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Bambu A1 vs P1S – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureBambu P1SBambu A1
Motion systemCoreXYBedslinger
ChassisFully enclosedOpen-frame
Chamber controlClosed chamberNo chamber
Max accelerationHigherLower
Max bed temp110 °C100 °C
Multi-material unitAMSAMS Lite
Hotend swapStandard mountQuick-swap module
Part coolingDual fans + aux chamber fanPart-cooling fan
FiltrationActivated-carbon filterNo integrated filter
Material scopePLA/PETG/TPU/ABS/ASA/PC/PAPLA/PETG/TPU focus
Bed motionStationary in XYMoving Y-bed
FootprintLarger, heavierSmaller, lighter
Camera locationChamber cameraToolhead/open-area view
Spool systemAMS topAMS Lite top-mounted
PriceCheck Bambu P1S PriceCheck 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

FeatureBambu P1SBambu A1
Build Volume256 × 256 × 256 mm256 × 256 × 256 mm
Layer Resolution0.1 – 0.4 mm0.1 – 0.4 mm
Max Print Speed500 mm/s500 mm/s
Max Acceleration20 m/s²20 m/s²
Filament Diameter1.75 mm1.75 mm
Nozzle Diameter0.4 mm (standard)0.4 mm (standard)
Auto Bed LevelingYesYes
Input ShapingYesYes
Flow CalibrationYesYes
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
Camera MonitoringYesYes
Power Loss RecoveryYesYes
Filament Run-Out SensorYesYes
Multi-Color Printing SupportYesYes
AMS CompatibilityYesYes
Touchscreen InterfaceYesYes
Direct Drive ExtruderYesYes
Heated BedYesYes
Price Check Bambu P1S Price
Check Bambu A1 Price

FAQ

Can both printers use the AMS for multi-color printing?
Yes, both printers are compatible with the Bambu AMS system, allowing users to print in multiple colors or materials automatically. The A1 uses the AMS Lite version, while the P1S supports the full AMS setup.

Do the P1S and A1 have the same print volume?
Yes, both printers feature an identical build volume of 256 × 256 × 256 mm, meaning you can print the same size models on either machine without resizing your files.

Is there a difference in printing speed between the two models?
Both can reach speeds up to 500 mm/s, but the P1S has a higher acceleration rate, allowing it to complete complex prints slightly faster and with more stable motion control.

Which model is better for printing ABS or ASA filaments?
The Bambu P1S is better suited for ABS, ASA, and other high-temperature materials because of its enclosed chamber that maintains consistent internal temperatures, preventing warping or cracking.

Can I print flexible filaments like TPU on both printers?
Yes, both printers can handle flexible materials such as TPU due to their direct drive extruders, which maintain tight control over filament feeding for smooth and reliable results.

Do both printers have auto bed leveling?
Yes, both the P1S and A1 feature automatic bed leveling, ensuring consistent first-layer adhesion and saving time compared to manual calibration methods.

Are the printers equipped with built-in cameras?
Yes, both printers include a built-in camera for remote monitoring and time-lapse creation through the Bambu Handy app or Bambu Studio software.

How does noise level compare between the two models?
The P1S tends to be quieter during operation due to its enclosed structure, while the A1 produces slightly more noise because of its open-frame design and moving bed.

Can both printers connect via Wi-Fi?
Yes, both models feature Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to start, stop, and monitor prints remotely, as well as receive firmware updates directly through Bambu Studio.

Do the P1S and A1 support power loss recovery?
Yes, both printers can resume printing from the exact point of interruption in case of a power outage, preventing wasted materials and failed prints.

Is there any difference in nozzle compatibility between the two?
Both printers support the same range of nozzle sizes, typically from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, allowing users to switch between fine detail and faster print speeds.

Which printer is more beginner-friendly?
The Bambu A1 is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its simpler open design, easier maintenance, and slightly lower price, making it ideal for users starting in 3D printing.

Does either model require an enclosure upgrade?
The P1S comes fully enclosed out of the box, so no upgrade is needed. The A1 is open-frame, which may require a third-party enclosure if you plan to print with temperature-sensitive materials.

What software do both printers use?
Both models work seamlessly with Bambu Studio, the official slicing software from Bambu Lab, which provides optimized profiles, direct Wi-Fi control, and full AMS integration for easy, high-quality printing.