Bambu Lab A1 mini vs Flashforge AD5X
Researched by Riley Hart · prices checked Nov 4, 2026
As of Nov 4, 2026, the Bambu Lab A1 mini costs $299 and the Flashforge AD5X costs $349, so the Bambu Lab A1 mini is $50 cheaper. Pick the Bambu Lab A1 mini for first time buyers printing small PLA parts. Pick the Flashforge AD5X for cheap 4 color printing in a small space. The Bambu Lab A1 mini wins 3 of 5 points we can measure (1 tied).
Who wins, point by point
The Bambu Lab A1 mini wins 3 of 5 points we can measure (1 tied). Built from today's prices, the specs and independent tests for these two robots.
| A1 mini | AD5X | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price today | $299 | $349 | A1 mini |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year | A1 mini |
| Build volume | 180 x 180 x 180 mm | 220 x 220 x 220 mm | AD5X |
| Top print speed | 500 mm/s | 300 mm/s | A1 mini |
| Max nozzle temp | 300°C | 300°C | Tie |
- You want to spend less (saves $50)
- You care most about warranty (2 years vs 1 year)
- You care most about top print speed (500 mm/s vs 300 mm/s)
- Best for first time buyers printing small PLA parts
- You care most about build volume (220 x 220 x 220 mm vs 180 x 180 x 180 mm)
- Best for cheap 4 color printing in a small space
- Build volume
- 180 x 180 x 180 mm
- Max speed
- Up to 500 mm/s toolhead
- Multicolor
- Up to 4 colors
- Enclosure
- No
Small, quiet starter 3D printer with optional 4 color AMS lite
Full Bambu Lab A1 mini review, pros and cons →- Build volume
- 220 x 220 x 220 mm
- Max speed
- Up to 300 mm/s print
- Multicolor
- Yes
- Enclosure
- No
Compact open frame 4 color printer at a low price
Full Flashforge AD5X review, pros and cons →Side by side
| Bambu Lab A1 mini | Flashforge AD5X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $349 |
| 3 year cost | $299 | $349 |
| Our score | Not scored yet | Not scored yet |
| Rank in 3D printers | #32 | #34 |
| Status | on sale | on sale |
| Warranty | 2 years (Bambu Lab US store product page) | 1 year limited; 3 months on extruder parts |
| Build volume | 180 x 180 x 180 mm | 220 x 220 x 220 mm |
| Print speed | Up to 500 mm/s toolhead speed, 10,000 mm/s2 acceleration (Bambu Lab) | Up to 300 mm/s print, 600 mm/s travel, 20,000 mm/s² acceleration |
| Multi color | Up to 4 colors with the AMS lite (Combo version); AMS, AMS 2 Pro or AMS HT need the AMS HUB accessory | Yes, 4 colors with the built in IFS |
| Enclosure | No, open frame | No, open frame; DIY enclosure kit sold separately |
| Auto leveling | Yes, full auto calibration of Z offset, bed level, vibration and nozzle pressure before each print | Yes, one click auto leveling |
| Max nozzle temp | 300 C | 300 °C |
| Heated bed | Yes, up to 80 C | Yes, up to 110 °C, PEI steel sheet |
| Filament types | Ideal: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA. Not recommended: ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PET, carbon or glass fiber filled | PLA, PETG, TPU 95A, TPU 64D to 75D, PLA-CF, PETG-CF |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bambu Bus, microSD card; app and PC control | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Camera | Yes, low frame rate camera up to 1080p with timelapse | None (Tom's Hardware notes no camera) |
| Noise | As low as 49 dB (Bambu Lab claim) | About 58 dB without the enclosure (ProToolReviews) |
| Assembly | Ships pre assembled; about 20 minutes to the first print (Bambu Lab) | Three steps: screen, filament holder and multi color module |
| Weight | 5.5 kg net; 347 x 315 x 365 mm | 11.4 kg (Tom's Hardware) |
| Best for | first time buyers printing small PLA parts | cheap 4 color printing in a small space |
| Skip if | you need large prints or ABS and ASA | you want a camera or enclosed printing |
Specs are maker claims unless a reviewer is named. Prices from the stores we link, checked daily.
What reviewers found
Bambu Lab A1 mini
- Tom's Hardware: Called it fast, quiet and easy to use. A speed Benchy took 19 min 15 s on a fast profile. A four color fire truck print took 22 h 25 min versus 4 h 19 min in one color, with 115 g of purge waste after tuning. Source
- All3DP: Found it consistent and reliable with clean multicolor prints. Complaints were a rattling purge wiper, no carry handle, a laggy touchscreen at times and no flexible filament support in the AMS lite. Source
Flashforge AD5X
- Tom's Hardware: Excellent print quality across PLA, PETG, TPU and ASA, but the Orca based slicer crashed about every third print. A 33 frog plate wasted 11 g over 23 color swaps. Source
- ProToolReviews: Called it a well rounded multicolor printer with sharp prints and reliable runs. Noted about 58 dB noise unless enclosed and suggested the optional enclosure. Source
Questions buyers ask
Which is better, the Bambu Lab A1 mini or the Flashforge AD5X?
Pick the Bambu Lab A1 mini for first time buyers printing small PLA parts. Pick the Flashforge AD5X for cheap 4 color printing in a small space.
Which is cheaper?
The Bambu Lab A1 mini at $299, versus $349 for the Flashforge AD5X, checked Nov 4, 2026.
What is the difference between the A1 mini and the AD5X?
Build volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm on the A1 mini, 220 x 220 x 220 mm on the AD5X. Print speed: Up to 500 mm/s toolhead speed, 10,000 mm/s2 acceleration (Bambu Lab) on the A1 mini, Up to 300 mm/s print, 600 mm/s travel, 20,000 mm/s² acceleration on the AD5X. Multi color: Up to 4 colors with the AMS lite (Combo version); AMS, AMS 2 Pro or AMS HT need the AMS… on the A1 mini, Yes, 4 colors with the built in IFS on the AD5X.
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