Our selection · updated September 28, 2026
Multicolor is not just about the printer: it depends on an add-on unit (AMS, ACE Pro, CFS, CANVAS), sometimes sold separately, on a built-in system such as Flashforge's IFS, or on a head changer such as the Snapmaker U1's or Bambu Lab's Vortek. Here are eight configurations chosen from the 100+ printers in our catalog, with verified manufacturer specifications and the one thing to check before buying.
Documentary selection · No hands-on test, no score
Simplest way to try multicolor
A 256 mm class build volume with an optional AMS lite: the simplest entry point into multicolor within the Bambu Lab lineup, on the most searched open-frame printer in the A series.
The AMS lite is not included by default; check precisely whether your chosen listing bundles it or sells it as a separate add-on.
Best all-rounder, enclosed
An enclosed CoreXY frame with a 256 mm class build volume, a nozzle up to 300°C and a 110°C bed, AMS 2 Pro compatible with a dedicated Combo version per Bambu Lab: multicolor across a wider range of materials than an open-frame printer.
The AMS 2 Pro multicolor and drying system depends on the bundle chosen, not the standalone printer.
Up to eight colors by linking two units
An enclosed CoreXY frame with a 250 mm class build volume and a hotend up to 320°C: with an ACE Pro station, Anycubic claims up to eight colors by linking two units, on a base that stays enclosed for ABS and ASA.
The Kobra S1 alone prints one color. TPU 95A is not supported through the ACE Pro for multicolor, per Anycubic.
An Elegoo alternative at the same volume
An enclosed frame with a 256 mm class build volume, advertised automatic calibration and the CANVAS multicolor extension: another brand to consider at a volume close to the P2S and the Kobra S1.
Do not mix up the Carbon, Carbon 2 and Carbon 2 Combo listings: contents vary, and CANVAS is sold separately.
Built-in multicolor, no separate box
A built-in IFS (Intelligent Filament System), with no external accessory, for up to four colors or materials per Flashforge, a nozzle up to 300°C on a 220 mm class open frame.
The frame stays open despite the 300°C nozzle; the exact box contents (included spools, spare nozzles) are not detailed on the manufacturer's listing.
Large format with up to sixteen colors
Active chamber heating to 60°C, a nozzle up to 350°C and a 350 mm class build volume: Creality's CFS system supports up to sixteen colors by linking four units, for multicolor on large engineering parts.
35 kg and 495 × 515 × 640 mm: plan a sturdy stand. The CFS stays a separate accessory, not included on the standalone printer.
Four toolheads included instead of spools
Four print toolheads included in the base configuration per Snapmaker: the automatic tool changer picks up another head instead of purging the previous color through a single nozzle, for up to four colors or materials on a 270 mm class build volume.
Open frame: the cover needed for ABS, ASA or PA is sold separately. At 18.2 kg and 584 × 499 × 730 mm, plan the space.
Least purge, thanks to a hotend changer
The Vortek system swaps hotends instead of purging the previous color: Bambu Lab claims up to six colors plus a seventh dedicated nozzle, with purge cut significantly compared with a single-nozzle printer, inside a chamber heated to 65°C.
A heavy, bulky machine (32.5 kg, 492 × 514 × 626 mm). No verified partner offer yet: compare the exact bundle (Vortek hotends, AMS units).
At Bambu Lab, a Combo version's contents depend on the model and the current listing: the AMS lite or AMS 2 Pro are sometimes sold separately from the standalone printer. At Anycubic, the Kobra S1's ACE Pro is sold on its own or in a Combo version, depending on the listing. At Elegoo, the Centauri Carbon 2's CANVAS module follows the same logic: printer compatibility does not guarantee it is included. Before comparing two listings, check precisely what each seller includes in the box.
Multi-spool systems (AMS, ACE Pro, CFS, CANVAS) feed a single nozzle and purge the previous color at every change: effective, but they use filament. The AD5X's IFS is built into the printer with no external box, while the H2C's Vortek physically swaps hotends to cut purge and the Snapmaker U1 carries four complete toolheads, swapped automatically. These approaches do not compare on a single advertised color count.
Check the advertised color count against the units actually included, the materials the system supports and the space extra spools take up. Never compare a standalone printer's price with a fully equipped bundle's price. The advertised color count often reflects a maximum configuration with several linked units, not what the standalone printer offers.
Assuming every material feeds through a multicolor loader is a common mistake: a flexible filament like TPU is not always rated for these automated systems, per manufacturer spec sheets. Another frequent mistake is not planning for purge, which increases the material actually used and lengthens the total job compared with an equivalent single-color part.
Material choice remains central to a multicolor project: see our filament types overview and the TPU page if you are aiming for flexible parts. The Bambu Lab, Elegoo, Anycubic and Creality pages cover the rest of the lineups mentioned here. Use compare printers to line up two spec sheets before deciding.
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