First-generation product — recently released, still early days
Best for: Engineers and professional makers who need large-format enclosed printing with active chamber heating — and want Prusa's open-source ethos and long-term support over a closed-ecosystem competitor.
Full details →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 →| Prusa Research CORE One L | Bambu Lab A1 Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Professional | Entry |
| Motion | CoreXY | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | 300 × 300 × 330 mm | 180 × 180 × 180 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ❌ No | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ✅ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PA-CF, PC | PLA, PETG, TPU |
| Released | Nov 7, 2025 | Oct 19, 2023 |
| Cycle length | — | ~365 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Wait |
| Deals advice | Caution | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
A large enclosed build volume with genuine active chamber heating — making the CORE One L reliable for ABS, ASA, PA, and PC across the full build plate.
All firmware, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are open source. Prusa backs the CORE One L with long-term parts availability and community support.
For institutional, government, and production customers, a dedicated Critical Infrastructure Edition is offered — Prusa's commitment to secure supply for professional users.
The A1 Mini sets up in minutes with automatic calibration and Bambu's guided first-print workflow.
Up to 4 colors with the AMS Lite accessory — Bambu's filament switching system with minimal waste purging.
Fits on a desk or shelf without taking over your workspace, while still printing at 500 mm/s.