Buying Guide
The Best Multicolor 3D Printers for a Better Desk Setup
We looked at 6 multicolor 3D printers side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
11 min read6 products evaluated
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Best Multicolor 3D Printers vary more than expected, so multicolor 3d printers, price won't decide it.
Multicolor 3d printers comparisons come down to real print-method fit, given that FDM and resin solve different jobs.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer
Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Our take Check price for ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 2 Combo 3D Printer
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 2 Combo 3D Printer (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
Creality SPARKX i7 Nano Combo Multi‐Color 3D Printer for Beginners
Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use
Our take Check price for Creality SPARKX i7 Nano Combo Multi‐Color 3D Printer for Beginners (opens in a new tab)
Another Strong Option
FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color & Material 3D Printer with IFS
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color & Material 3D Printer with IFS (opens in a new tab)
Runner-Up Pick
Bambu Lab P1S Combo
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Bambu Lab P1S Combo (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ELEGOO Centauri 2 Combo 3D Printer
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for ELEGOO Centauri 2 Combo 3D Printer (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Best for | Key spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around | 15-Min setup & joy from the start | Check price for ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Enjoy seamless 4-color printing with the canvas system's instant color switching and smart filament detection | Check price for ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 2 Combo 3D Printer (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use | Compact multi-color printing for every workspace | Check price for Creality SPARKX i7 Nano Combo Multi‐Color 3D Printer for Beginners (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Enjoy 4-colors printing | Check price for FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color & Material 3D Printer with IFS (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Up to 16 colors | Check price for Bambu Lab P1S Combo (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | 4-Color printing with canvas | Check price for ELEGOO Centauri 2 Combo 3D Printer (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 6
ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer is our overall pick in this lineup.
Best for
- Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Why we like it
The kobra x arrives pre-assembled with a user-friendly modular design, allowing families to go from unboxing to the first print in 15 minutes. Native 4-color printing makes it easy to create colorful toys and holiday gifts.
Side by side with ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 2 Combo 3D Printer, the real difference worth noting is technology minimizes filament waste and speeds up printing.
Go with this pick if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- 15-Min setup & joy from the start
- Vibrant multicolor for creative ideas
- Designed for the home environment
Pros
- 15-Min setup & joy from the start
- Vibrant multicolor for creative ideas
- Designed for the home environment
- Safe ai guard for peace of mind
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Also Worth Considering2 of 6
ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 2 Combo 3D Printer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 2 Combo 3D Printer is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Enjoy seamless 4-color printing with the canvas system's instant color switching and smart filament detection. Redefining material versatility - print across a wide range of materials, from basic to engineering-grade, made possible through an advanced process and temperature control.
Set next to ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer, the two land close enough on paper that it's worth comparing both listings directly on the spec that matters most for your setup.
It's worth picking this one if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Enjoy seamless 4-color printing with the canvas system's instant color switching and smart filament detection
- Redefining material versatility - print across a wide range of materials
- Easy from start to finish - fully automated calibration
Pros
- Enjoy seamless 4-color printing with the canvas system's instant color switching and smart filament detection
- Redefining material versatility - print across a wide range of materials
- Easy from start to finish - fully automated calibration
- Designed for speed - enjoy blazing speeds
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
Best Value3 of 6
Creality SPARKX i7 Nano Combo Multi‐Color 3D Printer for Beginners on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Creality SPARKX i7 Nano Combo Multi‐Color 3D Printer for Beginners is the best-value option in this roundup, priced lowest without a real capability gap.
Best for
- Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use
Why we like it
The creality sparkx i7 nano combo combines a compact desktop design with intelligent multi-color printing, making it easy to create vibrant models while saving valuable workspace. Load filament once and let the printer handle the rest.
Set next to ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer, the two land close enough on paper that it's worth comparing both listings directly on the spec that matters most for your setup.
Go with this pick if you want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- Compact multi-color printing for every workspace
- Auto feed & retract for simplified printing
- Auto refill for longer print jobs
Pros
- Compact multi-color printing for every workspace
- Auto feed & retract for simplified printing
- Auto refill for longer print jobs
- Easy to start with auto leveling & ai monitoring
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Another Strong Option4 of 6
FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color & Material 3D Printer with IFS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color & Material 3D Printer with IFS is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
With intelligent filament system, flaforge ad5x allows your printing in 4 colors, and will be about to achieve different types of filament combinations. Flashforge ad5x multicolor 3D printer can reach up to 600mm/s travel speed and 20m/s2 acceleration, corexy all metal design ensures stable printing quality at high speed.
Against ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer, neither pick has an obvious edge on paper, so the deciding factor comes down to whichever spec matters most for your specific use case.
This fits best if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Enjoy 4-colors printing
- Speedy and stable
- Multi-filament print
Pros
- Enjoy 4-colors printing
- Speedy and stable
- Multi-filament print
- Excellent printing function
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
Runner-Up Pick5 of 6
Bambu Lab P1S Combo on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Bambu Lab P1S Combo is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Up to 16 colors: bring your designs to life with vibrant multi-color/multi-material printing capabilities, well suited to showcasing your creativity. 500Mm/s and 20000 mm/s2 acceleration true high speed: don't wait around for your masterpieces.
Side by side with ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer, the real difference worth noting is set up in 15 minutes: spend more time printing and less time setting up.
This one is the right call if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- Up to 16 colors
- 500Mm/s and 20000 mm/s2 acceleration true high speed: don't wait around for your masterpieces
- Enclosed design
Pros
- Up to 16 colors
- 500Mm/s and 20000 mm/s2 acceleration true high speed: don't wait around for your masterpieces
- Enclosed design
- Set up in 15 minutes
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Worth a Look6 of 6
ELEGOO Centauri 2 Combo 3D Printer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ELEGOO Centauri 2 Combo 3D Printer is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Create vibrant multi-color models effortlessly with canvas 4-color printing. Full auto calibration and smart pre-print checks simplify setup, while 22 intelligent sensors monitor every print in real time.
Simplify your entire workflow with the elegoo ecosystem, which is the main thing that distinguishes this pick from ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer.
It's worth picking this one if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- 4-Color printing with canvas
- Start printing with confidence
- Designed for speed
Pros
- 4-Color printing with canvas
- Start printing with confidence
- Designed for speed
- Smoother, sharper, smarter
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
How We Chose These Multicolor 3D Printers
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- High Advertised Print Speeds Often Trade Off Against Surface Quality at Max Setting
- The headline speed number on a 3D printer's box is real but rarely the setting you'll actually use for quality prints, pushing to maximum speed typically introduces visible artifacts like ringing or dimensional drift, most experienced users dial back from the advertised maximum for a better quality balance, treat the top speed spec as a ceiling, not a recommended default..
- An Enclosure Matters More for Certain Filaments and Home Environments Than Others
- A 3D printer enclosure maintains stable internal temperature, which matters significantly for printing warping-prone materials like ABS or nylon, and also reduces fume exposure and noise, an open-frame printer works fine for PLA in a stable indoor environment but struggles with temperature-sensitive filaments or a drafty room, check whether your planned filament types and room conditions actually need the enclosure, rather than assuming every printer needs one..
- Multi-Color or Multi-Material Systems Add Real Print Time and Waste
- A 3D printer with an automatic material system (AMS) or multi-color capability can switch filaments mid-print for multi-color or multi-material objects, useful for complex projects, but each filament switch purges a small amount of material and adds real print time, for simple single-color prints this system adds no benefit and only introduces another component that can jam, weigh the feature against how often you'll actually print multi-material objects..
- Check Build Volume Against Your Actual Largest Planned Print, Not the Average
- Don't buy a 3D printer sized exactly to your largest planned print, the stated build volume is a hard maximum and real prints need edge clearance and calibration margin, if you'll regularly print near that ceiling, choose a printer with meaningfully more build volume than your typical largest project..
- Filament Run-Out Detection Prevents Wasted Hours on Long Prints
- Without a filament run-out sensor, a 3D printer has no way to detect an empty spool mid-print, the print simply fails and wastes everything printed up to that point, this matters significantly more for long unattended overnight prints than short prints you supervise start to finish, check for this feature if you plan to run extended unattended print jobs..
What to Look for in a Multicolor 3D Printer
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
High Advertised Print Speeds Often Trade Off Against Surface Quality at Max Setting
The headline speed number on a 3D printer's box is real but rarely the setting you'll actually use for quality prints, pushing to maximum speed typically introduces visible artifacts like ringing or dimensional drift, most experienced users dial back from the advertised maximum for a better quality balance, treat the top speed spec as a ceiling, not a recommended default.
An Enclosure Matters More for Certain Filaments and Home Environments Than Others
A 3D printer enclosure maintains stable internal temperature, which matters significantly for printing warping-prone materials like ABS or nylon, and also reduces fume exposure and noise, an open-frame printer works fine for PLA in a stable indoor environment but struggles with temperature-sensitive filaments or a drafty room, check whether your planned filament types and room conditions actually need the enclosure, rather than assuming every printer needs one.
Multi-Color or Multi-Material Systems Add Real Print Time and Waste
A 3D printer with an automatic material system (AMS) or multi-color capability can switch filaments mid-print for multi-color or multi-material objects, useful for complex projects, but each filament switch purges a small amount of material and adds real print time, for simple single-color prints this system adds no benefit and only introduces another component that can jam, weigh the feature against how often you'll actually print multi-material objects.
Check Build Volume Against Your Actual Largest Planned Print, Not the Average
Don't buy a 3D printer sized exactly to your largest planned print, the stated build volume is a hard maximum and real prints need edge clearance and calibration margin, if you'll regularly print near that ceiling, choose a printer with meaningfully more build volume than your typical largest project.
Filament Run-Out Detection Prevents Wasted Hours on Long Prints
Without a filament run-out sensor, a 3D printer has no way to detect an empty spool mid-print, the print simply fails and wastes everything printed up to that point, this matters significantly more for long unattended overnight prints than short prints you supervise start to finish, check for this feature if you plan to run extended unattended print jobs.
How to Choose a Multicolor 3D Printer
| Creality SPARKX i7 Nano Combo Multi‐Color 3D Printer for Beginners | |
| ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer | |
| ELEGOO Centauri 2 Combo 3D Printer |
| Lowest price in this lineup | Creality SPARKX i7 Nano Combo Multi‐Color 3D Printer for Beginners |
|---|---|
| ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 2 Combo 3D Printer | |
| ELEGOO Centauri 2 Combo 3D Printer |
- Creality SPARKX i7 Nano Combo Multi‐Color 3D Printer for Beginners)
- Sturdier functional parts at lower cost, visible layer lines.
- Far finer detail and smoother finish, messier post-processing with toxic uncured resin.
Match this to your actual setup and priorities.
| Standard PLA in a stable room | ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer |
|---|---|
| ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 2 Combo 3D Printer |
For Long Unattended Prints Specifically
- A genuine filament run-out sensor so a multi-hour print doesn't silently fail and waste material.
- ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer is worth checking against its specific spec sheet before assuming any pick here covers your exact need.
- You need the strongest real-world performance and sturdiest build, where ELEGOO Centauri 2 Combo 3D Printer justifies the extra cost.
- You want straightforward everyday use without paying for headroom you won't need, where Creality SPARKX i7 Nano Combo Multi‐Color 3D Printer for Beginners already covers the job at the lowest price here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if filament runs out mid-print?
Without a filament run-out sensor, the print simply fails and wastes everything printed so far, this matters most for long unattended prints, check for this feature if you run extended jobs.
Is automatic bed leveling worth paying extra for?
It saves real recurring setup time if you print frequently, manual leveling requires adjusting corner screws and checking with a feeler gauge before nearly every session.
Will any nozzle work with any filament?
No, abrasive filaments like carbon-fiber-infused or metal-infused wear down a standard brass nozzle quickly, a hardened steel or ruby-tipped nozzle holds up much longer with those materials.
How do I know what build volume I actually need?
Check it against your largest realistically planned print with margin, the stated volume is a hard maximum and real prints need edge clearance, don't buy sized exactly to your biggest project.
Should I get an FDM or resin 3D printer?
FDM produces sturdier functional parts at lower cost with visible layer lines, resin produces far finer detail and smoother surfaces but requires ventilation and messier post-processing with isopropyl alcohol, match to what you're actually printing.
It varies significantly by model, quieter stepper drivers and fan designs make a real difference, check specific noise-level reviews if the printer will run somewhere you spend time like a bedroom or office.
Bottom Line
Best overall: ANYCUBIC Kobra X Fast 3D Printer — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all multicolor 3d printers on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.