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A1 mini vs P1S

Last updated daily price tracker

Entry-level compact vs enclosed all-rounder

Which one should I buy?

A1 mini if you only print PLA/PETG in small sizes. P1S if you need ABS/ASA, larger volume, or an enclosed CoreXY: the $150 difference ($199 vs $349) pays for a genuinely different class of machine.

Specs: Bambu Lab A1 mini tech specsBambu Lab P1S tech specs (PDF), checked October 2, 2026

Where to buy

Day-one accessories
Build platesFilament dryers

Daily price historyLinks to Amazon are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Strengths: A1 mini vs P1S

A1 mini

  • $150 cheaper at its current $199, best value for PLA/PETG-only users
  • Compact size, takes up significantly less desk space
  • Quick-swap nozzle and easy beginner-friendly setup
  • Sufficient build volume (180mm) for miniatures and everyday hobby prints

P1S

  • Full enclosure with activated carbon filter, enables ABS and ASA printing (the filter binds VOCs, not particles)
  • 2.9x the build volume (256 mm cube), handles larger functional parts
  • CoreXY kinematics, more stable motion system for tall prints
  • Takes box AMS units (humidity control) without the extra A Series AMS Hub

Specs comparison

FeatureA1 miniP1S
Price$199 $219$349 $399
Build volume180 × 180 × 180 mm256 × 256 × 256 mm
KinematicsBed-slingerCoreXY
Max speed500 mm/s500 mm/s
EnclosureNoYes (activated carbon only)
MaterialsPLA, PETG, TPUPLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA
AMS compatibleAMS Lite or AMS via hubAMS (up to 4 units)
Touchscreen2.4" colorNo (2.7" LCD, buttons)
LidarNoNo

US store prices, struck-through = Bambu's "Typical Price" (median store price on at least 7 of the last 90 days, excluding promotions)

What the P1S premium buys you

  • Larger build volume: 256mm vs 180mm, 2.9x the volume
  • Full enclosure: Enables ABS, ASA, and better temperature stability
  • Activated carbon filter: Binds VOCs and odor from ABS/ASA printing. It does not capture ultrafine particles, so ventilation still matters
  • CoreXY kinematics: More stable for tall prints
  • AMS without an extra hub: the A1 mini needs the A Series AMS Hub for box AMS units

Not sure which to choose? Ask yourself: will you ever need to print ABS or ASA? If no, the A1 mini (or A1 for more volume) is probably right. If yes, the P1S is worth every dollar of the difference.

Choose A1 mini if...

  • You only print PLA, PETG, or TPU
  • You print small objects (under 180mm)
  • You're testing whether 3D printing is for you
  • Budget is a hard constraint

Choose P1S if...

  • You need ABS or ASA (engineering materials)
  • You print functional parts needing larger volume
  • You're in a shared space and need fume filtration
  • You plan serious prototyping or small production

Full specs and review:A1 mini pageP1S page

Build volumes of the A1 mini, 180 by 180 by 180 millimeters, and the P1S, 256 by 256 by 256 millimeters, overlaid to the same scale 180 mm 256 mm 180 mm 256 mm 180 mm 256 mm front view side view A1 mini, 5.8 L P1S, 16.8 L Build volumes of the A1 mini, 180 by 180 by 180 millimeters, and the P1S, 256 by 256 by 256 millimeters, overlaid to the same scale 180 mm 256 mm 180 mm 256 mm front view 180 mm 256 mm 180 mm 256 mm side view A1 mini, 5.8 L P1S, 16.8 L
Fig. 1A1 mini 180 × 180 × 180 mm (solid) and P1S 256 × 256 × 256 mm (dash-dot) to the same scale: the P1S is 76 mm wider, 76 mm deeper and 76 mm taller (16.8 L against 5.8 L).
Front outlines of the A1 mini, 347 by 365 millimeters, and the P1S, 389 by 458 millimeters, schematic, side by side to the same scale 347 mm 389 mm 365 mm 458 mm A1 mini P1S Front outlines of the A1 mini, 347 by 365 millimeters, and the P1S, 389 by 458 millimeters, schematic, side by side to the same scale 347 mm 365 mm A1 mini 389 mm 458 mm P1S
Fig. 2Front outlines to the same scale: A1 mini 347 × 365 mm, P1S 389 × 458 mm (width × height); the P1S is 42 mm wider and 93 mm taller.

More comparisons

What changed

Newest first, from this page's version history. Only changes to text you can read here; date refreshes and reshuffled reading links are left out.

  1. Bambu US store price update: A1 mini $199 (was $219), P1S $349 (was $399).
  2. Prices back at $219 for the A1 mini and $399 for the P1S; the gap is $180 again.
  3. A1 mini price now $209 (was $219) and P1S $369 (was $399); the gap is $160.

Earlier changes

Earlier changes

8 older entries, Jul 19, 2026 to Oct 2, 2026.

ShowHide
  1. AMS rows updated: the P1S takes box AMS units (up to 4) without an extra hub, while the A1 mini needs the A Series AMS Hub for them.
  2. Spec table: the P1S has a 2.7-inch LCD with buttons, no touchscreen (was listed as a 2.7-inch color screen); build volume ratio corrected to 2.9x (was 2.8x).
  3. P1S price back at $399 after the $359 Fall Sale price; the gap to the A1 mini is $180 again.
  4. P1S Fall Sale price $359 (list $399); the gap to the A1 mini is $140 ($180 at list).
  5. P1S price back at $399 (was $369).
  6. P1S street price now $369 (was $399); the gap to the A1 mini is $150.
  7. Filter spec corrected: activated carbon only, no HEPA (was listed as HEPA plus carbon); it binds VOCs and odor but does not capture ultrafine particles.
  8. Prices now at street level: A1 mini $219 (list $299) and P1S $399 (list $699), so the gap is $180 (was $400).
Comparison
A1 mini vs P1S
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