The A1 and A1 Mini are both entry-tier printers from Bambu Lab, so the brand and ecosystem question is already settled — this comes down to size, features and price. Both are open-frame bed-slinger printers with 4-slot multicolor, a 500 mm/s rated top speed and automatic calibration. The A1 costs $80 more and gets you 188% more build volume and extra engineering materials (ABS).
Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Makers who want large prints and multicolor capability without an enclosure — ideal for PLA, PETG, and flexible materials.
Full details →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want Bambu's ease of use and multicolor printing in a compact footprint.
Full details →| Bambu Lab A1 | Bambu Lab A1 Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | $299 | ★ $219 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Entry | Entry |
| Motion | BedSlinger | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | ★ 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 180 × 180 × 180 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Oct 19, 2023 | Oct 19, 2023 |
| Cycle length | ~365 days | ~365 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Wait |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The A1 and A1 Mini were released on the same day, Oct 19, 2023 (1,120 days ago). Their previous release cycle ran about 365 days; both are now 755 days past that point, and no successor has been announced for either.
Being this far past their usual refresh point should keep prices near their lowest, but a replacement for either could be announced at any time — check the launch calendar before buying.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The A1 Mini lists at $219 and the A1 at $299 — $80 apart, so the A1 costs 37% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $18 for the A1 versus $38 for the A1 Mini — so the pricier A1 actually gives you more build space per dollar.
This one is close on paper. If your parts fit within the A1 Mini's 180 × 180 × 180 mm, save the $80; if not, the A1's 188% extra build volume earns its premium.
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
The A1 Combo includes the AMS Lite for 4-color filament switching — the same system used on the A1 Mini and A2L.
Roughly 2.9 times the volume of the A1 Mini — great for terrain, cosplay props, and functional parts. The A2L is the step up if you need a larger bed-slinger.
Works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Handy app, and the full Bambu filament ecosystem including multi-material profiles.
The A1 Mini sets up in minutes with automatic calibration and Bambu's guided first-print workflow.
Up to 4 colors with the AMS Lite accessory — Bambu's filament switching system with minimal waste purging.
Fits on a desk or shelf without taking over your workspace, while still printing at 500 mm/s.