ANYCUBIC Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer or ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Enclosed CoreXY 3D Printer? Which ANYCUBIC Model to Buy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
You are deciding between the anycubic photon p1 14k resin 3d printer vs kobra s1 enclosed corexy 3d. Both models feature automatic bed leveling to simplify setup. The main difference lies in their printing technology. The Photon P1 uses resin for high-detail miniatures. The Kobra S1 uses FDM filament for larger, functional parts. You must choose based on your desired material and output size.
Key differences
| Aspect | Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer | ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Enclosed CoreXY 3D Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Printing Technology | Resin | FDM |
| Color Printing | Not listed | 4-color standard; expandable to 16-color |
| Print Speed | Not listed | Up to 600mm/s |
| Hotend Temperature | Not listed | 320°C |
| LCD Resolution | 14K (13,312 x 5,120 pixels) | Not listed |
| Structure | Sturdy frame with ball screws | Enclosed CoreXY |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer if
- You need ultra-fine detail for miniatures or jewelry
- You want automatic resin level monitoring and waste detection
- You prefer a simpler setup with factory-calibrated auto-leveling
Choose ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Enclosed CoreXY 3D Printer if
- You want to print in multiple colors without manual swapping
- You need fast print speeds for larger functional parts
- You require an enclosed chamber with active filament drying
Verdict: Choose the Photon P1 if your priority is extreme detail and resin-specific features like auto-leveling and resin monitoring. Pick the Kobra S1 if you need speed, multicolor capabilities, and a closed environment for filament care.
Resin vs FDM CoreXY Comparison
printing technology
The Photon P1 uses resin printing with a 10.1-inch 14K mono LCD screen. This technology achieves a resolution of 13,312 x 5,120 pixels. The XY pixel size is 16.8 x 24.8 micrometers. This allows for minimum apertures of 0.3 millimeters. You get crisp details for small models. The Kobra S1 uses FDM printing with a CoreXY motion structure. It relies on extruding melted filament rather than curing liquid resin. This method is better for larger, functional parts. You choose resin for miniature precision and FDM for robust everyday objects.
color printing
The Photon P1 is designed for single-color resin prints. The data does not list multi-color capabilities for this resin model. You must load one resin type at a time. The Kobra S1 includes the ACE 2 Pro system. This supports 4-color printing as a standard feature. You can expand this to 16-color printing by adding more units. This allows for complex color transitions and realistic textures. If you need vibrant, multi-colored models without manual swapping, the Kobra S1 offers a clear advantage in creative flexibility.
print speed
The Kobra S1 is built for rapid creation. It reaches speeds up to 600mm/s. The CoreXY structure and dual-motor stability help maintain precision at these high speeds. The Photon P1 does not list a maximum travel speed in the provided data. Resin printing generally involves layer curing times that differ from FDM extrusion speeds. The Kobra S1 is optimized for fast production of larger items. You will likely see faster turnaround times for bulky prints with the Kobra S1 compared to standard resin processes.
compatible material
The Photon P1 handles ultra-high viscosity resins. It supports materials with a viscosity up to 8,000 cps. This is 40 times that of standard resins. It is pre-configured for Anycubic resins. The Kobra S1 features a 320°C hotend. This allows compatibility with mainstream and tough filaments. It includes active drying at 65°C to keep filament pristine. It shields PLA, PETG, and ABS from humidity. You have access to a wide range of thermoplastics with the Kobra S1, while the Photon P1 is limited to resin chemistries.
leveling
Both printers simplify the setup process significantly. The Photon P1 uses Smart Leveling 3.0. It is factory-calibrated and performs automatic self-checks. It provides real-time pressure feedback across four corners. The Kobra S1 also features automatic bed leveling. Both models remove the need for manual bed leveling adjustments. You can focus on your designs rather than calibration. Since both include this essential feature, neither model holds an advantage in ease of initial setup.
structure
The Photon P1 employs a sturdy structure with stable ball screws and precision guide rails. This minimizes motion vibration for smoother lifting. The Kobra S1 uses a fully enclosed CoreXY construction. This design provides dual-motor stability to eliminate vibrations during high-speed movement. The enclosure also helps protect the print area. Both models prioritize stability to ensure print quality. The Photon P1 focuses on vertical precision, while the Kobra S1 focuses on horizontal speed stability. Both approaches effectively reduce wobble for their respective technologies.
Which ANYCUBIC Printer Fits Your Needs
Miniature modelers seeking high detail
The Photon P1 uses resin printing with a 14K LCD screen. This delivers 13,312 x 5,120 pixels for 16.8 x 24.8 micrometer precision. You get crisp details and 0.3mm minimum apertures. Wave Release Technology reduces failure rates by 60%. Auto-leveling and AI monitoring ensure reliable prints for complex miniatures without manual calibration.
Users needing fast multi-color prints
The Kobra S1 supports 4-color printing and expands to 16 colors. It reaches speeds up to 600mm/s with CoreXY stability. The 320°C hotend handles tough filaments like ABS. Active drying keeps filament pristine. You get vibrant, large objects quickly. The enclosed design protects materials from humidity while maintaining smooth, high-precision FDM output.
Beginners wanting quiet home operation
The Kobra S1 operates at 44dB for quiet use. It features auto-resume and filament runout detection. The enclosed structure shields prints from dust and temperature changes. You benefit from smart features that simplify the process. The system is designed for easy setup and reliable daily printing in a home environment without excessive noise.
The products compared
Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer
Best for: High-detail resin printing with automated leveling
- Build Volume
- 8.78x4.96x9.05in
- Printing Technology
- Resin
- Leveling Type
- Smart Leveling 3.0
- Color
- White
- Resolution
- 14K
- Dimensions
- 16.9 × 24.4 × 16.5 inches
View on Amazon: Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer Affiliate link
The Anycubic Photon P1 is a resin 3D printer featuring a 10.1-inch 14K mono LCD screen with 16.8 x 24.8 micrometer XY pixel size. It uses Smart Leveling 3.0 for automatic bed calibration and Wave Release Technology to reduce peel force by 60%. The unit supports ultra-high viscosity resins up to 8,000 cps. It measures 16.9 x 24.4 x 16.5 inches and weighs 29.8 pounds. This model suits users who need high detail and automated setup.
Pros
- 14K mono LCD with 16.8 x 24.8 micrometer XY resolution
- Supports ultra-high viscosity resins up to 8,000 cps
- Smart Leveling 3.0 for automatic bed calibration
- Wave Release Technology reduces plate lift force by 60%
Cons
- Smaller build volume than the Photon P1 Max variant
- Requires handling liquid resin and ventilation
- No app control mentioned in specifications
Good fit if
- You need high-resolution prints with fine details
- You want automatic leveling to simplify setup
- You plan to use high-viscosity industrial resins
Skip if
- You prefer printing with filament instead of resin
- You need the largest possible build volume available
- You want a printer that requires no post-processing
Verdict: Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin Printer delivers sharp details for users who prioritize precision and automated leveling over large build sizes.
ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Enclosed CoreXY 3D Printer
Best for: fast multi-color FDM printing
- Build Volume
- 250×250×250 mm³
- Print Speed
- 600 mm/s
- Printing Technology
- FDM
- Multicolor Capacity
- 4-color, expandable to 16 colors
- Leveling Type
- Auto Leveling
- Motion Structure
- CoreXY
View on Amazon: ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Enclosed CoreXY 3D Printer Affiliate link
The ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 is an enclosed CoreXY FDM printer built for speed and color. It reaches 600mm/s with dual-motor stability. The ACE 2 Pro system supports 4-color printing by default, expanding to 16 colors. Active drying at 65°C keeps filament dry during prints. It includes auto-leveling and a 320°C hotend for reliable extrusion. This setup suits users who need fast, multi-material output.
Pros
- CoreXY motion system reaches 600mm/s print speed
- ACE 2 Pro supports 4-color printing standard
- Active drying at 65°C protects filament
- 320°C hotend handles tough materials
- Auto-leveling simplifies setup
Cons
- Heavier build at 39.7 pounds
- Larger footprint requires more desk space
- ACE Pro and ACE 2 Pro cannot be used simultaneously
Good fit if
- You need fast, high-precision FDM printing
- You want to print in multiple colors
- You print with moisture-sensitive filaments
Skip if
- You prefer resin printing for high detail
- You have limited desk space
- You only need single-color prints
Verdict: The ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 ACE 2 Pro Combo fits makers who need speed and multi-color output. Its enclosed CoreXY design and active drying system make it ideal for reliable, complex projects.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Anycubic Photon P1 14K Resin 3D Printer | ANYCUBIC Kobra S1 Enclosed CoreXY 3D Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 8.78x4.96x9.05in | 250×250×250 mm³ |
| Print Speed | not stated | 600 mm/s |
| Printing Technology | Resin | FDM |
| Multicolor Capacity | not stated | 4-color, expandable to 16 colors |
| Leveling Type | Smart Leveling 3.0 | Auto Leveling |
| Motion Structure | not stated | CoreXY |
| Structure | not stated | CoreXY |
| Leveling | Auto Leveling | Auto Leveling |
| Features | not stated | High Speed, Enclosed |
| Color | White | Black |
| Resolution | 14K | not stated |
| Dimensions | 16.9 × 24.4 × 16.5 inches | 15.8 × 16.1 × 19.2 inches |
| Weight | 29.8 pounds | 39.7 pounds |
| Size | Photon P1 | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Anycubic Photon P1 good for miniatures?
Yes, it is designed for high-detail resin printing. The Photon P1 prioritizes precision over large build sizes. It features automated leveling to simplify setup. You get sharp details suitable for intricate models. This makes it ideal if you value accuracy more than volume.
Does the Kobra S1 support multi-color printing?
Yes, the Kobra S1 is built for fast multi-color FDM printing. Its enclosed CoreXY design supports complex projects. An active drying system helps maintain reliable output. This model fits makers who need speed and varied color options for their creations.
Which printer has a larger build volume?
The Photon P1 has larger external dimensions. It measures 24.4 inches wide, 16.5 inches high, and 16.9 inches long. The Kobra S1 is smaller at 16.1 inches wide, 19.2 inches high, and 15.8 inches long. Note that external size does not always equal build volume.
Do both printers feature automatic leveling?
Yes, both models include automatic bed leveling. This feature simplifies the initial setup process for you. The Photon P1 uses this for resin printing. The Kobra S1 applies it to its FDM CoreXY system. Both aim to reduce manual calibration time.
What is the weight difference between the two?
The Kobra S1 is heavier than the Photon P1. The Kobra S1 weighs 39.7 pounds. The Photon P1 weighs 29.8 pounds. The Kobra S1 is also black, while the Photon P1 is white. The weight difference reflects their internal construction and enclosure design.
Is the Kobra S1 enclosed?
Yes, the Kobra S1 is an enclosed CoreXY printer. This design helps with reliable, complex projects. It includes an active drying system. The enclosure protects the print area. This setup supports fast multi-color FDM printing effectively.
Which printer is better for beginners?
Both models feature automatic leveling to help beginners. The Photon P1 is best for high-detail resin work. It simplifies precision tasks. The Kobra S1 suits those needing speed and multi-color output. Your choice depends on whether you prefer resin or FDM technology for your first project.

