Bambu Lab A1 vs Bambu Lab P1S
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Choose the Bambu Lab A1 if you are looking for a Cartesian kinematics model with a higher power consumption of 1300 W for fused filament 3D printing. Choose the Bambu Lab P1S if you require CoreXY kinematics, an enclosed chamber, and the ability to print with up to 16 colors in total.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 429 € | ~399–499 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.5 × 41 × 43 cm | 38.9 × 38.9 × 45.8 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.3 kg | 12.95 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 1300 W | 1000 W |
| Voltage (V) | 220 V | 100 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | Cartesian | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °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 | The A1 works natively with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer available for Windows and macOS, which handles slicing, automatic calibrations, and remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app. Third-party slicers — including PrusaSlicer, SuperSlicer, and Ultimaker Cura — are supported via standard G-code export, but advanced features such as vibration compensation and active flow control are only available within the Bambu ecosystem. | 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
- Kinematics and Structure: The A1 uses Cartesian kinematics with an open structure, whereas the P1S features CoreXY kinematics with an enclosed chamber.
- Multicolor Capability: While both require an accessory, the A1 supports a maximum of 4 colors, whereas the P1S can handle up to 16 colors.
- Power and Voltage: The A1 operates at 220 V with a power rating of 1300 W, compared to the 100 V and 1000 W of the P1S.
- Weight and Dimensions: The P1S is heavier (12.95 kg vs 8.3 kg for the A1) and has a taller build (45.8 cm vs 43 cm).
- Software Compatibility: The P1S includes software support for Linux via OrcaSlicer, while the native ecosystem of the A1 is limited to Windows and macOS with Bambu Studio.
Which one to choose
Choose A1 if…
Choose the Bambu Lab A1 if budget is a decisive factor and you prefer a lighter machine (8.3 kg) with a power rating of 1300 W, suitable for intermediate use but lacking an enclosed chamber, with a multicolor printing setup limited to a maximum of 4 colors.
Choose P1S if…
Choose the Bambu Lab P1S if you need to print with an integrated enclosed chamber and CoreXY kinematics. It is also recommended if you plan to expand multicolor printing up to a maximum of 16 colors and value official Linux operating system support via OrcaSlicer.
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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