Late in cycle โ a new model is likely coming soon
Best for: Makers who want large prints and multicolor capability without an enclosure โ ideal for PLA, PETG, and flexible materials.
Full details โEarly in release cycle โ no urgency to wait
Best for: Makers and engineers who need reliable printing in ABS, ASA, PA, or carbon-fiber composites and want the best-value enclosed printer under $500.
Full details โ| Bambu Lab A1 | Qidi Tech Q2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | BedSlinger | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 256 ร 256 ร 256 mm | 270 ร 270 ร 256 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Multicolor | โ 4 slots | โ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | โ | โ |
| Auto Calibration | โ | โ |
| Open Source | โ | โ |
| Upgrade Kit | โ | โ |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PA-CF, PC |
| Released | Oct 19, 2023 | Aug 20, 2025 |
| Cycle length | ~365 days | ~518 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Buy |
| Deals advice | Buy | Caution |
| Next model | A1 2026 Refresh (Expected Q4 2026) | โ |
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 โ 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 Q2 actively heats the print chamber โ not just passively traps heat. This is the key differentiator for reliable ABS, ASA, PA-CF, and PC printing without warping.
Triple-stage filtration removes 99.5% of particulates and VOCs โ essential for printing ABS and ASA in a home or office environment.
Handles the full spectrum of engineering filaments including carbon and glass fiber composites without a hotend upgrade.