Bambu Lab A1 vs Bambu Lab P2S
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Choose the Bambu Lab A1 if you are looking for an affordable (429 €) open Cartesian printer for standard materials and up to 4 colors. Choose the Bambu Lab P2S if you need an enclosed CoreXY machine for technical materials, higher speed (600 mm/s), and multicolor expansion up to 20 colors.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 429 € | 519 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.5 × 41 × 43 cm | 39.2 × 40.6 × 47.8 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.3 kg | 14.9 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 1300 W | 1200 W |
| Voltage (V) | 220 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 600 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 | 110 °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 | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | 4 | 20 |
| 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 official slicer is Bambu Studio, available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. The printer also accepts standard G-code exported from third-party slicers such as PrusaSlicer, SuperSlicer, and Cura, though certain advanced Bambu-specific features — including RFID-based filament detection and some automatic calibration modes — are only available within Bambu Studio. Remote control is handled via the Bambu Handy mobile app and desktop app; push notifications require cloud connectivity. |
The differences that matter
- Kinematics and Structure: The A1 is an open Cartesian printer weighing 8.3 kg, while the P2S is a CoreXY with an enclosed chamber weighing 14.9 kg.
- Color Management: Both require an accessory for multicolor printing, but the A1 supports up to 4 colors, whereas the newer P2S (2025) supports up to 20 colors.
- Speed and Temperatures: The P2S reaches a maximum speed of 600 mm/s and a bed temperature of 110 °C, compared to the A1's 500 mm/s and 100 °C.
- Price: The A1 is priced at 429 €, making it 90 € cheaper than the P2S (519 €).
Which one to choose
Choose A1 if…
Choose the Bambu Lab A1 if your budget is around 400 € (it costs 429 €) and you do not need to print materials prone to thermal warping that require an enclosed chamber. It is ideal for intermediate use where Cartesian kinematics and a 500 mm/s speed are sufficient, and it is significantly lighter (8.3 kg vs 14.9 kg for the P2S) for those with space or desk load constraints.
Choose P2S if…
Choose the Bambu Lab P2S if you work with advanced polymers that benefit from the enclosed chamber and a heated bed up to 110 °C. The 90 € premium over the A1 gives you a more stable CoreXY structure, a speed increase (up to 600 mm/s), and the ability to manage up to 20 colors with the multi-material system, compared to the A1's limit 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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