In the Bambu Lab A1 vs P1S matchup, the A1 is the better buy for beginners who print mostly PLA, while the P1S is the pick for anyone who needs an enclosure. Both print in a 256 mm cube, but the A1 costs $299.99 and the P1S Combo $549 (Amazon listings, Oct 16, 2026).
The enclosure is what the extra money buys. It lets the P1S reach the warmer chamber temperatures that materials like ASA need, according to Hoocho, a YouTube channel that compared both as beginner printers. The P1S also ships with the enclosed AMS, which holds desiccant and chains up to 16 colors, according to FauxHammer, a YouTube channel that reviews Bambu’s full lineup.
On Amazon’s 3D printer best-seller list that day, the P1S Combo ranked #1 and the A1 ranked #4.
Bambu Lab A1 vs P1S: Side-by-Side Specs
Prices from Amazon at time of writing. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
| Spec | Bambu Lab A1 | Bambu Lab P1S Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $549.00 |
| Amazon Best Seller rank | #4 in 3D Printers | #1 in 3D Printers |
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Speed (listed) | 500 mm/s max speed, 10,000 mm/s² acceleration | 500 mm/s, 20,000 mm/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)
Bambu Lab P1S Combo Highlights
- Fully enclosed body
- Includes the AMS for multicolor; up to 16 colors with more AMS units
- Auto bed leveling
- Listed setup time: about 15 minutes
- Ideal filaments: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET, ABS, ASA; capable: PA, PC; carbon/glass-fiber not recommended
Which One Should You Buy?
Both list a 256 mm cube build volume. The main differences are the enclosure and the price. The P1S Combo is fully enclosed, includes the AMS for multicolor, and lists ABS and ASA as ideal filaments. The listed price is $549.
The Bambu Lab A1 is open-frame at $299.99. Multicolor needs the AMS lite at extra cost. It has active motor noise canceling and is aimed at beginners. If you mostly print PLA for home projects, the A1 costs less. If you want to print ABS or ASA, or want an enclosure, the P1S is the better fit.
How These Picks Were Chosen
The picks and findings on this page come from Hoocho and FauxHammer, plus the Amazon listings linked above. I have not tested these products myself, so each finding is credited to the source that reported it.
What YouTube Reviewers Found: A1 vs P1S
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.
- The A1 is a bed slinger, so it needs clearance behind it for the moving bed. The P1S stays inside its own footprint (FauxHammer, “One Clear Winner – Bambu Labs A1 Mini Vs A1 Vs P1S Vs P1P Vs X1”).
- The A1 works only with the open AMS lite, which leaves spools exposed to humidity. The P1S uses the enclosed AMS, which holds desiccant and can be chained up to four units for 16 colors (FauxHammer, “One Clear Winner – Bambu Labs A1 Mini Vs A1 Vs P1S Vs P1P Vs X1”).
- The P1S enclosure lets it reach the warmer chamber temperatures materials like ASA need (Hoocho, “A1 vs P1S: Beginner 3D Printers… That Work.”).
- Swapping the hotend on the A1 is a quick one-handed job, while the P1S needs screws, and possibly thermal paste if you buy only the hotend (Hoocho, “A1 vs P1S: Beginner 3D Printers… That Work.”).
- They also preferred the A1’s color touchscreen to the P1S’s basic black-and-white screen (Hoocho, “A1 vs P1S: Beginner 3D Printers… That Work.”).
Video: FauxHammer, “One Clear Winner – Bambu Labs A1 Mini Vs A1 Vs P1S Vs P1P Vs X1”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the P1S better than the A1 for beginners?
Both have automatic calibration. The A1 costs less and is marketed to beginners. The P1S adds an enclosure, which matters most for filaments like ABS and ASA.
Do the A1 and P1S have the same build volume?
Yes. Both are listed at 256 × 256 × 256 mm.
Which one prints faster?
Both list a 500 mm/s top speed. The P1S lists 20,000 mm/s² acceleration and the A1 lists 10,000 mm/s².
Sources
- Amazon listing: Bambu Lab A1
- Amazon listing: Bambu Lab P1S Combo
- Amazon Best Sellers in 3D Printers (snapshot Oct 16, 2026)
Related: Bambu Lab A1 Review | Bambu Lab P1S vs P2S | Best 3D Printer for Beginners
Notes and disclosure
Note: Specs and prices below come from Amazon listings and Amazon Best Sellers in 3D Printers at time of writing. Prices and ranks change often, so check the current listing.