X1E vs U1 3D Printer
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
X1E and U1 3D Printer are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3×). U1 3D Printer costs less (~€849) and is the entry-level choice; X1E offers more capability at a higher price (~€2550). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
X1E
Bambu Lab
F3 · Advanced
|
U1 3D Printer
Snapmaker
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~2400–2700 € | 849 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.9 × 38.9 × 45.7 cm | 58.4 × 49.9 × 73 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 16 kg | 18.2 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 270 × 270 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 270 mm |
| Power (W) | 1350 W | 1150 W |
| Voltage (V) | 100 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 7 μm | 0.04 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| XY print surface (mm) | 256 mm | 270 mm |
| Maximum Z height (mm) | 256 mm | 270 mm |
| Kinematics | corexy | corexy |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 320 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Closed chamber | True | False |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto leveling | mesh | mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | True |
| Native Klipper | False | True |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | True | True |
| Requires external accessory | True | False |
| Maximum colors | 16 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The X1E works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer, which handles slicing, automatic calibration, and remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app. Orca Slicer, an open-source Bambu Studio fork with dedicated profiles, is also supported. The firmware is proprietary; Klipper is not natively supported. The printer can run in LAN-only mode, operating fully without an internet connection through the local network. | The primary software is Snapmaker Orca, an optimized version of the popular OrcaSlicer, which provides native management of the four toolheads and factory-calibrated material profiles. The printer can also be seamlessly managed via the Snapmaker mobile app for remote monitoring, taking advantage of the built-in 1080p camera. The internal firmware is built on Klipper, Moonraker, and Fluidd, which Snapmaker has made open-source, allowing experienced users to customize the machine and integrate it into complex workflows. |
The differences that matter
- Price: X1E 2550 € vs U1 3D Printer 849 € — U1 3D Printer wins (+200%)
- Maximum colors: X1E 16 vs U1 3D Printer 4 — X1E wins (+300%)
- Closed chamber: X1E yes, U1 3D Printer no
- Multi-extruder: U1 3D Printer yes, X1E no
- Native Klipper: U1 3D Printer yes, X1E no
Which one to choose
Choose X1E if…
you value maximum colors, closed chamber and max bed temperature. «The maximum number of colors indicates how many distinct color zones or materials can be used in one print without manual intervention. Two colors cover most practical uses, including soluble support. Higher values are useful for complex decorative models or color-coded prototypes. Each additional color increases print time due to transition purges, so the practical benefit should be weighed against the added time cost.»
Choose U1 3D Printer if…
you value price, multi-extruder and native klipper. «A second extruder allows printing with two different materials in the same session: soluble support material for complex geometries, or a combination of rigid and flexible in the same part. It expands process capabilities but introduces calibration complexity and the risk of oozing from the idle nozzle. Most useful for work involving geometries that require supports difficult to remove manually.»
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.