Bambu P1S & Bambu A1 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Bambu P1S rather than the Bambu A1.
Why Do I Recommend The Bambu P1S?
- The Bambu P1S features a fully enclosed chamber for stable internal temperatures and improved performance with high-temperature filaments like ABS and ASA, while the Bambu A1 uses an open-frame design.
- Bambu P1S comes with a CoreXY motion system for faster, more precise movement and reduced vibration artifacts, whereas the Bambu A1 uses a bedslinger Y-axis motion design.
- It includes an activated-carbon air filtration system to reduce odors and particulate emissions when printing enclosed, while the Bambu A1 lacks integrated filtration and exposes prints directly to the surrounding air.
- The Bambu P1S supports the full AMS multi-material system for expanded color and material flexibility, whereas the Bambu A1 supports only the AMS Lite version with fewer spool connections.
- Bambu P1S features a chamber camera for clear time-lapse recordings inside the print area, while the Bambu A1 uses a toolhead-mounted camera that captures a less consistent viewing angle during prints.
- It includes a more powerful auxiliary part-cooling fan for enhanced layer bonding and improved overhang performance, whereas the Bambu A1 relies on a single standard part-cooling fan.
- The Bambu P1S supports higher heat-bed temperatures up to 110 °C to ensure reliable adhesion for advanced polymers, while the Bambu A1 is limited to lower bed temperatures.
- Bambu P1S has a sturdier, fully enclosed chassis for reduced noise and better dust protection during long prints, whereas the Bambu A1 has an open structure that generates more operational noise and exposes components to external conditions.
Maybe the Bambu A1 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Bambu P1S. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Bambu P1S | Bambu A1 |
| Motion system | CoreXY | Bedslinger |
| Chassis | Fully enclosed | Open-frame |
| Chamber control | Closed chamber | No chamber |
| Max acceleration | Higher | Lower |
| Max bed temp | 110 °C | 100 °C |
| Multi-material unit | AMS | AMS Lite |
| Hotend swap | Standard mount | Quick-swap module |
| Part cooling | Dual fans + aux chamber fan | Part-cooling fan |
| Filtration | Activated-carbon filter | No integrated filter |
| Material scope | PLA/PETG/TPU/ABS/ASA/PC/PA | PLA/PETG/TPU focus |
| Bed motion | Stationary in XY | Moving Y-bed |
| Footprint | Larger, heavier | Smaller, lighter |
| Camera location | Chamber camera | Toolhead/open-area view |
| Spool system | AMS top | AMS Lite top-mounted |
| Price | Check Bambu P1S Price | Check Bambu A1 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Build Volume: Both printers share the same 256 × 256 × 256 mm build area, giving users identical working space for medium-sized models and multi-part projects without resizing between machines.
- Layer Resolution: Each supports a 0.1 – 0.4 mm layer range, ensuring comparable print smoothness and quality for fine details or faster prototyping depending on user preference.
- Max Print Speed: Both reach up to 500 mm/s, allowing extremely fast printing compared to most consumer printers, ideal for reducing turnaround time without significant loss of detail.
- Max Acceleration: Each can reach 20 m/s² acceleration, enabling high-speed moves and reduced print times on large or complex jobs with efficient motion control.
- Filament Diameter: Both use 1.75 mm filaments, the most common standard, ensuring compatibility with a wide variety of filament brands and materials.
- Nozzle Diameter: Each uses a standard 0.4 mm nozzle, delivering a balanced mix of detail and throughput suitable for everyday printing tasks.
- Auto Bed Leveling: Both include automatic bed leveling sensors, simplifying setup and maintaining first-layer consistency without manual calibration.
- Input Shaping: Each printer uses input shaping technology to counter vibrations, improving accuracy and reducing ringing on high-speed prints.
- Flow Calibration: Both models feature automatic flow calibration, optimizing extrusion rates for better dimensional accuracy and consistent surface finishes.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both connect via Wi-Fi, allowing remote print monitoring, control, and firmware updates directly through Bambu Studio or mobile apps.
- Camera Monitoring: Each includes a built-in camera, enabling live viewing, time-lapse recording, and remote supervision of prints.
- Power Loss Recovery: Both can resume printing after power interruptions, protecting long prints from being lost due to unexpected outages.
- Filament Run-Out Sensor: Each machine detects filament depletion, automatically pausing and prompting for a refill to prevent incomplete prints.
- Multi-Color Printing Support: Both can print in multiple colors when used with the AMS system, providing creative flexibility for decorative and functional prints.
- AMS Compatibility: Both are compatible with the Bambu AMS ecosystem, enabling automatic filament switching and extended multi-material workflows.
- Touchscreen Interface: Each uses a touchscreen for control, offering intuitive navigation and easy access to settings and print management.
- Direct Drive Extruder: Both use a direct drive feeding mechanism, improving performance with flexible filaments and maintaining consistent extrusion.
- Heated Bed: Each has a heated build plate, improving first-layer adhesion and minimizing warping on standard and advanced filament types.
Common Features
| Feature | Bambu P1S | Bambu A1 |
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Layer Resolution | 0.1 – 0.4 mm | 0.1 – 0.4 mm |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Max Acceleration | 20 m/s² | 20 m/s² |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm | 1.75 mm |
| Nozzle Diameter | 0.4 mm (standard) | 0.4 mm (standard) |
| Auto Bed Leveling | Yes | Yes |
| Input Shaping | Yes | Yes |
| Flow Calibration | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Camera Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Power Loss Recovery | Yes | Yes |
| Filament Run-Out Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Color Printing Support | Yes | Yes |
| AMS Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Interface | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Drive Extruder | Yes | Yes |
| Heated Bed | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Bambu P1S Price | Check Bambu A1 Price |
FAQ
Can both printers use the AMS for multi-color printing? Do the P1S and A1 have the same print volume? Is there a difference in printing speed between the two models? Which model is better for printing ABS or ASA filaments? Can I print flexible filaments like TPU on both printers? Do both printers have auto bed leveling? Are the printers equipped with built-in cameras? How does noise level compare between the two models? Can both printers connect via Wi-Fi? Do the P1S and A1 support power loss recovery? Is there any difference in nozzle compatibility between the two? Which printer is more beginner-friendly? Does either model require an enclosure upgrade? What software do both printers use? |