First-generation product — recently released, still early days
Best for: Budget-conscious makers who want multicolor printing at the lowest possible entry price and don't need a large build volume or premium features.
Full details →Next model already announced — wait for the new release
Best for: Professional makers, studios, and engineers who need large-format printing with genuine multi-material capability, open-source hardware, and Prusa's long-term support.
Full details →| Anycubic Kobra X | Prusa Research XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $299 | $2,299 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Entry | Professional |
| Motion | BedSlinger | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 260 × 260 × 260 mm | ★ 360 × 360 × 360 mm |
| Max Speed | ★ 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ★ ✅ 5 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Mar 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2023 |
| Cycle length | — | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Wait |
| Deals advice | Caution | Buy |
| Next model | — | XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026) |
At $279–299 with ACE Gen 2 included, the Kobra X is one of the most affordable ways to get into multicolor FDM printing.
A slightly larger cube-format build volume than the Kobra 3 V2's 255×255×260 mm bed — practical for most everyday prints.
The second-generation ACE Gen 2 offers improved filament switching reliability over the original ACE Pro, with support for up to 4 colors per print.
Unlike filament-switching AMS/MMU systems, the XL physically swaps print heads. Each material has its own nozzle, eliminating purge towers entirely and enabling true multi-material prints.
One of the largest build volumes available in a CoreXY printer at this price point — suited for large props, architectural models, and batch production.
Every component is documented, parts are stocked for years, and the community has developed hundreds of modifications and improvements.