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A1 vs P2S

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

$250 more at current street prices buys an enclosure, faster speeds, and the ability to print engineering materials

Quick answer: Get the A1 ($299 street, list $399) if you print PLA and PETG and want to save money. Get the P2S ($549) if you want an enclosure for ABS/ASA; at current prices that is $250 more (at list only $150).

Which one should I buy?

Get the A1 ($299 street, list $399) if you print PLA and PETG and want to save money. Get the P2S ($549) if you want an enclosure for ABS/ASA. At current prices that's $250 more (at list only $150).

A1

  • $250 cheaper at its current $299 street price, meaningful savings for PLA-only use
  • Open design, easy filament loading and print monitoring
  • AMS Lite still gives you 4-color capability
  • Simpler machine with less to go wrong

P2S

  • Enclosed, handles ABS, ASA, and PA without warping
  • 600mm/s max speed, 20% faster than the A1
  • CoreXY kinematics, better for tall and heavy prints
  • AMS 2.0, more reliable multi-material feeding
  • Newer platform with longer software support expected

Specs at a glance

FeatureA1P2S
Price$299 $399$549
Build volume256 × 256 × 256 mm256 × 256 × 256 mm
Max speed500 mm/s600 mm/s
KinematicsBed-slingerCoreXY
EnclosureNoYes
ChamberOpenEnclosed, not actively heated
Max nozzle temp300°C300°C
AMS typeAMS LiteAMS 2.0
LidarNoNo
Auto calibrationYesYes

A small price gap, a big capability gap

At list only $150 apart (street: $250, since the A1 is discounted to $299), the A1 and P2S are the closest cross-tier comparison in the Bambu lineup. The build volume is identical. The speed difference (500 vs 600mm/s) is real but rarely the deciding factor. What actually matters is the enclosure.

If you ever want to print ABS or ASA, even occasionally: the A1 will frustrate you with warping and layer separation. The P2S enclosure traps ambient heat and solves this completely.

Get the A1 if...

  • You only print PLA, PETG, or TPU
  • You want the cheapest capable Bambu printer
  • You prefer open access for monitoring
  • You already own an A1 and are considering an upgrade (don't bother)

Get the P2S if...

  • You want to print ABS, ASA, or PA
  • You want faster prints and CoreXY stability
  • You're buying your first printer and want room to grow
  • You want AMS 2.0 for more reliable multi-material

Full specs and review: A1 page · P2S page

Usually yes. The P2S is the better all-rounder, and at list prices the gap is only $150 (currently $250, because the A1 is discounted to $299 while the P2S sits at list). If you know with certainty you'll only ever print PLA, the A1 is fine. But most people's filament interests expand over time, and the P2S enclosure future-proofs you without breaking the bank.

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