The Bambu Lab X1C and Creality K2 Plus are cross-brand rivals: both are professional-tier printers, listed at the same price. Note that the X1C has been replaced by the X2D and is no longer sold new. Both are enclosed CoreXY printers with 4-slot multicolor and automatic calibration. For the same money, the X1C gives you extra engineering materials (PC), while the K2 Plus gives you 156% more build volume and a top speed of 600 mm/s (vs 500).
This printer is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Bambu Lab X2D.
Best for: Professional makers seeking the X1C should now consider the X2D (its direct successor) or P2S (prosumer enclosed). Clearance X1C units offer the LiDAR and AI monitoring features at a reduced price.
Full details →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Professionals and studios who need large-format enclosed multicolor printing without the premium price of Bambu's or Prusa's flagship offerings.
Full details →| Bambu Lab X1C | Creality K2 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | $1,199 | $1,199 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Professional | Professional |
| Motion | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | ★ 350 × 350 × 350 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | ★ 600 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Jul 25, 2022 | Sep 15, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~365 days | ~450 days |
| Cycle advice | Superseded | Wait |
| Deals advice | Clearance | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The X1C has been replaced by the X2D and is no longer sold new, so there is no release cycle left to time — any unit you find now is leftover or second-hand stock.
The K2 Plus was released on Sep 15, 2024, 788 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 450 days; it is now 338 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
On timing alone, the K2 Plus is the safer buy right now — it is 338 days past its ~450-day cycle with no successor announced, while the X1C has already been replaced by the X2D.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
Both list at $1,199, so price alone will not separate them.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $71 for the X1C versus $28 for the K2 Plus.
Buy the K2 Plus. The X1C has already been replaced by the X2D and is no longer sold new, so it is only worth considering at a clearance price. If the X1C appealed to you, the fair comparison today is the K2 Plus against the X2D.
Compare Bambu Lab X2D vs Creality K2 Plus →
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
The X1C's LiDAR sensor maps bed surface deviation and adjusts in real time — the most reliable first-layer consistency in its class.
The built-in camera with spaghetti detection pauses prints automatically when failures are detected — critical for unattended production runs.
The X1C uses a die-cast metal frame and carbon-fiber-reinforced structure for rigidity at high speeds.
One of the largest build volumes available in an enclosed CoreXY printer, suited for large props, architectural models, and batch production.
Creality's CFS (Creative Filament System) provides 4-color filament switching comparable to Bambu's AMS at a lower price point.
The K2 Plus delivers professional-level features at a price point accessible to serious hobbyists and small studios.