Compare › A1 vs P1S

A1 vs P1S

Last updated: · US store prices, struck-through = list price · daily price tracker

Open bed-slinger vs enclosed CoreXY; $100 apart

Quick answer: Get the A1 ($299) if you only print PLA, PETG, or TPU. Get the P1S ($399) if you need to print ABS, ASA, or other materials that require an enclosure.

Which one should I buy?

Get the A1 ($299) if you only print PLA or PETG. Get the P1S ($399) if you need to print ABS, ASA, or other materials that require an enclosure.

A1

  • $100 cheaper ($299 vs $399), and you keep the open frame
  • Easier to load and monitor prints. No enclosure panels to open
  • Same build volume as the P1S (256mm³)
  • AMS Lite still gives you 4-color printing

P1S

  • Enclosed, prints ABS, ASA, PA, PC without warping
  • CoreXY kinematics. No bed movement, better for tall parts
  • Enclosed (not actively heated), reduces thermal stress and warping on prints
  • Full AMS support (not just AMS Lite)

Specs at a glance

FeatureA1P1S
Price$299$399
Build volume256 × 256 × 256 mm256 × 256 × 256 mm
Max speed500 mm/s500 mm/s
KinematicsBed-slingerCoreXY
EnclosureNoYes
ChamberOpenEnclosed, not actively heated
Max nozzle temp300°C300°C
AMS typeAMS LiteFull AMS
LidarNoNo
Auto calibrationYesYes

The real question: do you print engineering materials?

The A1 and P1S print identically for PLA, PETG, and TPU. The enclosure on the P1S exists for one reason: to retain heat and prevent warping when printing ABS, ASA, PA, or PC. If your filament drawer only holds PLA, the P1S advantage evaporates.

The CoreXY system on the P1S also helps with tall prints: the bed doesn't move on the Y axis, so heavy tall parts aren't thrown around. For anything under ~150mm tall this makes no practical difference.

Get the A1 if...

  • You print PLA, PETG, or TPU exclusively
  • You want to save $100 (street) and put it toward filament
  • You prefer open access for easy monitoring and loading
  • You're buying your first Bambu printer

Get the P1S if...

  • You need to print ABS, ASA, PA, or PC
  • You print tall parts and want stable CoreXY motion
  • You want full AMS for reliable multi-material printing
  • You expect to expand into engineering materials later

Full specs and review: A1 page · P1S page

Only if you use the enclosure. The P1S costs $100 more than the A1: $399 against $299, and that $100 buys exactly one thing: a box that holds heat in and keeps fumes contained. For PLA and PETG it does nothing for you, and the A1 is the smarter buy. If you expect to print ABS or ASA even occasionally, the P1S pays for itself in avoided warping and failed prints. Worth knowing: back when both machines sold at their old list prices the gap was $300, which made this a far harder call than it is today.

More comparisons