A1 vs P1P
Two different philosophies, and only one of them is still sold new
Quick answer: Get the A1 if you are buying new: it currently costs $299, is still in production, and has a touchscreen. Get the P1P only if you find a good used deal and want CoreXY with an enclosure upgrade path; for new enclosed CoreXY, the P2S ($549) is the better buy.
Specs: Bambu Lab A1 tech specs · Bambu Lab P1P tech specs (PDF), checked October 2, 2026
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Which one should I buy?
A1 for new buyers. P1P is discontinued. If you want enclosed CoreXY, get the P2S ($549) instead.
A1
- $299 new and still in production; the P1P is only available used
- Touchscreen for on-printer control. No app required for basic operation
- Quick-swap nozzle system, faster material and size changes
- Simpler bed-slinger design with fewer moving parts to maintain
P1P
- CoreXY kinematics, bed only moves in Z, more stable for tall prints
- Takes up to 4 AMS units (16 colors) without the A Series AMS Hub the A1 needs
- Upgradable with Bambu's P1P Enclosure Kit (panels plus the required control-board fan) for ABS/ASA
- CoreXY motion system handles higher speeds on tall prints with less ringing
Specs comparison
| Feature | A1 | P1P |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $699 |
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Kinematics | Bed-slinger | CoreXY |
| Max speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Touchscreen | 3.5" color | No (2.7" screen, buttons) |
| Quick-swap nozzle | Yes | No |
| Enclosure | No | No (open frame) |
| AMS compatible | AMS Lite or AMS via hub | AMS (up to 4 units) |
| Lidar | No | No |
The real differences
The A1 is a bed-slinger: the bed moves in Y, the print head moves in X and Z. The P1P is CoreXY: the bed only moves in Z; the print head moves in X and Y. CoreXY is generally better for tall prints because the bed doesn't shake. For most prints under 150mm tall, the difference is minimal. The A1's bed-slinger design is simpler and has fewer failure modes.
The A1 uses AMS Lite, a simplified multi-filament system that works well for 4-color printing. Both can also run the full AMS with up to four units (16 colors): the A1 through the A Series AMS Hub, the P1P through the P1-series filament buffer or AMS Hub. The AMS Lite itself cannot be combined with other AMS units.
The A1 has a touchscreen for on-printer control. The P1P has only a small 2.7-inch screen with buttons. The P1P can be enclosed with Bambu's official P1P Enclosure Kit (P1S panels, glass door and lid, plus control-board, chamber and auxiliary fans). Bambu requires the control-board fan in an enclosed P1P, especially for high-temperature filaments such as ABS/ASA. The kit was out of stock in Bambu's US store on October 3, 2026. The A1 has no enclosure upgrade path.
Get the A1 if...
- You want a touchscreen for on-printer control
- You want quick-swap nozzles
- Simpler operation matters more than CoreXY
- You want a lower price and a new unit
Get the P1P used if...
- You want CoreXY reliability for tall prints
- You plan to enclose it later with Bambu's P1P Enclosure Kit (incl. the required control-board fan)
- You primarily print tall objects
- Or consider the P2S ($549) new instead
Full specs and review: A1 page · P1P page