The Anycubic Kobra 4 and Prusa Research Mini+ are cross-brand rivals: both are entry-tier printers, listed $80 apart. Both are open-frame bed-slinger printers with automatic calibration. The Mini+ costs $80 more and gets you an open-source design and extra engineering materials (ASA); the Kobra 4 answers with 201% more build volume and a top speed of 600 mm/s (vs 200).
Early in release cycle — no urgency to wait
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.
Full details →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Beginners who prioritize open-source hardware, community support, and long-term reliability over speed — and don't mind a slower, more deliberate printing experience.
Full details →| Anycubic Kobra 4 | Prusa Research Mini+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $379 | $459 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Entry | Entry |
| Motion | BedSlinger | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | ★ 260 × 260 × 260 mm | 180 × 180 × 180 mm |
| Max Speed | ★ 600 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 4 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | May 18, 2026 | Apr 25, 2021 |
| Cycle length | ~368 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Wait |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The Kobra 4 was released on May 18, 2026, 178 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 368 days, so it is 48% of the way through — roughly 190 days before a successor would be due at that pace.
The Mini+ was released on Apr 25, 2021, 2,027 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 730 days; it is now 1,297 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
On timing alone, the Kobra 4 is the safer buy right now — it is only 48% of the way through its expected cycle, while the Mini+ is 1,297 days past its ~730-day cycle with no successor announced.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Kobra 4 lists at $379 and the Mini+ at $459 — $80 apart, so the Mini+ costs 21% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $22 for the Kobra 4 versus $79 for the Mini+ — the Kobra 4 is both cheaper and roomier, so it wins on value outright.
If you are buying before Dec 5, 2026, the active sale tips value toward the Kobra 4.
Our pick for most buyers is the Kobra 4, for a lower price ($80 less) and 201% more build volume, plus a higher editor score (8.1 vs 7.9) and better buy-now timing. Go for the Mini+ instead if you want an open-source printer you can modify and repair yourself — the Kobra 4 is not open source. The Kobra 4 is also in a sale window right now (Black Friday 2026, until Dec 5, 2026).
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
A cube-format build volume slightly larger than the Kobra 3 V2's 255×255×260 mm bed — practical for most everyday prints.
The Combo includes one ACE 2 Pro for 4-color printing. A second unit and an 8-color filament hub expand it to 8 colors.
LeviQ 3.0 probes 49 points and applies compensation automatically, with no manual adjustment required.
The Mini+ has been on the market since 2021 and has proven its durability with thousands of community print-hours logged.
Prusa stocks replacement parts for all Mini+ components. Community guides cover every repair scenario.
The lowest-cost way to enter the Prusa ecosystem with a fully supported printer.