Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming soon
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 — a new model is likely coming soon
Best for: Professional makers, studios, and engineers who need large-format printing with genuine multi-material capability, open-source hardware, and Prusa's long-term support.
Full details →| Bambu Lab A1 | Prusa Research XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Prosumer | Professional |
| Motion | BedSlinger | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 360 × 360 × 360 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ✅ 5 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PA-CF, PC |
| Released | Oct 19, 2023 | Nov 20, 2023 |
| Cycle length | ~365 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Wait |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | A1 2026 Refresh (Expected Q4 2026) | Prusa XL 2 (Expected late 2026) |
Unlike the A1 Mini's AMS Lite, the A1 Combo includes the full AMS with support for a wider range of filament types.
The largest build volume available in a Bambu bed-slinger — great for terrain, large cosplay props, and functional parts.
Works with Bambu Studio, Bambu Handy app, and the full Bambu filament ecosystem including multi-material profiles.
Unlike filament-switching AMS/MMU systems, the XL physically swaps print heads. Each material has its own nozzle, eliminating purge towers entirely and enabling true multi-material prints.
One of the largest build volumes available in a CoreXY printer at this price point — suited for large props, architectural models, and batch production.
Every component is documented, parts are stocked for years, and the community has developed hundreds of modifications and improvements.