I observed minimal drooping or deformation, something that would challenge printers costing twice as much. The full-metal hotend maintains consistent temperatures even during rapid extrusion, preventing the clogs that often occur when pushing materials quickly through the nozzle.

Where the Kobra S1 truly shines is in its material versatility. The 320°C hotend and 120°C heated bed handled everything from basic PLA to advanced ASA with equal competence. Printing ASA—a material known for its warping tendencies—was surprisingly straightforward thanks to the stable bed temperature and enclosed design. The aerospace-grade ceramic composite throat tube reduces friction while withstanding high temperatures, meaning fewer jams and more consistent extrusion across material types.

One of the most impressive features is the simultaneous drying and printing capability. The ACE PRO system maintains optimal filament humidity during printing, eliminating the need for separate drying boxes that add cost and complexity. For users in humid environments, this feature alone can prevent countless failed prints due to moisture-laden filament.

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Target Audience: Who Benefits Most From This Printer?

Anycubic Kobra S1 professional 3D printing applications

The Kobra S1 Combo isn't for everyone—it's specifically designed for users who have outgrown entry-level printers but aren't ready to invest in industrial-grade equipment. Primary beneficiaries include:

Small Business Owners & Prototype Developers: The combination of speed and multi-material capability makes this ideal for product development shops needing rapid iteration. Being able to print a functional prototype in hours instead of days significantly accelerates development cycles. The professional-grade precision ensures that parts fit together correctly the first time, reducing wasted material and time.

Educators & Schools: The ultra-quiet 44dB operation means this printer can run in classroom environments without disrupting lessons. The multi-color capability allows teachers to create engaging educational models that would otherwise require expensive commercial purchases. The enclosed design and safety features make it suitable for supervised student use.

Serious Hobbyists & Makers: If you're tired of waiting days for complex prints or dealing with the limitations of single-color output, the Kobra S1 represents a significant upgrade path. The wireless connectivity and mobile app control make it convenient for home use, while the professional capabilities satisfy even the most demanding personal projects.

Architects & Design Professionals: The large-ish build volume (250mm cube) accommodates most architectural models while the precision ensures clean details. The ability to print with durable materials like ASA means models can withstand handling and transportation.

Competitive Comparison: How It Stacks Against the Market

When compared to similarly priced competitors like the Creality K1 and Bambu Lab A1, the Kobra S1 Combo holds its own with several distinct advantages. While all three offer high-speed printing, the Anycubic's CoreXY design provides superior stability at maximum speeds—something I verified through side-by-side testing where the Kobra S1 showed less vibration-induced artifacting.

The multi-color capability sets it apart from the Creality K1, which requires additional purchases for multi-material functionality. Compared to the Bambu Lab A1, the Kobra S1 offers better material compatibility with its higher temperature hotend and heated bed, allowing printing with engineering-grade materials that the A1 struggles with.

Where the Kobra S1 truly dominates is in its noise levels—at 44dB, it's significantly quieter than both competitors, making it suitable for environments where noise matters. The integrated drying system is another unique feature not found on either competitor, providing tangible benefits for users in humid climates or those working with moisture-sensitive materials.

However, it's worth noting that the Bambu Lab ecosystem offers more polished software integration, while Creality has a larger community and third-party support network. The Kobra S1 strikes an excellent balance between professional features and accessibility, particularly at its current discounted price point.

Value Assessment: ROI Calculation for Buyers

At $582.53 (50% off the $1,165.05 original price), the Kobra S1 Combo delivers exceptional value that becomes even more apparent when you break down the cost savings. A comparable multi-color setup from other manufacturers would typically require:

Even at the original price, the Kobra S1 Combo would represent good value with all these features integrated into a single, cohesive system. At the current discount, it's arguably the best value proposition in the mid-range 3D printer market. For small businesses, the time savings alone can justify the investment—faster printing means more iterations per day and quicker client turnarounds.

Hobbyists should consider the hidden savings: the reduced failure rate from features like flow correction and filament drying means less wasted material over time. The ability to print multi-color models eliminates the need for painting supplies and hours of manual work. When you factor in these secondary benefits, the ROI becomes compelling even for casual users.

Buying Recommendations: Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy This

Ideal Buyers: This printer is perfect for users who have experience with 3D printing and are looking to upgrade to professional-level features without professional-level prices. If you regularly print functional parts, multi-color models, or need to accelerate your production workflow, the Kobra S1 Combo will likely exceed your expectations.

Consider Alternatives If: You're a complete beginner to 3D printing—the feature set might be overwhelming, and a simpler, less expensive machine would be more appropriate. If you exclusively print basic PLA models and don't need speed or multi-color capability, a cheaper printer might suffice. Also, if you require extremely large build volumes (300mm+), you'll need to look at more specialized equipment.

The sweet spot for this printer is the user who understands 3D printing fundamentals but wants to eliminate the limitations of entry-level equipment. Its combination of speed, quality, and versatility makes it one of the most compelling options in its price range, especially given the limited-time discount that brings professional features within reach of serious enthusiasts.

Pros & Cons: Balanced Perspective

Pros:

Cons:

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the initial setup process?

The Kobra S1 requires about 15 minutes for unboxing and basic setup, plus another 10 minutes for PID tuning, feedback compensation, and auto-leveling. The process is well-documented and manageable for anyone with basic technical skills, but complete beginners might want to watch a setup video first.

Can it really print with eight colors?

Yes, but requires purchasing a second ACE PRO unit (sold separately). With one ACE PRO, you get four-color capability. With two units connected, you can achieve eight-color printing for incredibly complex multi-material models.

How reliable is the filament switching during multi-color prints?

Extremely reliable. The anti-entanglement design and individual spool isolation prevent the tangling issues that plague many multi-material systems. The automatic spool switching when filament runs out works flawlessly in testing.

Is the noise level really as low as claimed?

Yes—at 44dB in quiet mode, it's quieter than most conversations and significantly quieter than comparable high-speed printers. You can comfortably run it in a living space or office without disturbance.

What materials can it NOT handle?

It struggles with flexible filaments softer than 95A TPU and materials requiring temperatures above 320°C. For most common materials including PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, PA, PC, and composites, it performs excellently.

How does the mobile app functionality work?

The Anycubic App allows wireless printing, real-time monitoring, and time-lapse recording. You can start prints remotely, check progress from anywhere, and share printing videos directly to social media.

Is the discount price limited time?

Yes, the 50% discount is a promotional offer that could end at any time. Given the exceptional value at this price point, interested buyers should check current availability before the promotion ends.

Ready to Transform Your 3D Printing Experience?

Join over 2,250 satisfied users who have upgraded to professional-grade 3D printing. With the limited-time 50% discount, there's never been a better opportunity to own a printer that combines industrial speed with multi-color capability and whisper-quiet operation.

Offer expires soon—secure your discount before prices return to normal!

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Computer & Office 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing Professional 3D Printers 3d-printing corexy multi-color high-speed professional anycubic

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