๐Ÿ–จ 3D Printer Radar

Prusa Research MK4SvsAnycubic Kobra S1

Cross-ecosystem comparison: These printers use different software ecosystems. Accessories, filament profiles, and community support are not interchangeable between brands. Consider the total ecosystem cost, not just the printer price.
Prusa Research MK4S
Buy/Wait:Caution

Mid-cycle โ€” watch for announcements before buying

๐Ÿ”ง Upgrade kit available โ€” from MK4, MK3.5

Best for: Makers who value open-source hardware, community support, long-term repairability, and battle-tested reliability over raw speed or multicolor features.

Full details โ†’
Anycubic Kobra S1
Buy/Wait:Caution

First-generation product โ€” no release history to base predictions on

Best for: Makers who want an enclosed CoreXY at a prosumer price for PLA, PETG, ABS, and ASA โ€” and prefer the Anycubic ecosystem. For reliable PA or PC printing, consider the Kobra S1 Max or Qidi Q2 which offer active chamber heating.

Full details โ†’
Prusa Research MK4SAnycubic Kobra S1
TierProsumerProsumer
MotionBedSlingerCoreXY
Build Volume250 ร— 210 ร— 220 mm250 ร— 250 ร— 250 mm
Max Speed500 mm/s600 mm/s
MulticolorโŒ NoโŒ No
EnclosureโŒโœ…
Auto Calibrationโœ…โœ…
Open Sourceโœ…โŒ
Upgrade Kit๐Ÿ”ง From MK4, MK3.5โ€”
MaterialsPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PCPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA
ReleasedMar 20, 2024Jan 1, 2025
Cycle length~730 daysโ€”
Cycle adviceCautionCaution
Deals adviceCautionCaution
Next modelPrusa MK5 (Expected 2027)โ€”

Why buy each?

Prusa Research MK4S

Upgrade kit available โ€” no need to buy new

MK4 and MK3.5 owners can upgrade to MK4S specs without purchasing a whole new printer. This is Prusa's commitment to owners and is unique in the industry at this level.

Fully open source

Firmware, PCB schematics, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are all published under open licenses. You own the printer completely.

Best community and documentation

Prusa's forum, knowledge base, and repair guides are unmatched. Parts are stocked and available for years after purchase.

Anycubic Kobra S1

Enclosed CoreXY at 600 mm/s

The Kobra S1 combines an enclosed build chamber with 600 mm/s CoreXY motion โ€” offering improved heat retention over open-frame printers for ABS and ASA.

Anycubic ecosystem at prosumer price

Brings Anycubic's value-focused approach to the enclosed CoreXY segment โ€” competing with Qidi Q2C and Bambu P2S at a lower price point.

250ร—250ร—250 mm build volume

A practical cubic build volume well-suited for functional mechanical parts, enclosures, and prototypes.