Choose Bambu Lab P1S if...
- you plan frequent ABS, ASA or other enclosure-sensitive work
- the P1S enclosure and AMS ecosystem fit your setup
- you value its CoreXY format and auxiliary cooling
Bambu Lab P1S vs Bambu Lab A1: Which Should You Buy?
Short answer
With equal stated build volume, the P1S is mainly the enclosure and P-series ecosystem choice. The A1 is a lower-cost open-frame option for common materials and beginners who do not need that environment.
Choose Bambu Lab A1 if...
- your work is mostly PLA, PETG or TPU
- you want a lower entry price with optional AMS lite
- you do not need a closed chamber
Price and status context
Bambu Lab P1S: $699. Manufacturer store price observed; base printer only. Status: current.
Bambu Lab A1: $349. Manufacturer store price observed; base printer only. Status: current.
Prices are indicative, region- and bundle-sensitive, and last checked 2026-09-20. Compare like-for-like base printers, combos and accessories before deciding.
Key differences
| Feature | Bambu Lab P1S | Bambu Lab A1 |
|---|---|---|
| Build volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Enclosure | Enclosed | Open frame |
| Maximum bed temperature | 100 C | 100 C |
| Multicolour | Up to 16 colours with compatible AMS units | Up to 4 colours with one AMS lite |
Bambu Lab P1S vs Bambu Lab A1 in practice
Neither printer wins on stated build size. The selection turns on enclosure, materials and current bundle price.
An enclosure can affect temperature stability, but it is not a guarantee for every material or part geometry. Follow the material manufacturer and printer guidance.
The P1S and A1 use different multicolour accessory families, so compare the full configuration rather than just the printer body.
Full specifications
| Specification | Bambu Lab P1S | Bambu Lab A1 |
|---|---|---|
| Machine dimensions | 389 x 389 x 458 mm | 385 x 410 x 430 mm |
| Maximum nozzle temperature | 300 C | 300 C |
| Maximum claimed speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Camera | Low-frame-rate 720p camera with timelapse | Low-frame-rate 1080p camera with timelapse |
| Material guidance | Ideal: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET, ABS and ASA. PA and PC are listed as capable. | Ideal: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA. Larger high-temperature prints can warp in its open frame. |
Running-cost considerations
Maximum speed is not a job-cost result. Filament, purge waste, print time, energy use and failure allowance all depend on the sliced job. Estimate the real cost of a job on either printer.
Questions
Can the A1 be enclosed later?
Bambu Lab does not recommend enclosing the A1. Choose the P1S if a supported enclosed workflow is important.
Methodology and limitations
InspectMesh compares stated specifications and use-case implications. It has not hands-on tested these printers for this page. Maximum speeds are manufacturer claims, material results vary, and prices are time-sensitive.
Specifications last checked: 2026-09-20.