A1 Mini vs P1P
Compact budget printer vs performance CoreXY workhorse
Which one should I buy?
A1 Mini for small prints and tight budgets. P1P is discontinued, for new purchases, the A1 ($399) or P2S ($549) are better options than buying a used P1P.
A1 Mini
- $200 cheaper at $299: the most affordable Bambu printer
- Touchscreen for on-printer control and quick-swap nozzle system
- Smaller footprint, ideal for compact workspaces
- Still in production, full warranty and ongoing firmware support
P1P
- 2.8× larger build volume (256mm³ vs 180mm³), handles helmets and large functional parts
- CoreXY kinematics, more stable for prints taller than 120mm
- Compatible with full AMS, humidity control and 16-color capability
- Accepts P1S enclosure panels for ABS/ASA printing
P1P is discontinued. For new purchases, compare against the P2S ($549) instead. This page is useful if you're buying used.
Specs comparison
| Feature | A1 Mini | P1P |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | ~$499 (used) |
| Build volume | 180 × 180 × 180 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Kinematics | Bed-slinger | CoreXY |
| Max speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Touchscreen | 2.4" color | None |
| Quick-swap nozzle | Yes | No |
| Enclosure | No | No (panels available) |
| AMS compatible | AMS Lite | Full AMS |
Build volume: The P1P offers 2.8× more print volume (256mm³ vs 180mm³). For functional parts, helmets, or larger props, the A1 Mini can't compete. For miniatures and most hobbyist prints, 180mm is plenty.
Kinematics: The P1P uses CoreXY: the bed only moves in Z, more stable for tall prints. The A1 Mini's bed moves in Y, which can introduce wobble in prints taller than ~120mm.
Materials: Both are open frame. The P1P can accept P1S panels for an enclosure (ABS/ASA capable). The A1 Mini has no enclosure upgrade path.
Choose A1 Mini if...
- Budget is the main constraint
- You mainly print small objects
- You're new to 3D printing
- Simplicity matters more than upgrade path
Choose P1P (used) if...
- You need larger print volume
- You want CoreXY reliability for tall prints
- You plan to add enclosure panels later
- You want the full AMS system for multicolor