Bambu Lab A1 vs Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S
Researched by Riley Hart · prices checked Nov 4, 2026
As of Nov 4, 2026, the Bambu Lab A1 costs $359 and the Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S costs $999, so the Bambu Lab A1 is $640 cheaper. The Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S has a published review score and ranks #18 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 Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S for quality focused makers who like to tinker. The Bambu Lab A1 wins 4 of 5 points we can measure.
Who wins, point by point
The Bambu Lab A1 wins 4 of 5 points we can measure. Built from today's prices, the specs and independent tests for these two robots.
| A1 | Original Prusa MK4S | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price today | $359 | $999 | A1 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year | A1 |
| Build volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 250 x 210 x 220 mm | A1 |
| Max nozzle temp | 300°C | 290°C | A1 |
| Release year | 2023 | 2024 | Original Prusa MK4S |
- You want to spend less (saves $640)
- You care most about warranty (2 years vs 1 year)
- You care most about build volume (256 x 256 x 256 mm vs 250 x 210 x 220 mm)
- Best for beginners who want full size multi color prints
- You want the newer model (2024 vs 2023)
- Best for quality focused makers who like to tinker
- 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
- 250 x 210 x 220 mm
- Multicolor
- Optional MMU3
- Enclosure
- No
Reliable open frame Prusa with top print quality, kit or assembled
Full Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S review, pros and cons →Side by side
| Bambu Lab A1 | Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359 | $999 |
| 3 year cost | $359 | $999 |
| Our score | Not scored yet | 7.5/10 |
| Rank in 3D printers | #36 | #18 |
| Status | on sale | on sale |
| Warranty | 2 years (Bambu Lab US store product page) | 1 year for buyers outside the EU, including the US (Prusa knowledge base) |
| Build volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 250 x 210 x 220 mm |
| Print speed | Up to 500 mm/s toolhead speed, 10,000 mm/s2 acceleration (Bambu Lab) | No max speed published; Tom's Hardware measured 24 mm3/s volumetric flow with Prusament PLA |
| Multi color | Up to 4 colors with one AMS lite (Combo version); AMS units need the AMS HUB accessory | Optional MMU3 upgrade |
| Enclosure | No, open frame; Bambu Lab does not recommend enclosing it | No, open frame; optional Original Prusa Enclosure |
| Auto leveling | Yes, full auto calibration of Z offset, bed level, vibration and nozzle pressure before each print | Yes, automatic mesh bed leveling with a load cell sensor |
| Max nozzle temp | 300 C | 290 C |
| Heated bed | Yes, up to 100 C | Yes, up to 120 C |
| Filament types | Ideal: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA. ABS, ASA, PC, PA and fiber filled types only for small, low infill parts | PLA, PETG, Flex, PVA, PC, PP, CPE, PVB; ABS, ASA, HIPS, PA with the enclosure and filtration add on |
| Connectivity | Bambu cloud service or LAN only mode; app and PC control | Wi-Fi module included, NFC, USB drive |
| Camera | Yes, low frame rate camera up to 1080p with timelapse | n/a |
| Noise | As low as 49 dB (Bambu Lab claim) | Tom's Hardware found it very quiet, suitable for a shared office |
| Assembly | Ships mostly assembled | Sold assembled or as a kit; Tom's Hardware estimates about 8 hours to build the kit |
| Weight | 8.3 kg net; 465 x 410 x 430 mm | 7 kg; 500 x 550 x 400 mm |
| Best for | beginners who want full size multi color prints | quality focused makers who like to tinker |
| Skip if | you print ABS or ASA often | you want an enclosure or multi color included |
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
Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S
- Tom's Hardware: Called it one of the best printers they have tested. Flow rose to 24 mm3/s with Prusament PLA, and a puzzle print took 2 h 59 min versus 3 h 23 min on a Bambu P1P with smoother parts that fit. Source
- TechRadar (5/5): Scored 30 of 30 in its print quality test with a combined dimensional error of 0.097 mm, and every Benchy in its multi print test finished. Noted the high price and open frame. Source
Questions buyers ask
Which is better, the Bambu Lab A1 or the Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S?
The Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S has a published review score and ranks #18 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 Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S for quality focused makers who like to tinker.
Which is cheaper?
The Bambu Lab A1 at $359, versus $999 for the Prusa Research Original Prusa MK4S, checked Nov 4, 2026.
What is the difference between the A1 and the Original Prusa MK4S?
Build volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm on the A1, 250 x 210 x 220 mm on the Original Prusa MK4S. Print speed: Up to 500 mm/s toolhead speed, 10,000 mm/s2 acceleration (Bambu Lab) on the A1, No max speed published; Tom's Hardware measured 24 mm3/s volumetric flow with Prusament… on the Original Prusa MK4S. Multi color: Up to 4 colors with one AMS lite (Combo version); AMS units need the AMS HUB accessory on the A1, Optional MMU3 upgrade on the Original Prusa MK4S.
Also consider at this price
See all ranked →More comparisons
All 3D printers, ranked
See the ranking →Affiliate links. We may earn a commission. It never changes our score. Disclosure
We check prices every morning and compare them with each model's 2026 low. One email when real deals land, plus our 5 minute Friday roundup. Unsubscribe anytime.