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 →Early in release cycle — no urgency to wait
Best for: First-time buyers and hobbyists who want the easiest path to multicolor FDM printing without breaking the bank.
Full details →| Prusa Research XL | Bambu Lab A1 Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Professional | Entry |
| Motion | CoreXY | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | 360 × 360 × 360 mm | 180 × 180 × 180 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 5 slots | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PA-CF, PC | PLA, PETG, TPU |
| Released | Nov 20, 2023 | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Cycle length | ~730 days | ~365 days |
| Cycle advice | Wait | Buy |
| Deals advice | Buy | Caution |
| Next model | Prusa XL 2 (Expected late 2026) | A1 Mini 3 (Expected Q4 2026) |
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.
Automatic bed leveling, first-layer calibration, and Bambu's guided workflow mean most users are printing within 15 minutes of unboxing.
The Combo bundle includes AMS Lite for 4-color filament switching — unprecedented at this price tier.
The Mini 2 addresses the original's noise complaints with an improved motion system and better damping.