The 3D printing market heats up as Anycubic enters the multi-color arena with its new Kobra 3 Combo – a surprisingly capable challenger to Bambu Lab’s dominance. Pre-orders open May 7th with aggressive pricing that could shake up the entry-level market.
Breaking Down the Kobra 3’s Game-Changing Features
Speed Meets Size: Impressive Core Specs
- 250×250×260mm build volume (larger than Bambu A1)
- 600mm/s max speed (300mm/s typical printing speed)
- 20,000mm/s² acceleration
- Quick-swap 0.4mm nozzle (up to 280°C)
The ACE Pro Multi-Color System: Anycubic’s AMS Alternative
Anycubic’s answer to Bambu’s AMS brings some unique advantages:
- 4-filament capacity with PTFE tube system
- Built-in active drying to combat moisture
- RFID filament recognition (for Anycubic-branded spools)
- Pantone-certified colors including exclusive shades like “Peach Fuzz” and “Interstellar Violet”
Complete Ecosystem Approach
Anycubic isn’t just selling a printer – they’re building a platform:
- Redesigned Anycubic slicer with multi-color support
- Makeronline community for sharing designs
- Mobile app integration for remote monitoring
Price Wars: How It Stacks Up Against Competition
| Model | Build Volume | Multi-Color | Price | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo | 250×250×260mm | Yes (ACE Pro) | $449 early bird | Best value multi-color |
| Bambu Lab A1 Combo | 256×256×256mm | Yes (AMS Lite) | $459 | More established ecosystem |
| Creality Ender 3 V3 | 220×220×250mm | Coming Soon | $389 | Pure speed leader |
| Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro | 225×225×265mm | No | $299 | Budget speed demon |
The Verdict: At 449earlybirdpricing(regular549), the Kobra 3 Combo undercuts Bambu’s offering while providing slightly more build volume. The inclusion of Pantone colors and drying functionality makes this particularly appealing for creative professionals.
Who Should Consider the Kobra 3 Combo?
First-time multi-color users wanting affordable entry
Educators needing classroom-ready solutions
Small businesses requiring Pantone-accurate colors
Makers who value build volume over ultimate speed
Hardcore speed chasers may prefer dedicated single-color machines
Those invested in Bambu ecosystem may find switching costly
Pre-Order Perks & Availability
- **100discount∗∗forearlybirds(449 vs $549 MSRP)
- Free value pack including:
- 1kg Pantone filament
- Monitoring camera
- AC30OFF code stacks for additional savings
Final Thoughts: A Serious Contender Emerges
Anycubic’s Kobra 3 Combo represents the most credible challenge yet to Bambu Lab’s budget multi-color dominance. While it may not match Bambu’s polish, the combination of:
- Larger build volume
- Pantone color system
- Aggressive pricing
- Complete ecosystem approach
makes this one of the most interesting releases of 2025 for cost-conscious creators. The May 7th launch will reveal if the reality matches the promise, but early signs suggest Bambu Lab finally has some real competition in the budget multi-color space.
