Bambu Lab P1S vs A1: Which Should You Buy in 2025?

If you're choosing between Bambu's two flagship FDM printers, the call comes down to one question: do you need an enclosed chamber? The P1S is the answer if you print ABS, ASA, or any carbon-fiber-filled material — its enclosed CoreXY design holds chamber temperature and includes filtered exhaust. The A1 is the answer if you stick to PLA and PETG and want a quieter, cheaper printer with full-auto bed leveling. I run a P1S in my homelab and lean on it for the materials the A1 simply can't handle. But for a first printer printing decorative PLA models, the A1 saves you $300 without giving up much. ## Quick Comparison | Feature | Bambu Lab P1S | Bambu Lab A1 | |---------|---------------|--------------| | **Price** | $699 | $399 | | **Rating** | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | | **Frame** | Enclosed CoreXY | Open bed-slinger | | **AMS** | AMS (4-spool) | AMS Lite (4-spool) | | **Materials** | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, ASA-CF, PA | PLA, PETG, TPU | | **Best For** | Engineering-grade prints | Quiet, easy PLA printing | ## Bambu Lab P1S If you need a 3D printer that can handle a variety of materials and has active chamber control, get the Bambu Lab P1S. This printer is particularly well-suited for users who want to work with ABS, ASA, ASA-CF, and PA, thanks to its enclosed CoreXY design. The AMS compatibility allows you to print in up to four colors or multiple materials simultaneously, which can be a huge upgrade for those looking to create complex designs. The Bambu Lab P1S also features active chamber control, ensuring that the internal temperature remains stable throughout the printing process. This is crucial when working with materials like ABS and ASA, as they require precise temperature control to avoid warping or other issues. Additionally, the filtered exhaust system helps keep your workspace clean by removing harmful fumes. One downside of the Bambu Lab P1S is its larger footprint compared to the A1, which may be a concern if you have limited space for your printer. Another minor inconvenience is that it doesn't come with Bambu's auxiliary part-cooling fan kit, meaning you'll need to purchase this separately if you want enhanced cooling capabilities. Get this if you're looking for a robust 3D printer capable of handling a wide range of materials and requiring precise temperature control. Skip this if space constraints are an issue or if you prefer a more compact setup that includes all necessary components out-of-the-box. --- ## Bambu Lab A1 If you need quiet operation and full-auto bed leveling, get this. The Bambu Lab A1 is designed with a bed-slinger mechanism that ensures precise prints without manual adjustments. It also comes equipped with AMS Lite compatibility for 4-color printing, making it a versatile option for those who want to experiment with different color combinations. One of the standout features of the A1 is its quiet operation. Most prints stay under 50 dB, which means you can print in your home without disturbing others or yourself. This makes it ideal for those who need to work or sleep while their printer runs. The bed-slinger design also ensures that the bed leveling process is fully automated, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and saving time. The AMS Lite compatibility adds another layer of versatility by allowing you to print with four different colors in a single session. This can be particularly useful if you're looking to create multi-colored prints or test out various color combinations without having to switch filaments manually. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The open-frame design means that the A1 is not suitable for printing materials like ABS or ASA, which require an enclosed environment to prevent warping and ensure consistent results. Additionally, while the filament path on AMS Lite is short, TPU can still be tricky to print due to its flexibility and tendency to clog. Get this if you need a quiet printer with full-auto bed leveling and want to experiment with multi-color prints. Skip this if you frequently print materials like ABS or ASA that require an enclosed environment. --- ## The Verdict For most buyers, the P1S is worth the extra $300. You get an enclosed chamber that opens up engineering-grade materials (ABS, ASA, carbon-fiber blends), full AMS support for true 4-color prints, and active chamber temperature control. If you'll only ever print decorative PLA, the A1 is genuinely good — quieter, simpler, full-auto bed leveling out of the box. But the moment you want to print a part for your car or a structural enclosure, the A1 hits a wall the P1S doesn't. ### Who Should Buy the Bambu Lab P1S Pick the P1S if you print engineering materials (ABS, ASA, ASA-CF, PA), want full multi-material capability, or care about chamber temperature stability and filtered exhaust. ### Who Should Buy the Bambu Lab A1 Pick the A1 if you mostly print PLA or PETG, value quiet operation, want full-auto bed leveling, and the $300 savings matters more than enclosed-chamber materials. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can the Bambu Lab P1S print with TPU? Yes, the Bambu Lab P1S can print with TPU, but it requires additional cooling. The base package does not include a cooling fan kit, so you'll need to purchase one separately. This is essential for ensuring that your prints don't warp or deform due to TPU's flexibility and heat sensitivity. If you plan on printing TPU frequently, the investment in a cooling fan kit is worthwhile. ### Is the Bambu Lab A1 suitable for printing ABS? No, the Bambu Lab A1 is not suitable for printing ABS. Its open frame design makes it challenging to maintain the consistent temperature required for ABS and ASA prints. The A1 is limited to PLA and similar materials that don't require a heated enclosure or precise temperature control. If you need to print with ABS, consider upgrading to a printer like the Bambu Lab P1S, which has an enclosed build chamber. These answers should provide clear guidance on material compatibility for both printers. --- *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.*