Multicolor printing means the printer swaps between spools during the print, so you get colorful models without painting. Most systems hold four spools and can be expanded. They do waste some filament on every color change, so keep color changes to a sensible number.
How this list was made: picks are based on the manufacturers’ own specifications and public information, checked in October 2026, plus my own experience with the Prusa Core One+, the printer I use myself. More about me. “Check price” links go to the official store and may be affiliate links, which never changes the picks.
| Printer | Best for |
|---|---|
| Bambu Lab A1 Combo | The easiest way to start with color |
| Bambu Lab P2S Combo | Color plus engineering materials |
| Creality K2 Combo | Many colors with expandable units |
| Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo | An enclosed multicolor bargain |
| Prusa Core One+ with MMU3 | Open hardware with up to five colors |
Our picks
1. Bambu Lab A1 Combo: easiest way to start with color
The A1 with the AMS lite feeds four spools and is the simplest multicolor setup for a beginner.
Pros:
- Very easy to set up
- Large community of ready-made multicolor models
Cons:
- Open frame, best with PLA and PETG
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Type | Open bed-slinger |
| Nozzle / bed | 300 °C / 100 °C |
| Best materials | PLA, PETG, TPU |
| Multicolor | AMS lite, 4 spools |
2. Bambu Lab P2S Combo: best all-round multicolor printer
The P2S is enclosed and handles engineering materials, and the Combo adds the AMS for multicolor and multi-material prints.
Pros:
- Enclosed with carbon filter
- Prints PLA through ABS, ASA and carbon-fiber blends
Cons:
- Costs more than the A1 Combo
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Type | Enclosed, with carbon filter |
| Nozzle / bed | 300 °C hardened / 110 °C |
| Materials | PLA to ABS, ASA, PA, PC and carbon-fiber blends |
3. Creality K2 Combo: most colors
The K2 Combo uses Creality’s CFS system, and Creality advertises up to 16 colors when you add more CFS units.
Pros:
- Expandable to many colors
- Large 260 mm build volume
Cons:
- Extra CFS units add cost
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 260 × 260 × 260 mm |
| Multicolor | CFS system, up to 16 colors with extra units |
4. Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo: enclosed multicolor bargain
A fully enclosed CoreXY printer with a 4-color filament hub at a budget price.
Pros:
- Enclosed, 320 °C nozzle
- Low price for an enclosed multicolor setup
Cons:
- Smaller ecosystem than Bambu Lab
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 250 × 250 × 250 mm |
| Type | Fully enclosed CoreXY |
| Nozzle / bed | 320 °C / 120 °C |
| Multicolor | Combo with 4-color filament hub |
5. Prusa Core One+ with MMU3: best open multicolor system
Prusa’s MMU3 adds up to five filaments to the Core One+, which is the printer I use myself. Prusa has also announced the INDX tool changer for up to eight materials.
Pros:
- Open hardware and firmware
- Up to five filaments with the MMU3
Cons:
- The most expensive option here
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 250 × 220 × 270 mm (14.9 liters) |
| Type | Enclosed CoreXY with active chamber temperature control |
| Multicolor | MMU3 upgrade, up to 5 filaments |
| Options | Kit or assembled, open source |
Things to know before you buy
Every color change purges a little filament, so fewer color changes means less waste. Multicolor prints also take longer than single-color prints. With many printers you can buy the printer alone and add the multicolor unit later.