The Anycubic Kobra 3 and Prusa Research MK4S are both prosumer-tier printers, but the MK4S costs 2.1× as much — so the question is what the extra money buys. Note that the Kobra 3 has been replaced by the Kobra 4 and is no longer sold new. Both are open-frame bed-slinger printers with automatic calibration. The MK4S costs $380 more and gets you extra engineering materials (ASA, PA and PC) and an open-source design; the Kobra 3 answers with 46% more build volume and 4-slot multicolor.
This printer is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Anycubic Kobra 4.
Best for: Budget makers who want 4-color multicolor printing without committing to the Bambu or Prusa ecosystem — and are comfortable with a less mature software experience. Look for clearance deals — the Kobra 4 is the current model.
Full details →Late in cycle — but an upgrade kit is available. Existing owners can upgrade without buying new
🔧 Upgrade kit available — 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 →| Anycubic Kobra 3 | Prusa Research MK4S | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $349 | $729 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | BedSlinger | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | ★ 255 × 255 × 260 mm | 250 × 210 × 220 mm |
| Max Speed | ★ 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 4 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | May 15, 2025 | Aug 13, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~212 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Superseded | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Clearance | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The Kobra 3 has been replaced by the Kobra 4 and is no longer sold new, so there is no release cycle left to time — any unit you find now is leftover or second-hand stock.
The MK4S was released on Aug 13, 2024, 821 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 730 days; it is now 91 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
On timing alone, the MK4S is the safer buy right now — it is 91 days past its ~730-day cycle with no successor announced, while the Kobra 3 has already been replaced by the Kobra 4.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Kobra 3 lists at $349 and the MK4S at $729 — $380 apart, so the MK4S costs 109% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $21 for the Kobra 3 versus $63 for the MK4S — the Kobra 3 is both cheaper and roomier, so it wins on value outright.
Buy the MK4S. The Kobra 3 has already been replaced by the Kobra 4 and is no longer sold new, so it is only worth considering at a clearance price. If the Kobra 3 appealed to you, the fair comparison today is the MK4S against the Kobra 4.
Compare Anycubic Kobra 4 vs Prusa Research MK4S →
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
The V2 expands to 255×255×260 mm — 34% more printable volume than the original Kobra 3 — for larger parts and more batch production.
The V2 includes a 720p camera for real-time print monitoring and AI spaghetti detection, adding reliability features previously absent from the Kobra 3 line.
The Kobra 3 V2 Combo with ACE Pro is one of the most affordable 4-color setups available — often underpricing Bambu's A1 Combo.
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.
Firmware, PCB schematics, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are all published under open licenses. You own the printer completely.
Prusa's forum, knowledge base, and repair guides are unmatched. Parts are stocked and available for years after purchase.