The Bambu Lab A1 (entry) and Prusa Research MK4S (prosumer) come from different brands and sit in different tiers, so this is less a head-to-head than a question of how much printer you need. Both are open-frame bed-slinger printers with a 500 mm/s rated top speed and automatic calibration. The MK4S costs $430 more and gets you extra engineering materials (ASA, PA and PC) and an open-source design; the A1 answers with 45% more build volume and 4-slot multicolor.
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 →Late in cycle — but an upgrade kit is available. Existing owners can upgrade without buying new
🔧 Upgrade kit available — from MK4, MK3.5
Best for: Makers who value open-source hardware, community support, long-term repairability, and battle-tested reliability over raw speed or multicolor features.
Full details →| Bambu Lab A1 | Prusa Research MK4S | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $299 | $729 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Entry | Prosumer |
| Motion | BedSlinger | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | ★ 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 250 × 210 × 220 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 4 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Oct 19, 2023 | Aug 13, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~365 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The A1 was released on Oct 19, 2023, 1,120 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 365 days; it is now 755 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
The MK4S was released on Aug 13, 2024, 821 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 730 days; it is now 91 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
On timing alone, the MK4S is the safer buy right now — it is 91 days past its ~730-day cycle with no successor announced, while the A1 is 755 days past its ~365-day cycle with no successor announced.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The A1 lists at $299 and the MK4S at $729 — $430 apart, so the MK4S costs 144% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $18 for the A1 versus $63 for the MK4S — the A1 is both cheaper and roomier, so it wins on value outright.
If you are buying before Dec 1, 2026, the active sale tips value toward the A1.
Our pick for most buyers is the A1, for a lower price ($430 less) and 45% more build volume, plus a higher editor score (9.1 vs 8.9). Go for the MK4S instead if you need ASA, PA and PC — they are on its materials list but not the A1's. One caveat: the A1 is 755 days past its ~365-day cycle with no successor announced, so check the launch calendar before you buy. The A1 is also in a sale window right now (Bambu Black Friday 2026, until Dec 1, 2026).
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.
MK4 and MK3.5 owners can upgrade to MK4S specs without purchasing a whole new printer. This is Prusa's commitment to owners and is unique in the industry at this level.
Firmware, PCB schematics, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are all published under open licenses. You own the printer completely.
Prusa's forum, knowledge base, and repair guides are unmatched. Parts are stocked and available for years after purchase.