The Anycubic Kobra S1 (prosumer) and Qidi Tech Q1 Pro (entry) 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. Note that the Q1 Pro has been replaced by the Q2 and is no longer sold new. Both are enclosed CoreXY printers with a 600 mm/s rated top speed and automatic calibration. For the same money, the Kobra S1 gives you 4-slot multicolor, while the Q1 Pro gives you extra engineering materials (PA-CF and PC).
First-generation product — no release history to base predictions on
Best for: Makers who want an enclosed multicolor CoreXY at a prosumer price for PLA, PETG, ABS, and ASA — and prefer the Anycubic ecosystem. For reliable PA or PC printing, consider the Kobra S1 Max or Qidi Q2 which offer active chamber heating.
Full details →This printer is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Qidi Tech Q2.
Best for: Budget-conscious makers who need active chamber heating for ABS, ASA, and PA printing. Look for clearance deals — the Q2 is the better long-term buy if available.
Full details →| Anycubic Kobra S1 | Qidi Tech Q1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | $499 | $499 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Prosumer | Entry |
| Motion | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | ★ 250 × 250 × 250 mm | 245 × 245 × 240 mm |
| Max Speed | 600 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 4 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Feb 11, 2025 | Mar 20, 2024 |
| Cycle length | — | ~518 days |
| Cycle advice | Caution | Superseded |
| Deals advice | Buy | Clearance |
| Next model | — | — |
The Kobra S1 was released on Feb 11, 2025, 639 days ago. It is a first-generation product, so there is no earlier cycle to predict its successor from.
The Q1 Pro has been replaced by the Q2 and is no longer sold new, so there is no release cycle left to time — any unit you find now is leftover or second-hand stock.
On timing alone, the Kobra S1 is the safer buy right now — it has no release history pointing to a successor yet, while the Q1 Pro has already been replaced by the Q2.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
Both list at $499, so price alone will not separate them.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $32 for the Kobra S1 versus $35 for the Q1 Pro.
Buy the Kobra S1. The Q1 Pro has already been replaced by the Q2 and is no longer sold new, so it is only worth considering at a clearance price. If the Q1 Pro appealed to you, the fair comparison today is the Kobra S1 against the Q2.
Compare Anycubic Kobra S1 vs Qidi Tech Q2 →
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
The Kobra S1 combines an enclosed build chamber with 600 mm/s CoreXY motion — offering improved heat retention over open-frame printers for ABS and ASA.
Brings Anycubic's value-focused approach to the enclosed CoreXY segment — competing with the Qidi Q2 and Bambu P2S, with multicolor and filament drying included at $499.
A practical cubic build volume well-suited for functional mechanical parts, enclosures, and prototypes.
The Q1 Pro's heated chamber was groundbreaking at its price point. ABS, ASA, and PA prints come out without warping that plagues open-frame printers.
Same speed class as Bambu Lab printers at a fraction of the price for enclosed printing.