$250 more at current street prices buys an enclosure, faster speeds, and the ability to print engineering materials
Quick answer: Get the A1 ($299) if you print PLA and PETG and want to save money. Get the P2S ($549) if you want an enclosure for ABS/ASA; at current prices that is $250 more.
Specs: Bambu Lab A1 tech specs · Bambu Lab P2S tech specs, checked October 2, 2026
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Get the A1 ($299) if you print PLA and PETG and want to save money. Get the P2S ($549) if you want an enclosure for ABS/ASA. At current prices that's $250 more.
| Feature | A1 | P2S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $549 |
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Max speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Kinematics | Bed-slinger | CoreXY |
| Enclosure | No | Yes |
| Chamber | None (open) | Passive (~50°C) |
| Max nozzle temp | 300°C | 300°C |
| AMS type | AMS Lite or AMS via hub | AMS, AMS 2 Pro, AMS HT (up to 20 slots) |
| Lidar | No | No |
| Auto calibration | Yes | Yes |
The A1 and P2S are $250 apart ($299 vs $549 in the Bambu US store, checked October 6, 2026), and the build volume is identical. The speed difference (500 vs 600mm/s) is real but rarely the deciding factor. What actually matters is the enclosure.
If you ever want to print ABS or ASA, even occasionally: the A1 will frustrate you with warping and layer separation. The P2S enclosure traps ambient heat and solves this completely.
Full specs and review: A1 page · P2S page
Usually yes. The P2S is the better all-rounder, and the gap is $250 ($299 vs $549). If you know with certainty you'll only ever print PLA, the A1 is fine. But most people's filament interests expand over time, and the P2S enclosure future-proofs you without breaking the bank.