🖨 3D Printer Radar

Bambu Lab A1 MinivsBambu Lab P1S

💰Bambu Lab A1 Mini is $250 cheaper (84% less)
📐Bambu Lab P1S has 188% more build volume
🏠Only Bambu Lab P1S has an enclosure — required for ABS, ASA, PA engineering filaments
Same ecosystem (Bambu Lab): Both printers share the same software, slicer, and filament ecosystem. This is a tier step-up comparison — consider whether the extra features justify the price difference.
Bambu Lab A1 Mini
Buy/Wait:Wait

Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest

Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want Bambu's ease of use and multicolor printing in a compact footprint.

Full details →
Bambu Lab P1S
Buy/Wait:Superseded

This printer is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Bambu Lab P2S.

Best for: Makers who need an enclosed printer for ABS, ASA, PA, and PC at prosumer price — now available at clearance pricing after P2S launch.

Full details →
Bambu Lab A1 MiniBambu Lab P1S
Pricing
Starting Price$299$549
Print Specs
TierEntryProsumer
MotionBedSlingerCoreXY
Build Volume180 × 180 × 180 mm256 × 256 × 256 mm
Max Speed500 mm/s500 mm/s
Multicolor✅ 4 slots✅ 4 slots
Enclosure
Auto Calibration
Open Source
Upgrade Kit
Buy Timing
ReleasedOct 19, 2023Jul 5, 2023
Cycle length~365 days~335 days
Cycle adviceWaitSuperseded
Deals adviceBuyClearance
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Quick Winner

💰
Budget pick
Bambu Lab A1 Mini
$299 starting
📐
Large prints
Bambu Lab P1S
256×256×256 mm
Fastest prints
Tie
🔓
Open ecosystem
Tie

Bottom Line

💰Bambu Lab A1 Mini saves you $250 — choose it if budget is your primary constraint
🏠Bambu Lab P1S is the only choice if you print ABS, ASA, PA, or PC — those materials require an enclosure

Materials

Bambu Lab A1 Mini only
Both
PLAEasy to print, no enclosure needed — everyday parts
PETGTougher, slightly flexible, moisture-resistant
TPUFlexible rubber-like — phone cases, gaskets, wheels
Bambu Lab P1S only
ABSHeat and impact resistant — needs enclosure
ASAUV-stable ABS alternative — outdoor parts, needs enclosure
PANylon — strong and wear-resistant, needs dry storage
PA-CFCarbon-fibre nylon — very stiff, abrasive to standard nozzles
PCPolycarbonate — extremely tough, challenging to print

Why buy each?

Bambu Lab A1 Mini

Plug-and-play setup

The A1 Mini sets up in minutes with automatic calibration and Bambu's guided first-print workflow.

AMS Lite multicolor

Up to 4 colors with the AMS Lite accessory — Bambu's filament switching system with minimal waste purging.

Compact footprint

Fits on a desk or shelf without taking over your workspace, while still printing at 500 mm/s.

Bambu Lab P1S

Full enclosure with chamber heating

Active chamber temperature control enables reliable ABS, ASA, PA, and PC printing without warping.

CoreXY speed and precision

500 mm/s print speed with Bambu's vibration compensation delivers fast, accurate prints.

Now at clearance prices

With the P2S released, P1S prices are at their lowest — an opportunity for budget-conscious buyers.