In the Bambu Lab A1 vs Flashforge AD5X race for cheap multicolor printing, the AD5X wasted less filament and finished sooner in a side-by-side test. It made about 6.5 g of waste in about 40 minutes, versus 8.3 g and 49 minutes on the A1, according to Figure Feedback, a YouTube channel that printed the same multicolor model on both.
The AD5X costs $349 with 4-color printing in the box, while the A1 costs $299.99 but needs the AMS lite for color (Amazon listings, Oct 16, 2026). The A1 has the larger 256 mm build volume, against 220 mm on the AD5X.
Results vary by model. CaliWoodConnect, another YouTube reviewer, found the two within a few minutes of each other on a roughly one-hour print.
Bambu Lab A1 vs Flashforge AD5X: Side-by-Side Specs
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
| Spec | Bambu Lab A1 | Flashforge AD5X |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Oct 16, 2026) | $299.99 | $349.00 |
| Amazon Best Seller rank | #4 in 3D Printers | #17 in 3D Printers |
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 220 × 220 × 220 mm |
| Speed (listed) | 500 mm/s max speed, 10,000 mm/s² acceleration | up to 600 mm/s travel, 20 m/s² acceleration |
| Buy | Check price | Check price |
Bambu Lab A1 Highlights
- Full-auto calibration (Z-offset, bed leveling and more)
- Active flow rate compensation
- 1-clip quick-swap nozzle
- Active motor noise canceling
- Multicolor needs the AMS lite (sold as the A1 Combo or separately)
Flashforge AD5X Highlights
- 4-color Intelligent Filament System (IFS) built in
- Auto load/unload and up to 4 kg auto refill
- CoreXY all-metal frame
- 300 °C nozzle, 32 mm³/s high-flow hotend
- Remote camera monitoring needs an add-on camera kit
Which One Should You Buy?
The Flashforge AD5X ($349) includes 4-color printing in the box (the IFS), with a CoreXY frame and a 300 °C nozzle. Its build volume is smaller at 220 mm, and remote camera monitoring needs an add-on kit.
The Bambu Lab A1 ($299.99) has the larger 256 mm build volume, but multicolor needs the AMS lite at extra cost. If you want multicolor at the lowest total price, compare the AD5X with the A1 Combo price on the day you buy.
My Planned Test
Planned test: if I get both printers, I plan to print the same model on each and compare setup time, print time, noise and results. I will update this post with the results and add my video when they are done.
What YouTube Reviewers Found: A1 vs AD5X
Until my own hands-on test is done, here is what independent YouTube reviewers reported. These are their findings, paraphrased and linked so you can watch the full videos. Prices they mention were current when each video was made.
- In a side-by-side test on the same small multicolor model, the AD5X produced about 6.5 g of waste vs about 8.3 g on the A1, and finished in about 40 minutes vs about 49 (Figure Feedback, “Bambu Lab A1 vs. Flashforge AD5X – Which Printer Wastes More Filament?”).
- Another reviewer found the two printers within a few minutes of each other on a roughly one-hour print. The AD5X plate is about an inch smaller on each side, but its built-in filament system saves vertical space compared with the A1 and AMS lite (CaliWoodConnect, “Is Flashforge AD5X better than Bambu A1 (Honest Review)”).
- The AD5X has no camera by default, and its enclosure kit has you print parts yourself, ideally in a heat-resistant material like ABS, which needs an enclosure to print well (FauxHammer, “Yet Somehow It’s Good? – Flashforge Adventurer AD5X Review”).
Video: Figure Feedback, “Bambu Lab A1 vs. Flashforge AD5X – Which Printer Wastes More Filament?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Flashforge AD5X come with multicolor?
Yes. The listing says the 4-color Intelligent Filament System is included.
Which has the bigger build volume?
The A1, at 256 mm cubed, vs 220 mm cubed for the AD5X.
Does the AD5X have a camera?
The listing says real-time monitoring needs an additional camera kit.
Sources
- Amazon listing: Bambu Lab A1 (B0D17TMWFB)
- Amazon listing: Flashforge AD5X (B0DNW25S87)
- Amazon Best Sellers in 3D Printers (snapshot Oct 16, 2026)
Related: Best Budget Multicolor 3D Printer | Bambu Lab A1 vs P1S | Best 3D Printer Under $500
Notes and disclosure
Note: Specs and prices below come from the Amazon listings and Amazon Best Sellers in 3D Printers as of October 16, 2026. Prices and ranks change often, so check the current listing. Hands-on results will be added after my planned test.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase an item through the links on this page, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.