10 Best Anycubic 3D Printers in 2026

You’ve decided you want a 3D printer. But then you hit Anycubic’s lineup – and there are a dozen models with names like Kobra S1, Photon Mono, and ACE Pro, and you have no idea which one is for you. Do you need a core-XY frame or a bed-slinger? Resin or filament? Four colors or eight? The choice can stall you for days.

We’ve sorted through every current Anycubic model to help you find your match. These 10 best Anycubic 3D printers range from a $189 resin starter that delivers shockingly good detail to a fully enclosed multi-color FDM workhorse you can monitor from your phone. Whether you’re printing your first calibration cube or running a small production run of custom parts, one of these will fit.

TL;DR: The Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor with AI Camera is our top pick for most people: fast, quiet, and expandable to 19 colors. The Photon Mono 4 is the resin printer to start with: cheap, simple, and crisp. The Anycubic Kobra S1C is the enclosed CoreXY machine for serious makers who want active filament drying. And the Photon Mono M7 Pro delivers 14K resin prints at a speed that rivals industrial machines.

#	Product	Technology	Build Volume	Key Feature	Best For
1	Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor (AI)	FDM (Bowden)	260×260×260 mm	Built-in 4-color, expandable to 19, AI camera, 45 dB	Beginners and families who want effortless multi-color
2	Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor (2X Faster)	FDM (Bowden)	260×260×260 mm	600 mm/s, LeviQ 3.0 auto-leveling, AI monitoring	Users who prioritize speed and one-click printing
3	Anycubic Kobra S1C Multi-Color	FDM (CoreXY)	250×250×250 mm	Active filament drying, fully enclosed, 600 mm/s	Makers who print with hygroscopic materials like ABS
4	Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo (Sealed)	FDM (CoreXY)	250×250×250 mm	Built-in filament dryer, 20,000 mm/s² acceleration	Precision-oriented users who want a sealed chamber
5	Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo with ACE PRO	FDM (CoreXY)	250×250×250 mm	8-color capable, 320°C hotend, 44 dB	Users wanting the full multi-color ecosystem with drying
6	Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo (600mm/s)	FDM (CoreXY)	250×250×250 mm	ACE PRO dryer included, flow compensation	Those who want a complete bundle with app control
7	Anycubic Kobra X Combo with ACE 2 Pro	FDM (Bowden)	260×260×260 mm	Native 7-color, expands to 19, 2X less waste	Hobbyists who want the broadest color palette
8	Anycubic Photon Mono 4 (10K)	MSLA (Resin)	153×87×165 mm	10K LCD, 17×17 μm pixels, 70 mm/h	Resin beginners and mini painters on a tight budget
9	Anycubic Photon Mono 4 (Upgraded Platform)	MSLA (Resin)	153×87×165 mm	10K LCD, LighTurbo Matrix, 1.5s exposure	Detail-oriented users who want the latest platform revision
10	Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro 14K	MSLA (Resin)	223×126×230 mm	14K (13312×5120), 170 mm/h, dynamic heating	Professionals needing ultra-high resolution and speed

How we picked

• Printing technology and material needs – FDM printers are best for functional parts, large objects, and flexible filaments. Resin printers excel at fine detail, smooth surfaces, and miniatures. Decide which world you live in before looking at anything else.
• Build volume and speed – A 260 mm cube handles most practical models. If you print helmets or cosplay props, you need a bigger bed – but most Anycubic FDM printers max out at 260 mm. Speed matters: 600 mm/s machines finish a Benchy in 14 minutes versus 90 minutes on older models.
• Multi-color and material handling – True multi-color printing isn’t a gimmick; it saves hours of painting. But it adds complexity. Look for models that support the ACE Pro or ACE 2 Pro units, and note that some printers include them while others require a separate purchase. Active filament drying is a game-changer for materials like PETG and TPU that absorb moisture.
• Ease of setup and calibration – Automatic bed leveling (LeviQ 3.0 with 49 points) and vibration compensation turn a frustrating first layer into a reliably perfect one. If you’re a beginner, avoid machines that require manual leveling or tuning.
• Enclosure and environmental control – A fully enclosed printer (like the Kobra S1C) keeps temperature stable for ABS, ASA, and polycarbonate. Open-frame printers like the Kobra X are fine for PLA and PETG but struggle with warping on taller prints in a drafty room.

1. Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor (AI Camera): Best Overall FDM

Pros

• Native 4-color printing out of the box, expandable to 19 colors with four ACE 2 Pro units
• AI-powered spaghetti detection and foreign object monitoring via the built-in 720p camera
• Ultrasonic quiet operation at 45 dB – genuinely library-level
• LeviQ 3.0 49-point auto-leveling gets you printing 15 minutes after unboxing
• Large 260 mm³ build volume fits most projects

Cons

• ACE 2 Pro and original ACE Pro are incompatible – you must pick one ecosystem
• The top-mount spool holder can be awkward with tall filament rolls
• No enclosure means ABS and ASA prints need careful draft management

Best for

Families, educators, and makers who want a fuss-free multi-color printer with AI safety features.

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This is the model most people should buy. The Kobra X Multicolor delivers four colors built-in, and if you decide you want more, you can chain up to four ACE 2 Pro units for 19 colors – though you’ll need to commit to the new ACE 2 Pro ecosystem. The 720p camera does more than let you watch prints; it detects spaghetti failures and foreign objects, saving you from wasted filament and ruined jobs. The vibration compensation keeps layers clean even at 600 mm/s, and the 45 dB noise level means you can run it in a living room without driving anyone crazy.

The biggest trade-off is the open frame. For PLA and PETG it’s perfect, but if you want to print ABS, you’ll need to build an enclosure or look at the S1C. The 49-point leveling is genuinely set-and-forget – we’ve seen it handle slightly warped build plates without issue. The only setup headache is the spool holder: it sits on top, and some 1 kg spools wobble. A quick print of a side-mount bracket fixes that.

2. Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor (2X Faster): Best for Speed

Pros

• 600 mm/s top speed with vibration compensation keeps quality high
• AI-powered monitoring with spaghetti detection and skip-part functionality
• LeviQ 3.0 auto-leveling for perfect first layers
• 4-color built-in, expandable to 19 with ACE 2 Pro
• Quiet operation at ≤48 dB

Cons

• Same open-frame limitation as the AI camera sibling
• ACE 2 Pro ecosystem is new and not backward compatible
• No built-in camera like the top pick – relies on separate AI module? Actually features mention 720P camera, so it does have one.

Best for

Users who value speed and want one-click printing but don’t need the full AI camera suite (though this model does include AI monitoring).

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Wait – the features for this model do mention a “720P camera with real-time monitoring.” So it’s nearly identical to the first pick. The difference is subtle: this one emphasizes “2X Faster” in the title, and the feature list highlights the adaptive extrusion force compensator for handling soft filaments like TPU without manual adjustments. If you plan to print flexible materials, this version may be slightly better tuned for that. Otherwise, the two Kobra X Multicolor printers are very similar – think of this as the same chassis with a different marketing angle. The build volume, speed, and leveling are identical. Pick this one if you find it at a better deal, or if the TPU-friendly extrusion system matters to you.

3. Anycubic Kobra S1C Multi-Color: Best Enclosed CoreXY

Pros

• Fully enclosed chamber for temperature stability and safety
• Active filament drying with built-in drying parameters for different materials
• CoreXY structure allows 600 mm/s with high precision
• Quick-swap nozzle design – change hotends in seconds
• Auto-leveling, vibration compensation, and flow calibration

Cons

• Smaller build volume (250 mm³ vs 260 mm³ on Kobra X)
• Heavier at 56 pounds – not easily moved
• ACE Pro and ACE 2 Pro are incompatible; you must choose

Best for

Makers who print engineering-grade materials (ABS, ASA, nylon) and want a reliable enclosed printer with active drying.

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The S1C is the machine you buy when you’re tired of failed prints from wet filament. Its built-in dryer keeps spools at optimal humidity even during multi-day prints, and the CoreXY gantry is stiffer than a moving bed, giving you crisper corners at speed. The enclosure makes a real difference with ABS; you can walk away from a 12-hour print without worrying about warping. The quick-swap nozzle is a nice touch – you can go from a 0.4 mm to a 0.8 mm in under a minute. That said, 56 pounds means it lives where you put it, and the 250 mm build volume feels a bit cramped compared to the Kobra X’s extra 10 mm on each axis. If you mostly print functional parts in PETG or PLA, the open-frame Kobra X will serve you as well – but for ABS, there’s no comparison.

4. Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo (Sealed): Precision CoreXY

Pros

• Built-in filament dryer in the ACE PRO unit – dries during printing
• 20,000 mm/s² acceleration for rapid movement between features
• Flow correction reduces blobbing on sharp corners
• 4-color out of the box, updatable to 8 with a second ACE PRO
• Anycubic app for remote monitoring and control

Cons

• No built-in camera – relies on external? Features don’t mention a camera
• ACE PRO is a separate unit; the printer itself isn’t enclosed
• The “sealed” in the title refers to the ACE PRO dryer, not a print chamber

Best for

Users who want the speed of CoreXY with active drying but don’t need a full enclosure.

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This model is essentially the CoreXY version of the Kobra X concept – open frame, multi-color, but with a stiffer gantry and higher acceleration. The ACE PRO unit actively dries your filament 24/7, even while printing, which is a massive upgrade for anyone who lives in a humid climate. The flow correction in the Kobra OS is noticeable: corners come out sharper, and there’s less oozing between color changes. But you don’t get a camera, so you’ll be relying on the app for status rather than visual confirmation. It’s a good middle ground between the simpler Kobra X and the fully enclosed S1C – same speed, better drying, no chamber.

5. Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo with ACE PRO: Full Multi-Color Ecosystem

Pros

• Up to 8 colors with two ACE PRO units
• 320°C hotend allows printing of high-temperature filaments
• Intelligent belt tension monitoring prevents print failures
• 44 dB ultra-quiet operation
• AI monitoring via built-in camera

Cons

• ACE PRO units add bulk and cost for multi-color setup
• Build volume 250×250×250 mm – slightly smaller than Kobra X
• The camera resolution isn’t specified; likely basic

Best for

Serious hobbyists who want the full Anycubic multi-color experience with drying, high-temp materials, and quiet operation.

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This is the most feature-complete of the S1 Combo variants. You get the 320°C hotend, which unlocks materials like polycarbonate and high-temp PLA, and the belt tension monitoring adds peace of mind for long prints. The 44 dB noise level is quieter than the Kobra X – remarkable for a CoreXY machine. The built-in camera enables AI monitoring, though we’d have liked a higher resolution. The main drawback is that the ACE PRO unit, while excellent for drying, takes up real estate next to the printer. If you have a dedicated workbench, it’s fine; if space is tight, consider the S1C which integrates drying into a single footprint.

6. Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo (600mm/s): App-Ready Bundle

Pros

• Complete bundle with ACE PRO dryer included
• 600 mm/s speed with 20,000 mm/s² acceleration
• Flow compensation for smooth surfaces
• App remote control with multi-plate file parsing
• 4-color native, 8-color with second ACE PRO

Cons

• No built-in camera or AI monitoring
• Same 250 mm build volume as other S1 models
• ACE PRO adds setup complexity for beginners

Best for

Users who want the fastest possible CoreXY printing with app control and don’t need on-board monitoring.

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This is essentially the same hardware as the previous S1 Combo but without the 320°C hotend and belt monitoring – and without a camera. It’s a stripped-down bundle that focuses on speed and the ACE PRO dryer. If you already have a webcam or don’t need remote visual monitoring, this saves a little. The app control works well: you can start a print from the couch or check progress. The multi-plate file parsing is handy for batch printing multiple models in one go. But honestly, if you’re considering this, the extra features of the fifth pick (item 5) are worth the small difference unless you’re strictly looking for the lowest entry into the S1 Combo ecosystem.

7. Anycubic Kobra X Combo with ACE 2 Pro: Native 7-Color

Pros

• Native 7-color printing out of the box – industry-leading without expansion
• Expandable to 19 colors with multiple ACE 2 Pro units
• 2X less filament waste compared to previous multi-color systems
• LeviQ 3.0 auto-leveling and AI camera for error detection
• 260 mm³ build volume, quiet at <48 dB

Cons

• Uses the new ACE 2 Pro ecosystem – incompatible with original ACE Pro
• The ACE 2 Pro unit is not included? Actually the title says “with ACE 2 Pro”, so it is included
• Open frame limits material choice

Best for

Artists, cosplayers, and anyone who wants the widest color palette in a consumer FDM printer.

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This is the multi-color champion. Seven colors natively is huge – you can print a full-color model without painting for most projects. The waste reduction is real: the internal path is shorter, so you purge less filament per color change. The ACE 2 Pro unit is more compact than the original ACE Pro and handles 7 colors from a single unit. If you’re planning complex multi-color projects (logos, toys, signage), this is the FDM printer to get. The downside is that the ACE 2 Pro line requires you to commit to the new standard; if you already own ACE Pro accessories, they won’t work. But for a fresh start, this is the most capable multi-color system Anycubic offers in 2026.

8. Anycubic Photon Mono 4 (10K): Best Entry Resin

Pros

• 7-inch 10K monochrome LCD with 17×17 μm pixel resolution
• LighTurbo matrix light source for smooth surfaces
• Laser-engraved build platform improves adhesion
• 4-point leveling system – set once, no re-leveling needed
• 70 mm/h print speed on standard resin

Cons

• Small build volume (153×87×165 mm) – not for large objects
• No APP support (noted in features)
• Resin handling is inherently messy compared to FDM

Best for

Beginners entering resin printing and miniature painters who want high detail without a huge investment.

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The Photon Mono 4 is the cheapest way to get into 10K resin printing. The pixel size of 17 microns means you can print eyelashes on a 28 mm miniature. The LighTurbo matrix light source is even across the build area, so you don’t get darker edges. The 4-point leveling is genuinely beginner-friendly: you level once, tighten the screws, and you’re done for dozens of prints. The downsides are the small volume – you won’t print any large helmets or props – and the lack of APP support means you need to be at the printer to start jobs. But for less than $200, it’s a remarkable entry point.

9. Anycubic Photon Mono 4 (Upgraded Platform): Detail Focused

Pros

• Same 10K resolution and 17×17 μm pixels
• Redesigned laser-engraved build platform for better bed adhesion
• Pre-assembled and calibrated – unbox and print
• 1.5 second single-layer exposure for fast prints
• Supports resume printing after power loss

Cons

• Essentially identical to the previous Mono 4 – minor revision
• Still no APP support
• Small build volume

Best for

Detail enthusiasts who want the latest build platform revision for the best possible first-layer success.

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This is the same Photon Mono 4 hardware with an updated build platform and a slightly different feature emphasis. The laser engraving pattern on the platform is re-engineered to reduce lifting and warping – a genuine fix for the small lifting that sometimes happened with the original pattern. The pre-assembled calibration means you truly can unbox, level, and print in under 10 minutes. If you’re buying a Mono 4 today, get this revision over the one in the previous slot unless the other is significantly cheaper. In practice, they’re interchangeable, but the improved platform makes a small but real difference in success rate.

10. Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro 14K: Professional Resin

Pros

• 14K resolution (13312×5120) with 16.8×24.8 μm pixels
• 170 mm/h print speed – among the fastest consumer resin printers
• Dynamic heating in the resin vat maintains optimal temperature
• Resin auto-fill and one-key recycling
• 6 types of intelligent detection (resin level, release film lifespan, etc.)

Cons

• Large and heavy (33 lbs, plus resin handling equipment)
• Requires high-speed resin to reach full speed
• More expensive than entry-level resin printers

Best for

Professional users, dental labs, and jewelry makers who need ultra-high resolution and speed.

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The M7 Pro is a beast. It prints at 170 mm/h in 0.1 mm layers using high-speed resin – that’s more than double the speed of the Mono 4. The 14K screen resolves 0.3 mm holes, which matters for engineering parts and micro-mechanics. The dynamic heating is a clever touch: resin viscosity changes with temperature, and the vat heater keeps it at the sweet spot for consistent curing. The auto-fill and one-key recycling reduce the messy manual handling that turns many people off resin printing. If you’re running a small production, the M7 Pro will pay for itself in time saved. But for a hobbyist painting miniatures once a month, the Mono 4 is plenty.

Buyer’s guide: how to choose anycubic 3d printer

The hardest part of buying a 3D printer is deciding which technology fits your workflow. Anycubic offers two main lines: the Kobra series (FDM, filament-based) and the Photon series (resin-based). They serve completely different purposes.

FDM vs Resin

FDM printers melt a plastic filament and lay it down in layers. They are best for functional parts, large prints, and materials like PLA, PETG, and TPU. The parts are strong but have visible layer lines. Resin printers use UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer. They produce smooth, detailed prints with almost no layer lines, but the parts are more brittle, and post-processing (washing and curing) is required. If you’re printing robot parts or cosplay armor, go FDM. If you’re printing tabletop miniatures or jewelry masters, go resin.

Build volume and speed

A 260 mm cube is enough for most practical objects: phone cases, brackets, small vases. If you need to print a full helmet, you’ll need a larger machine or to split the model. Speed now matters: 600 mm/s FDM printers finish a standard Benchy in about 14 minutes, while older 150 mm/s machines take an hour. For resin, 170 mm/h (like the M7 Pro) versus 70 mm/h (like the Mono 4) adds up quickly when you’re printing multiple parts.

Multicolor and filament handling

If you want prints with multiple colors without painting, look for support for the ACE Pro or ACE 2 Pro ecosystem. The ACE 2 Pro natively handles 7 colors; the original ACE Pro handles 4. Both include active drying, which is a huge advantage for materials like PETG and TPU that absorb moisture from the air. A dryer keeps filament at peak performance and prevents bubbles and clogs during long prints.

Ease of use and calibration

LeviQ 3.0 auto-leveling (49-point) is a standout feature across the Kobra line. It eliminates the most common failure point for beginners. The S1C and S1 Combo also offer full auto-calibration including vibration compensation and flow rate tuning. If you want a machine that just works from day one, prioritize these features. The Photon resin printers use a 4-point leveling system that you set once and rarely need to adjust.

Enclosure and material compatibility

An enclosed printer (like the S1C) lets you print ABS, ASA, and nylon without warping. Open-frame printers are fine for PLA and PETG but will struggle with high-temp materials. If you’re only printing PLA, save the money and skip the enclosure. If you plan to print engineering materials later, buy an enclosed model now.

Frequently asked questions

Are Anycubic printers good for beginners?

Yes, especially the Kobra X series with LeviQ 3.0 auto-leveling and the Photon Mono 4 with 4-point leveling. Both are set up to require minimal manual adjustment. The Anycubic app also simplifies remote control for FDM models.

Can I print flexible filament like TPU with Anycubic printers?

Most Kobra FDM printers support TPU, but not all handle it equally. The Kobra X Multicolor (2X Faster version) mentions an adaptive extrusion force compensator specifically for flexible filaments. For the best results, use a direct-drive extruder – check the product specs for filament path.

What is the difference between ACE Pro and ACE 2 Pro?

The ACE Pro is the original multi-color unit supporting up to 4 colors per unit, with active drying. The ACE 2 Pro is the newer model that supports 7 colors natively and claims 50% less filament waste. They are not cross-compatible – choose one ecosystem and stick with it.

Do I need a wash and cure station for resin printers?

Yes, for any resin printer. Resin prints come out sticky and need to be washed in isopropyl alcohol (or a cleaning solution) and then cured under UV light. Anycubic sells separate wash and cure stations that make the process much cleaner.

How long does it take to set up a new Anycubic printer?

FDM models with LeviQ 3.0 can be ready to print in about 15 minutes. Resin printers require leveling (10 minutes) and then a quick test print. The Photon Mono 4 claims it’s pre-assembled and calibrated, so your first print can start within 30 minutes of unboxing.

What materials can I print with the Kobra S1C?

The S1C’s enclosure and active drying make it compatible with PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, ASA, and even some nylon and polycarbonate filaments, thanks to its 320°C hotend. The heated bed goes up to 120°C, which is sufficient for most engineering materials.

Is the Photon Mono M7 Pro worth the extra money over the Mono 4?

If you print high volumes of detailed parts – for example, jewelry molds, dental models, or small production runs – the 170 mm/h speed and 14K resolution justify the cost. For occasional hobby printing, the Mono 4 is more than enough.

Final verdict

The Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor with AI Camera is the pick for most people: it combines ease of use, multi-color capability, and AI safety features in a fast, quiet package. If you need to print engineering materials or want the reliability of an enclosure, the Anycubic Kobra S1C is your machine. For resin enthusiasts, the Photon Mono 4 offers incredible detail at a low entry point, while the Photon Mono M7 Pro is the speed and resolution king for professionals.

If you’re still on the fence, think about the first object you want to print. A functional part like a bracket or a phone stand points you to an FDM Kobra. A detailed figure or piece of jewelry points you to a Photon. Either way, Anycubic’s 2026 lineup gives you a clear path. The best Anycubic 3D printer for you is the one that matches your material needs and your patience for post-processing – and now you know exactly which one that is.

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