Bambu Lab A1 mini vs Creality Ender-3 V3 SE
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Choose Bambu Lab A1 mini if you want high print speed (500 mm/s) and multicolor capabilities. Choose Creality Ender-3 V3 SE if you need a larger build volume (220×220×250 mm) at a lower price point.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Awards | — | |
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | ~150–200 € |
| Price updated on | — | 06/2026 |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 34.7 × 31.5 × 36.5 cm | 42 × 36.6 × 49 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.7 kg | 7.34 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 180 × 180 mm | 220 × 220 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 180 mm | 250 mm |
| Power (W) | 150 W | 350 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 220 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | 0.1 ±mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 180 mm | 220 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 180 mm | 250 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 260 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 80 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | No | No |
| Filament sensor | Yes | No |
| 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 | No |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | No |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | — |
| Max colors | 4 | 1 |
| 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 printer runs Creality's proprietary Marlin-based firmware. It is compatible with Creality Print and Cura 5.0 or later; Simplify3D support is documented by third-party resellers. Print files are transferred via SD card. Community guides exist for converting to Klipper, but this is not an officially supported configuration and requires manual hardware and firmware intervention. |
MakerSpecs Awards
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Best price Intermediate
The lowest list price among intermediate Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM) machines: €175. The second cheapest starts at €229. (Excluding manufacturer or retailer discounts.)
How we assign awards →The differences that matter
- Build volume: The Ender-3 V3 SE offers a 220×220×250 mm area, significantly larger than the A1 mini's 180×180×180 mm.
- Speed and compensation: The A1 mini reaches 500 mm/s and features an input shaper, while the Ender-3 V3 SE peaks at 250 mm/s without it.
- Color management: The A1 mini supports up to 4 colors via a dedicated accessory, an option not available on the single-extruder Ender-3 V3 SE.
- Operating temperatures: The A1 mini's nozzle reaches 300 °C (vs Creality's 260 °C), but its heated bed maxes out at 80 °C, whereas the Ender-3 reaches 100 °C.
Which one to choose
Choose A1 mini if…
Choose Bambu Lab A1 mini if you prioritize print speed, reaching 500 mm/s with input shaper support, and if you are interested in multicolor printing (up to 4 colors via accessory). It is ideal for small spaces (34.7×31.5×36.5 cm footprint) and materials requiring nozzle temperatures up to 300 °C.
Choose Ender-3 V3 SE if…
Choose Creality Ender-3 V3 SE if you require a larger workspace of 220×220×250 mm, allowing for bulkier parts. It is the optimal choice if you are on a strict budget (around €150-200) and prefer a traditional Marlin-based system with SD card file transfer.
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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