Bambu Lab A1 vs Bambu Lab A2L
Researched by Riley Hart · prices checked Nov 4, 2026
As of Nov 4, 2026, the Bambu Lab A1 costs $359 and the Bambu Lab A2L costs $439, so the Bambu Lab A1 is $80 cheaper. The Bambu Lab A2L has a published review score and ranks #17 in our 3D printers ranking; the Bambu Lab A1 is not scored yet. Pick the Bambu Lab A1 for beginners who want full size multi color prints. Pick the Bambu Lab A2L for families and crafters who want large PLA prints and easy 4 color printing. The Bambu Lab A2L wins 2 of 5 points we can measure (2 tied).
Who wins, point by point
The Bambu Lab A2L wins 2 of 5 points we can measure (2 tied). Built from today's prices, the specs and independent tests for these two robots.
| A1 | A2L | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price today | $359 | $439 | A1 |
| Build volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 330 x 320 x 325 mm | A2L |
| Top print speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s | Tie |
| Max nozzle temp | 300°C | 300°C | Tie |
| Release year | 2023 | 2026 | A2L |
- You want to spend less (saves $80)
- Best for beginners who want full size multi color prints
- You care most about build volume (330 x 320 x 325 mm vs 256 x 256 x 256 mm)
- You want the newer model (2026 vs 2023)
- Best for families and crafters who want large PLA prints and easy 4 color printing
- Build volume
- 256 x 256 x 256 mm
- Max speed
- Up to 500 mm/s toolhead
- Multicolor
- Up to 4 colors
- Enclosure
- No
Full size starter printer with optional 4 color AMS lite
Full Bambu Lab A1 review, pros and cons →- Build volume
- 330 x 320 x 325 mm
- Max speed
- Up to 500 mm/s
- Multicolor
- Yes
- Enclosure
- No
Large bed Bambu bed slinger with optional 4 color AMS Lite
Full Bambu Lab A2L review, pros and cons →Side by side
| Bambu Lab A1 | Bambu Lab A2L | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359 | $439 |
| 3 year cost | $359 | $439 |
| Our score | Not scored yet | 7.5/10 |
| Rank in 3D printers | #36 | #17 |
| Status | on sale | on sale |
| Warranty | 2 years (Bambu Lab US store product page) | Not checked |
| Build volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 330 x 320 x 325 mm (Tom's Hardware, FauxHammer) |
| Print speed | Up to 500 mm/s toolhead speed, 10,000 mm/s2 acceleration (Bambu Lab) | Up to 500 mm/s (Bambu Lab via FauxHammer); Tom's Hardware printed at the default 200 to 300 mm/s |
| Multi color | Up to 4 colors with one AMS lite (Combo version); AMS units need the AMS HUB accessory | Yes, 4 colors with AMS Lite in the Combo; also works with AMS and AMS 2 Pro (Tom's Hardware) |
| Enclosure | No, open frame; Bambu Lab does not recommend enclosing it | No, open frame bed slinger (Tom's Hardware) |
| Auto leveling | Yes, full auto calibration of Z offset, bed level, vibration and nozzle pressure before each print | Yes, automatic with nozzle probe Z height (Tom's Hardware) |
| Max nozzle temp | 300 C | 300 C, 0.4 mm quick swap stainless steel nozzle (Tom's Hardware, FauxHammer) |
| Heated bed | Yes, up to 100 C | Yes, up to 80 C, textured PEI spring steel sheet (FauxHammer) |
| Filament types | Ideal: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA. ABS, ASA, PC, PA and fiber filled types only for small, low infill parts | PLA, PETG, TPU (Tom's Hardware); no ABS or ASA profile at the time of FauxHammer's test |
| Connectivity | Bambu cloud service or LAN only mode; app and PC control | Wi-Fi, microSD (Tom's Hardware) |
| Camera | Yes, low frame rate camera up to 1080p with timelapse | Conflicting: Tom's Hardware says no camera; FauxHammer lists an included camera with a feed of about 1 frame per second |
| Noise | As low as 49 dB (Bambu Lab claim) | Not measured in the reviews we checked; Tom's Hardware found strong vibration on a light table |
| Assembly | Ships mostly assembled | n/a |
| Weight | 8.3 kg net; 465 x 410 x 430 mm | 12.8 kg; 544 x 529 x 505 mm (Tom's Hardware) |
| Extras | n/a | Optional blade cutter and pen plotter kit, $69 (Tom's Hardware) |
| Best for | beginners who want full size multi color prints | families and crafters who want large PLA prints and easy 4 color printing |
| Skip if | you print ABS or ASA often | you want to print ABS or ASA, or only have a light table |
Specs are maker claims unless a reviewer is named. Prices from the stores we link, checked daily.
What reviewers found
Bambu Lab A1
- Tom's Hardware (Editor's Choice): Called it a reliable and quiet high speed printer at a competitive price. A speed Benchy took 19 min 15 s, and a panda print took 2 h 40 min in one color versus 6 h 46 min in three colors. Source
- TechRadar (Editor's Choice): Scored 29 of 30 in its print quality test with a combined dimensional error of 0.099 mm. Flagged the software as complex for beginners and the open frame as a limit for ABS and PC. Source
Bambu Lab A2L
- Tom's Hardware: Editor's Choice. A Flexi panda took 2 h 40 min in one color and 6 h 46 min in three colors. A TPU 95A bag printed in 7 h 9 min. A PETG spinner failed near 95% due to a thin base. The AMS Lite vibrated off an IKEA Lack table after 45 minutes. Source
- FauxHammer (4/5): Called it a great hobby printer with good print quality for its class, but found the live camera feed about 1 frame per second and no ABS or ASA profile at test time. Source
Questions buyers ask
Which is better, the Bambu Lab A1 or the Bambu Lab A2L?
The Bambu Lab A2L has a published review score and ranks #17 in our 3D printers ranking; the Bambu Lab A1 is not scored yet. Pick the Bambu Lab A1 for beginners who want full size multi color prints. Pick the Bambu Lab A2L for families and crafters who want large PLA prints and easy 4 color printing.
Which is cheaper?
The Bambu Lab A1 at $359, versus $439 for the Bambu Lab A2L, checked Nov 4, 2026.
What is the difference between the A1 and the A2L?
Build volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm on the A1, 330 x 320 x 325 mm (Tom's Hardware, FauxHammer) on the A2L. Print speed: Up to 500 mm/s toolhead speed, 10,000 mm/s2 acceleration (Bambu Lab) on the A1, Up to 500 mm/s (Bambu Lab via FauxHammer); Tom's Hardware printed at the default 200 to… on the A2L. Multi color: Up to 4 colors with one AMS lite (Combo version); AMS units need the AMS HUB accessory on the A1, Yes, 4 colors with AMS Lite in the Combo; also works with AMS and AMS 2 Pro (Tom's… on the A2L.
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