Anycubic Kobra S1 vs Anycubic Kobra X: print cost head-to-head

Specs side by side

Sample calculation

Same input on both columns: 50 g PLA part, 6 h print time, 8% failure rate. Energy cost held at $0.18/kWh, amortization uses each printer's regional price — so both the machine and its price drive the numbers.

Verdict by dimension

• Cheaper to buy

  Anycubic Kobra X

  Anycubic Kobra X costs $299 vs $499 for the Anycubic Kobra S1 — a lower upfront price also means less amortization per print.

• Cheaper to run

  Tie

  Both printers land within the noise threshold for this dimension.

• Longer useful life

  Anycubic Kobra S1

  Anycubic Kobra S1 is rated at 20,000 h vs 18,000 h for the Anycubic Kobra X, so amortization spreads over more printing hours.

• Larger build volume

  Anycubic Kobra X

  Anycubic Kobra X ships with 260 × 260 × 260 mm build volume vs 250 × 250 × 250 mm on the Anycubic Kobra S1 — bigger plates or batched parts fit without splitting.

• More recent release

  Anycubic Kobra X

  Anycubic Kobra X is from 2025 while the Anycubic Kobra S1 is from 2024 — more recent firmware, motion-system and ecosystem updates.

Both target Enthusiasts buyers, so the decision usually comes down to brand ecosystem and after-sale service.

Over a 5-year horizon, the Anycubic Kobra S1 amortizes 1.1× more print-hours than the Anycubic Kobra X.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Anycubic Kobra S1 better than the Anycubic Kobra X?

Neither is strictly better — it depends on what you print. The Anycubic Kobra X is cheaper to run, the Anycubic Kobra X has the larger build volume, and the Anycubic Kobra X is the more recent release. Match the winner on the dimension you care about most.

What's the difference between the Anycubic Kobra S1 and the Anycubic Kobra X?

The Anycubic Kobra S1 is priced at $499 with a 250 × 250 × 250 mm build volume; the Anycubic Kobra X is $299 with 260 × 260 × 260 mm. Beyond price and volume, they differ in power draw, rated life and release year — see the verdict table above.

Which is cheaper, the Anycubic Kobra S1 or the Anycubic Kobra X?

The Anycubic Kobra X is cheaper to buy at $299 vs $499 for the Anycubic Kobra S1. Factoring energy and amortization, the Anycubic Kobra X also has the lower per-print running cost — run your own numbers in the calculator to be sure.