Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming soon
Best for: Makers who want large prints and multicolor capability without an enclosure — ideal for PLA, PETG, and flexible materials.
Full details →Just released — full support runway ahead
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want CoreXY speed and optional multicolor printing in the trusted Ender 3 form factor — and are comfortable with a hands-on setup experience.
Full details →| Bambu Lab A1 | Creality Ender 3 V4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Prosumer | Entry |
| Motion | BedSlinger | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 220 × 220 × 235 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS | PLA, PETG, TPU |
| Released | Oct 19, 2023 | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Cycle length | ~365 days | ~854 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Buy |
| Deals advice | Buy | Caution |
| Next model | A1 2026 Refresh (Expected Q4 2026) | — |
Unlike the A1 Mini's AMS Lite, the A1 Combo includes the full AMS with support for a wider range of filament types.
The largest build volume available in a Bambu bed-slinger — great for terrain, large cosplay props, and functional parts.
Works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Handy app, and the full Bambu filament ecosystem including multi-material profiles.
The V4's rigid frame reduces vibration at high speeds, improving print quality over the V3 KE's lighter structure.
The Combo bundle includes Creality's CFS filament system for 4-color printing, expandable to 16 colors with additional CFS units — one of the most affordable multicolor setups available.
The Ender 3 family has the largest 3D printing community in the world, with extensive documentation, mods, and active Creality firmware updates.