If you’ve been into 3D printing, you know that “which printer should I get next?” is an ongoing debate we have with ourselves (and anyone who’ll listen). Today we are going to put the Bambu Lab A1 under microscope.
🐼 First, Meet the Bambu A1
Released in late 2023, the Bambu Lab A1 is Bambu Lab’s more affordable entry-level option—kind of like their answer to the “I want to print cool stuff but I don’t want to build a spaceship” crowd. It’s got a lot of the shiny bells and whistles of its big siblings (like the P1S and X1C) but without quite the same price tag.
Here’s what you get out of the box:
- Print Volume: 256×256×256 mm
- Speed: Up to 500 mm/s
- Auto Leveling: Yes
- Multi-Color: Yes, with the AMS Lite add-on
- Enclosure: No
- Price: Around $399
- Vibe: Plug’n’print
It’s fast & clean & surprisingly quiet. And it just… works, which isn’t something I say often in this hobby.
🔄 What Are We Comparing It To?
Let’s look at a few popular contenders in the same “I’m serious about printing but I don’t want to sell a kidney” category:
🛠️ Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
- Print Volume: 220×220×250 mm
- Speed: Up to 500 mm/s (but realistically… a bit slower)
- Auto Leveling: Yes
- Multi-Color: No (unless heavily modded)
- Enclosure: No
- Price: Around $299
- Vibe: Tinker-friendly, and mod-happy
This one’s kind of like the loyal golden retriever of budget printers. You can train it to do anything, but you’ll be doing a lot of the work yourself. It’s a fantastic value, especially if you like customizing and don’t mind the occasional firmware update or belt tightening.
Want to buy one? Get it from Amazon!
💨 Prusa MINI+
- Print Volume: 180×180×180 mm
- Speed: 200 mm/s
- Auto Leveling: Yes
- Multi-Color: No, but MMU can be hacked to work with the printer
- Enclosure: Yes, but purchased separately
- Price: Around $550
- Vibe: Precision-focused, open-source darling, but definitely slower and pricier for the size
Prusa fans, don’t come for me—this is still a great machine, especially for those who value community support and print consistency over speed.
Want to buy one? Get it from Amazon!
My Experience with the Bambu Lab A1
Setup took maybe 15 minutes—seriously. The auto-bed leveling worked on the first try, and the first layer stuck like it was born there.
The moment that really sold me? How plug’n’print the whole system is. You don’t need to do research before every step you take, just hit the print and it does the job.
Print speed is buttery fast, even on default settings. At 350 mm/s, it doesn’t scream or rattle—it just glides. I still print slower for nicer finishes, but having the option to blitz through a functional part? Love that.
Who’s the Bambu Lab A1 For?
- Beginner but wants pro-level features? This is your jam.
- Tired of tinkering and want reliability? It’s like switching from manual to automatic.
- Want multicolor without headaches? AMS Lite is dreamy.
- Need giant build volume or resin detail? Look elsewhere.
It’s not perfect, of course. The AMS Lite can jam if you don’t keep your filament tidy. It’s not as tweakable as something like the Ender 3. But honestly? That’s kinda the point.
Final Thoughts (And a Little Nudge)
If you’re debating whether the Bambu Lab A1 is worth it, I’d say this: it’s like getting a luxury coffee machine when you’ve been using a kettle and instant for years. Suddenly, things just taste better. Easier. Smoother. You spend less time fighting with your setup and more time enjoying the process.
So yeah—it might not be the cheapest printer on the block, but it feels like one of the smartest buys in 2025.
If you’ve got questions about the A1—or want me to do a side-by-side print test with another machine—I’m all ears. Drop a comment, shoot me a message, or share your favorite multicolor print ideas below.
Until then, happy printing—and may your first layer always stick.