Anycubic Kobra

The Anycubic Kobra is a budget desktop FDM printer from 2022 that brought a direct-drive extruder and automatic bed leveling to the entry-level segment. It suits beginners and anyone who wants a simple, affordable machine for printing PLA, PETG, ABS and flexible materials.

The build volume is 220×220×250 mm, with a maximum print speed of up to 180 mm/s and an average of 80 mm/s. The integrated direct-drive extruder feeds filament reliably and handles flexible materials, the nozzle reaches 260 °C, and the PEI spring-steel heated bed goes up to 110 °C. The LeviQ auto leveling maps the bed across 25 points, while the 4.3-inch touchscreen and a roughly 10-minute modular assembly make getting started easy.

Pros

• Good print quality out of the box — reviewers note clean models with little tuning
• Direct-drive extruder handles flexibles (TPU) well and feeds filament reliably
• LeviQ 25-point auto bed leveling makes the first layer easy for beginners
• Magnetic PEI spring-steel bed: prints pop off with a simple flex of the plate
• 4.3-inch touchscreen and fast modular assembly in about 10 minutes
• Affordable price and a light 7 kg weight — a cheap way to get into 3D printing

Cons

• Real comfortable speed is around 80 mm/s — the stated 180 mm/s refers to mechanical limits, not quality printing
• The filament runout sensor is an option, not included in the base configuration
• Open frame and a single Z lead screw limit ABS/ASA work and Z-height accuracy
• The model is discontinued — support and spare parts are easier to find for the newer Kobra 2 and Kobra 3

The Kobra fits beginners and anyone who needs an inexpensive home printer: toys, prototypes, household parts and functional models in PLA, PETG and TPU. It's a sensible pick for a first 3D-printing experience without a big investment.

Bottom line: a solid entry-level budget FDM printer with direct drive and auto leveling; it's now discontinued and slower than the newer models in the Kobra line.

Reviews

• Tom's Hardware — Anycubic Kobra Review: Best Affordable Direct Drive Printer