Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming soon
Best for: Makers who want large prints and multicolor capability without an enclosure — ideal for PLA, PETG, and flexible materials.
Full details →Mid-cycle — watch for announcements before buying
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 →| Bambu Lab A1 | Anycubic Kobra 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | BedSlinger | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 220 × 220 × 250 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS | PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU |
| Released | Oct 19, 2023 | Oct 15, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~365 days | ~450 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Caution |
| Deals advice | Buy | Caution |
| Next model | A1 2026 Refresh (Expected Q4 2026) | Kobra 3 Pro or Kobra 4 (Expected late 2026) |
Unlike the A1 Mini's AMS Lite, the A1 Combo includes the full AMS with support for a wider range of filament types.
The largest build volume available in a Bambu bed-slinger — great for terrain, large cosplay props, and functional parts.
Works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Handy app, and the full Bambu filament ecosystem including multi-material profiles.
The Kobra 3 Combo with ACE Pro is one of the most affordable 4-color filament switching setups available — often underpricing Bambu's A1 Combo.
Anycubic's ACE Pro handles filament feeding, drying, and switching in a single unit — a thoughtful integration for multicolor.
Full automatic bed leveling and offset calibration reduce setup friction.