The Anycubic Kobra 4 (entry) and Prusa Research MK4S (prosumer) come from different brands and sit in different tiers, so this is less a head-to-head than a question of how much printer you need. Both are open-frame bed-slinger printers with automatic calibration. The MK4S costs $350 more and gets you extra engineering materials (ABS, ASA, PA and PC) and an open-source design; the Kobra 4 answers with 52% more build volume and 4-slot multicolor.
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 →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 4 | Prusa Research MK4S | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $379 | $729 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Entry | Prosumer |
| Motion | BedSlinger | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | ★ 260 × 260 × 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 18, 2026 | Aug 13, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~368 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Upgrade Kit |
| 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 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 Kobra 4 is the safer buy right now — it is only 48% of the way through its expected cycle, while the MK4S is 91 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 MK4S at $729 — $350 apart, so the MK4S costs 92% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $22 for the Kobra 4 versus $63 for the MK4S — 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 ($350 less) and 52% more build volume, plus better buy-now timing. Go for the MK4S instead if you need ABS, ASA, PA and PC — they are on its materials list but not the Kobra 4's. 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.
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.