The Bambu Lab X1C and Prusa Research XL+ are both professional-tier printers, but the XL+ costs 1.9× as much — so the question is what the extra money buys. Note that the X1C has been replaced by the X2D and is no longer sold new. Both are CoreXY printers with a 500 mm/s rated top speed and automatic calibration. The XL+ costs $1,100 more and gets you 178% more build volume and an open-source design; the X1C answers with an enclosed chamber.
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 It has been replaced by the Bambu Lab X2D.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 →Next model announced — but an upgrade kit is available for existing owners
🔧 Upgrade kit available — from XL
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 X1C | Prusa Research XL+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $1,199 | $2,299 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Professional | Professional |
| Motion | CoreXY | 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 | — | 🔧 From XL |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Jul 25, 2022 | Aug 13, 2026 |
| Cycle length | ~365 days | ~997 days |
| Cycle advice | Superseded | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Clearance | Buy |
| Next model | — | XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026) |
The X1C has been replaced by the X2D and is no longer sold new, so there is no release cycle left to time — any unit you find now is leftover or second-hand stock.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 XL+ was released on Aug 13, 2026, 91 days ago. Prusa Research has already announced what comes next: XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026). Because Prusa Research sells upgrade kits for this line, owners can move up without replacing the whole printer.
On timing alone, the XL+ is the safer buy right now — it has its next step announced (XL Pick & Place Toolhead, Late 2026), with upgrade kits for existing owners, while the X1C has already been replaced by the X2D.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The X1C lists at $1,199 and the XL+ at $2,299 — $1,100 apart, so the XL+ costs 92% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $71 for the X1C versus $49 for the XL+ — so the pricier XL+ actually gives you more build space per dollar.
Buy the XL+. 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 XL+ against the X2D.
Compare Bambu Lab X2D vs Prusa Research XL+ →
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.
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.