If you’re exploring 3D printers or planning to upgrade your 3D printing machine, choosing the right one can be confusing with so many options. Bambu Lab offers high-quality 3D printers, and here we focus on two standout choices — the Bambu Lab A1 vs P1S. Whether you’re looking for an affordable 3D printer for everyday use or a high-performance machine for your business, Bambu Lab makes the choice easy with its reliable performance and features. At 3Ding, we’ve tested both models ourselves, and in this comparison, we break down their performance, build quality, material compatibility, and more to help you find the right fit.
|
Features |
Bambu Lab A1 |
Bambu Lab P1S |
| Target User | Beginners, hobbyists | Professionals, small businesses |
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Frame Type | Bed slinger, open frame | CoreXY, enclosed frame |
| Print Speed | Up to 500 mm/s | Up to 500 mm/s |
| Acceleration | 10 m/s² | 20 m/s² – faster and more efficient for large or complex prints |
| Material Compatibility | PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA (Not suitable for ABS, ASA, PC) | PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, ABS, ASA, PET – more suited for engineering materials |
| Enclosure | (open) – Not ideal for temperature-sensitive materials | (fully enclosed) – Supports stable high-temp printing |
| Multi-color Printing | AMS Lite – Up to 4 colors | AMS Combo – Stack up to 16 colors |
| Touchscreen Interface | Beginner-friendly interface | Slightly more advanced, professional features |
| Auto Calibration | Full auto calibration + vibration compensation for better accuracy and Flow rate compensation. | Full auto calibration + vibration compensation for better accuracy |
| Noise Control | Active motor noise cancelling – quiet | Quieter due to enclosed design |
| Phone Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Nozzle Type | Quick-swap 1-clip nozzle | All-metal hotend, easy to maintain |
| Filament Sensors | Run-out, tangle | Run-out, air filter |
| Camera for Monitoring | 720p camera for time-lapse | 720p camera for time-lapse |
| Best For | Everyday DIY projects, figurines, basic models | Business prototypes, functional parts, multi-material engineering prints |
| Price Range | Lower – budget-friendly | Higher – justified by professional-grade features |
1. Speed and Performance of Bambu Lab’s A1 and P1S Printers
When it comes to speed, both the Bambu Lab A1 and P1S are impressive, capable of printing at speeds up to 500 mm/s. However, the P1S takes the lead with a higher acceleration of 20 m/s² compared to the A1’s 10 m/s².
This means the Bambu Lab P1S can handle rapid movements and complex 3D prints more efficiently, making it ideal for those who need to complete jobs faster without sacrificing 3D printing quality.
If fast turnaround and high-volume production are priorities, the Bambu Lab P1S will serve you better.
For hobbyists or beginners, the Bambu Lab A1’s speed is more than sufficient for everyday projects.
2. Material Compatibility and Printing Environment
Material choice is often a deal-breaker in selecting a 3D printer. The Bambu Lab P1S features a fully enclosed chamber, which maintains a stable temperature environment essential for printing temperature-sensitive and engineering-grade materials such as PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET, ABS, ASA
The Bambu Lab A1 has an open-frame design and works best with beginner-friendly filaments like PLA, PETG, TPU, and PVA. It’s not recommended for ABS or other high-temperature engineering plastics due to its lack of enclosure.
For professionals or businesses requiring advanced material options, the Bambu Lab P1S is the clear winner.
The A1 is perfectly suited for beginners and hobbyists who primarily print with PLA and similar filaments.
3. Multi-Color 3D Printing Capability
Both 3D printers support multi-color 3D printing using Bambu Lab’s Automatic Material System (AMS). The Bambu Lab A1 utilizes the AMS Lite, which allows for up to 4 colors, providing a great way to add creativity and detail to your prints.
The Bambu Lab P1S supports the AMS Combo, which can stack up to 4 AMS units, enabling up to 16-color printing. This expanded palette is invaluable for professionals creating intricate, multi-colored prototypes or finished parts.
If your projects require multicolor versatility and vibrant details, the Bambu Lab P1S, combined with the AMS Combo, is a better fit.
4. Frame and Build Quality of Bambu Lab’s A1 and P1S
The Bambu Lab A1 uses a bed slinger mechanism with an open frame, offering solid quality and ease of use for beginners. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to fit into small spaces or personal workstations.
If you want a professional-grade 3D printer that handles complex jobs day in and day out, the Bambu Lab P1S excels.
For casual 3D printing and learning, the Bambu Lab A1 provides a great balance of quality and simplicity.
5. Ease of Use and Calibration
Both 3D printers excel in automation, offering full auto-calibration features such as bed leveling, Z-offset adjustment, and nozzle pressure calibration.
However, the Bambu Lab P1S adds vibration compensation, further refining print accuracy by minimizing the effects of mechanical vibrations.
The Bambu Lab A1’s user-friendly touchscreen and 1-clip quick swap nozzle make maintenance straightforward for beginners, while the P1S offers an equally simple experience but with more industrial-grade features.
6. 3D Printer Price and its Affordability
The price of a 3D printer is often the final factor in decision-making. The Bambu Lab A1 is the more affordable option, making it accessible to beginners, hobbyists, and those experimenting with 3D printing.
The Bambu Lab P1S, with its advanced features, enclosure, and professional-grade capabilities, comes at a higher price point, but the value is justified if you require speed, material versatility, and business-level reliability.
|
Choose Bambu Lab A1 3D Printer, if you |
Choose Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer, if you |
| New to 3D printing or a casual user | Professional or small business user |
| Mainly print beginner-friendly filaments like PLA or PETG | Need to print engineering materials like ABS or ASA |
| Want a simple, quiet, and budget-friendly printer | Want faster printing with higher precision |
| Enjoy some multi-color printing with up to 4 colors | Require multi-color printing with a large number of colors |
| Prefer an easy-to-use touchscreen and quick maintenance | Prefer a sturdy, enclosed frame for consistent quality |
Conclusion:
Choosing between the Bambu Lab A1 and P1S isn’t always easy. Both deliver impressive 3D printing performance, but the Bambu Lab P1S stands out with faster speeds, advanced material support, and professional-grade features. For a 3D printer that adapts to your growing expertise and tackles advanced projects with ease, the P1S is the smarter investment. The Bambu Lab A1 remains a solid choice for beginners and those looking for an affordable 3D printer. Consider your needs, but for serious printing, the P1S leads the way.
Bambu Lab A1 vs P1S FAQs:
1. Is Bambu Lab good for beginners and professionals?
Bambu Lab offers excellent options for both beginners and professionals. The Bambu Lab A1 is beginner-friendly, featuring easy setup and support for PLA and PETG. For more advanced users, the Bambu Lab P1S is designed with professional features, including faster acceleration, an enclosed frame, compatibility with advanced materials like ABS, and support for up to 16-color printing.
2. What is a good 3D print speed?
Good 3D printing speeds typically range from 40 to 150 mm/s, offering a balance between quality and print time. Bambu Lab printers can reach speeds of up to 500 mm/s, but the filament must be capable of handling such speeds. PLA performs best at high speeds, while engineering filaments generally require slower printing. Slower speeds also tend to produce better detail.
3. How fast is the P1S compared to the A1 speed?
Both print up to 500 mm/s, but the Bambu Lab P1S’s double acceleration (20 m/s²) lets it print faster and more precisely, especially for complex jobs. Its enclosed CoreXY frame also improves stability and noise levels.
4. What is the difference between Bambu Lab A1 vs P1S?
The Bambu Lab P1S is a professional-grade enclosed CoreXY printer, offering fast acceleration, support for advanced materials, vibration compensation, quiet operation, and up to 16-color printing. In contrast, the Bambu Lab A1 is beginner-friendly with an open-frame design, support for basic materials, auto bed leveling, a simple touchscreen interface, and up to 4-color printing. Both models share the same build volume and print speed.
5. Is the Bambu P1S better than the A1?
The Bambu Lab P1S is a pro 3D printer with an enclosed CoreXY frame, 20 m/s² acceleration, advanced materials (ABS, ASA), vibration compensation, quiet operation, and 16-color AMS printing. The Bambu Lab A1 is easy to use, has an open design, works with basic filaments, and can print in up to 4 colors. Both 3D printers feature a 256 x 256 x 256 mm build volume and a maximum print speed of 500 mm/s.
6. Should I buy Bambu Lab P1S or Bambu Lab A1?
Choose the P1S for faster printing, advanced materials like ABS, a quiet enclosed design, and up to 16-color printing. The A1 is great for beginners with easy setup, affordability, and basic filaments.
