Bambu Lab A1 mini vs Bambu Lab P1S
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The A1 mini and the P1S launched the same year in Bambu Lab's mid tier, but they solve different problems. One is compact and cheap, the other trades size for an enclosed chamber built for technical filaments. The €150 gap matters, but it's not the whole story.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | ~399–499 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 34.7 × 31.5 × 36.5 cm | 38.9 × 38.9 × 45.8 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.7 kg | 12.95 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 180 × 180 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 180 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 150 W | 1000 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 100 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 180 mm | 256 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 180 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 80 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | No | Yes |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | No | No |
| Native Klipper | No | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | 4 | 16 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Compatible with Bambu Studio (OrcaSlicer-derived) and OrcaSlicer. Supports LAN mode for cloud-free printing. Does not run native Klipper. | The P1S is managed through Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, or via OrcaSlicer, the widely adopted open-source fork that provides finer parameter control. The Bambu Handy mobile app enables remote monitoring and print launching. The printer supports local LAN connections without a mandatory cloud account, though some advanced features — such as remote timelapses and OTA firmware updates — require a Bambu account. |
The differences that matter
- Build area: 180×180 mm on the A1 mini vs 256×256 mm on the P1S → parts over 18 cm a side need splitting into multiple prints on the A1 mini.
- Price: A1 mini costs €150 less than P1S → more budget left for accessories or extra spools.
- Enclosed chamber and a bed up to 100°C only on the P1S (vs an open 80°C bed on the A1 mini) → ABS and ASA stay more stable, with less risk of cracking.
- Colors: 4 on the A1 mini vs 16 on the P1S with the AMS → complex multicolor projects stay P1S territory.
Which one to choose
Choose A1 mini if…
Pick the A1 mini if you mostly print PLA and PETG on parts under 180×180 mm: it saves €150 over the P1S, and the AMS lite still gets you 4 colors.
Choose P1S if…
Pick the P1S if you print ABS or ASA, or need a bigger bed: the enclosed chamber and the 100°C bed (versus 80°C) cut warping, and the AMS handles 16 colors instead of 4.
Where to buy
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Filaments for these printers
The most chosen spools among the materials both printers can print according to their specifications.
- ELEGOO PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- Bambu Lab PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- OVERTURE PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)High speed1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
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