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A1 vs P1S

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

Open bed-slinger vs enclosed CoreXY; at current street prices only $100 apart (list gap: $300)

Quick answer: Get the A1 ($299 street, list $399) if you only print PLA, PETG, or TPU. Get the P1S ($399 street, list $699) if you need to print ABS, ASA, or other materials that require an enclosure.

Which one should I buy?

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

A1

  • $100 cheaper at current street prices ($299 vs $399; list gap $300)
  • 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$399 $699
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. At list prices, plenty of users bought the P1S, never printed ABS, and essentially paid $300 for a box around their printer. Under the current open-ended discounts the gap is only $100 ($399 vs $299), which makes the enclosed P1S an easy upgrade even for maybe-someday-ABS buyers. At $100, the box is cheap insurance; at $300, only buy it if PLA is not your ceiling. If PLA is your material, the A1 is the smarter buy. If you want to experiment with engineering filaments even occasionally, the P1S pays for itself in avoided failed prints.

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