Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming soon
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 →Mid-cycle — watch for announcements before buying
Best for: Makers who need a very large print area for props, architectural models, or batch production — and want multicolor without paying professional-tier prices.
Full details →| Prusa Research XL | Anycubic Kobra 3 Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Professional | Professional |
| Motion | CoreXY | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | 360 × 360 × 360 mm | 420 × 420 × 500 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 300 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 5 slots | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PA-CF, PC | PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU |
| Released | Nov 20, 2023 | Oct 15, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~730 days | ~450 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Caution |
| Deals advice | Buy | Caution |
| Next model | Prusa XL 2 (Expected late 2026) | Kobra 4 Max (Expected late 2026) |
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.
One of the largest build volumes available at a consumer price — ideal for life-size props, large terrain tiles, and batch production.
Few printers offer multicolor at this scale. The ACE Pro system enables filament switching across the full 420×420 bed area.
Delivers large-format multicolor at a fraction of professional large-format printer costs.