Bambu Lab A1 mini vs Qidi Tech Q1 Pro
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
The A1 mini is a compact open-frame Cartesian printer with optional multicolor; the Q1 Pro is an enclosed CoreXY with a hotter bed and more build volume. The question is how much the enclosure and the extra room are worth.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | 599 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 34.7 × 31.5 × 36.5 cm | 47.7 × 46.7 × 48.9 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.7 kg | 17 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 180 × 180 mm | 245 × 245 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 180 mm | 240 mm |
| Power (W) | 150 W | 650 W |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 180 mm | 245 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 180 mm | 240 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 350 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 80 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 600 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 | Yes |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | No |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | No |
| 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. | Running on native Klipper firmware, the machine offers an open and accessible control interface via local network (Fluidd or Mainsail). It is natively compatible with QIDI Slicer (derived from PrusaSlicer/Orca), but easily supports all major third-party slicers. It includes advanced features such as input shaping and automatic calibration to maximize print quality at high speeds without requiring registration to proprietary cloud services. |
The differences that matter
- Price: €299 vs €599 → the €300 gap is the price of another A1 mini.
- Build volume: 180 × 180 × 180 mm vs 245 × 245 × 240 mm → parts that fit the Q1 Pro have to be split on the A1 mini.
- Enclosure and temperatures: the Q1 Pro is enclosed, with a bed up to 120 °C and a nozzle up to 350 °C (manufacturer's figures); the A1 mini is open, 80 °C and 300 °C → the range of printable filaments differs.
- Colour: up to 4 colours with the accessory on the A1 mini, a single colour on the Q1 Pro → multicolor work starts from the A1 mini.
Which one to choose
Choose A1 mini if…
For small objects, spare parts and models in several colours, run from Bambu Studio with a LAN mode that needs no cloud. The trade-offs are a small build volume, no enclosure, and filaments that need a very hot bed or nozzle staying out of reach.
Choose Q1 Pro if…
For single-colour parts that are taller and wider, in filaments that need a hotter nozzle and bed inside an enclosed chamber, managed from Fluidd or Mainsail over the local network. The trade-off is giving up multicolor and paying more.
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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