Bambu Lab A1 Vs A1 Mini - Which 3D Printer Is Right For You?

[@trance_trousers]

I was absolutely staggered how good the A1 Mini was when I got my first one in April, after having used various Creality Ender printers previously. The A1 Mini just works, and it works brilliantly, so brilliantly in fact that I decided to get another one. For £169 they're an absolute steal. Owning an A1 Mini means I can now print all the things I sell on my Etsy shop without having to worry about anything - I just press print and walk away! Highly recommended to anyone, whether a beginner or experienced user.

[@dosdont]

While I own the A1 Mini, if I were to do it again, I'd buy an A1. Once in a while the bed size limitation of the A1 Mini is annoying, not often but enough that I regret not getting the bigger version.

[@xpectra4177]

that x axis just hangs in air on mini is not looking good to me

[@craiglimon6964]

That’s what I thought at first. Got the a1 mini for Father’s Day. Everyone was like. “Oh, that’s small!” 😂. By far it’s my favorite go to. Most stuff I print as really less than 180mm. X axis is solid af. I can move it pretty much anywhere and place.

[@willcubemakes]

​@@xpectra4177I was skeptical, but the linear rail makes the cantilever design much stronger and faster.

[@Kid_illithid]

I got my A1 mini in July 2024 and have over 500 hours on it already as of this comment 💪 Just keep up with the monthly maintenance checklist and recalibrate it now and then. It kicks butt.

[@danndem4205]

The A1 is my third 3D printer. I would recommend it to both new users and experienced ones. The reliability of the machine and how well it prints miles ahead of my Ender 3 S1.

[@pintaridergaming]

For those interested in the A1 Mini, it is currently $200 so a pretty good deal imo.

[@Cynthia.Roselina]

Where?

[@pawe6700]

@@Cynthia.Roselina Bambu lab store

[@alixcozmo]

I got the A1 mini specifically because I wanted something with a small footprint

[@MakerFabio]

You are really good. I wish one day I can make as "smooth to look" and informative videos as you. I just got my A1 with AMS, I love it.

[@RickyImpey]

Thanks, you have some great projects on your channel too, I hope you enjoy your A1 combo, it's one of my favourite 3d printers!

[@knoxieman]

I got both the A1 and the A1 mini (dont see any need for the AMS), I can get an almost injection molded smooth finish with both of them, they are both superb printers, im not going back to my ender 3 machines now they are done, the future is this.

[@Urbanexploration123]

Is there a difference in print quality

[@DanielStiven-wm4ee]

i got both as well, the a1 mini is an great companion machine

[@wibbledee]

@@Urbanexploration123 I've had an ender 3 for 12 years. Getting consistent decent prints is a pain in the butt. There is no automation. If you want to tinker, it's a good one to start with. If you want to just consistently print, I'd go for the bambu. I have one coming

[@ushapatel6260]

@@wibbledeeyea I agree Enders are actually great starters they make you have to tinker and they just encourage the stem experience and also it’s way easier to use Bambi lab then if you have experience from a Ender yea

[@АлександрБаско-н9э]

Please share your experience. There is a difference in the noise level when these printers operate.

[@b4dm1n]

I love my A1 mini. Highly recommend. Mini is not as small as it seems. You can print in parts then join together. Mini is very space saving & portable

[@Urbanexploration123]

Just wondering do I need a computer to use it because I’m considering getting one but don’t have a computer

[@Urbanexploration123]

Just wondering do I need a computer to use it because I’m considering getting one but don’t have a computer

[@justjqshing]

@@Urbanexploration123 yes, you do

[@eddyni5875]

@@Urbanexploration123better off getting one

[@feddefeddefedde]

@@Urbanexploration123 you can just use the app but if you want to tinker with setings you need a computer.

[@soniccinos]

To me what stands out on the A1 Mini is actually it's small footprint! Which I really love! Currently I have limited space available in my apartment, so the A1 Mini fits perfectly in my desk!!!

[@tomyocom5886]

I think the difference with Bambu machines is that you get to use the WHOLE bed. Which is a huge concept coming from prusa, anycubic, creality and such printers. I mean after 100mm from center and I was sweating it and my prints come out great, when they come out. I think this part is very underrated about these machines let alone closest to push and print you can get with something you have to slice first.

[@poppin_freshgaming4334]

I have a P1S Combo and added a Mini after the price drop a few months ago. Didn't need the bigger build volume or multi color, so basic Mini was just fine. I will say that the little thing is an absolute beast of a machine for the price. When price dropped again for the anniversary sale I just had to pick up another one. I've been surprised as to just how many parts I've been printing fit 180 cubed just fine. With the P1S and the Minis it's likely my Enders will remain turned off unless I need to use their beds to dry filament.

[@Leahd_279]

My university just got 15 of the A1's and I am now tempted, going to get the A1 mini with the ams. The multicolour printing and how quiet they are without lacking on quality is what has sold me!! I already have an FLSUN SR so for big prints I will just use that.

[@MrBertbox]

With the sale I picked up the mini too with AMS.. Have a sv06 plus (kilipper) for bigger stuff.. just wish the would hurry up and ship it ! :)

[@BullFrog96]

I just ordered the A1 mini to replace my ender 3 that I have been struggling with for the past 4 years. I wanted something small to sit on my desk. I may get a P1S next year with the AMS if I end up using the A1 mini extensively

[@Lxght_Lxght]

i’ve had many printers and to upgrade to bambu from ENDER is an incredible difference. have fun printing

[@peggle09]

I have an x1c but i thing i want to get an A1 mini for small stuff and the .2 nozzle. It will also be a fun way to introduce my kids to printing on a much simpler machine.

[@gslavik]

Bambu is having a sale right now and the A1 mini by itself is 199USD or 169GBP. IMHO, if you need/want something inexpensive or small, the A1 mini for that price cannot be beat. Prusa mini is twice the cost and doesn't have all the same features.

[@alexstixx]

I'm an experienced 3d printer and I got the mini w/ AMS specifically for multi material prints. I only print small functional parts.

[@Krunkle78]

My wife got me the P1S for my birthday, and I haven't stopped printing with it, so I had to get myself the mini , just ordered it so super excited to play with it!! :D

[@bigskybob]

Im trying to figure out which to get for my 2nd. I got a p1p and upgraded it to the P1S , but now I want a 2nd unit. Kinda torn between the A1, A1 mini and just another p1s

[@Krunkle78]

@bigskybob i also grabbed the A1 like 3 days later lol so I have all 3 now 🤘👌😎

[@JoshUC]

I believe I will buy the A1 Mini with the AMS and at the end of the year I will buy the A1 and swap the AMS when necessary I am tired of setting up my printers right every month or less when I am going to print something, I believe this is something Bambulab is way ahead of other printers, they want people to be able to print instead of calibrating the 3d printers and changing parts.

[@TimWrightDJ]

I've just got an A1 Combo a few weeks ago, after having an Ender 3 V2, and I'm so impressed with it that I've just ordered an A1 Mini whilst it's on sale. I didn't think I needed two AMS setups, so will leave it on the A1 for now and use the mini as a secondary printer to allow me to print multiple parts at the same time.

[@Slashingthrough]

Did you regret the A1 mini?

[@TimWrightDJ]

@@Slashingthrough Not sure if you're asking me or JoshUC, but I'll answer from my perspective... Not at all. It's really handy, it's as good as the A1 but obviously the main downside is just the size of the print bed. It is small, but there's ways around printing things you want to print. Whilst I didn't get the AMS for the mini (because I have it on the A1) I would recommend, if it's your only printer, to spend that little bit more and get it with the AMS, even if you think you won't print multi-colour.

[@Slashingthrough]

@@TimWrightDJ thanks for your input

[@pedro8769]

This is probably the best comparison in the internet

[@trykozmaksym]

Yeah which comes down to there's no difference other than volume lol :D nice comparison.

[@floatypiet]

What I didn’t consider when buying the A1 is the higher electricity costs. The A1 Mini would have probably just done fine and oaks less space away when mounting the AMS on the wall. However I’m super happy with my A1 as a first printer (since 3 days lol).

[@atechcheck]

100% agree with comparison with Apple! I have Mini fully modified BUT still with occasional issues and I really dont have time and will to adjust, fix, do something on it when that happens.... I want it to be ready to print when I need it and to be reliable and not require fiddling around just go print something every now and then.... We are at point where 3d printers are mainstream and we expect them to act like standard 2d printers. WORK xD That A1 mini have everything that User needs and it is build to last and above everything just turn it on, load model and print. Silent, accurate and not wasting time on figuring out why is it doing this and that....

[@mytubeview]

I switch from Ender 5 to A1 Mini, A1 do the print ok in near 99% of the time and the remain1% usually is my problem. Much better then my old Ender 5 that need baby sit to make sure it print correctly. Also i hardly use up the full Ender 5 bed size due bed problem. I printed full items that near used up full A1 mini bed size without any problem. Although A1 mini bed is smaller, I can successful print bigger item then my Ender 5.

[@leecohen1546]

Good video. Thank you. I have the ender 3v2 neo for at least a year now. I'm thinking of upgrading using different types of filaments

[@NumberOneGeek]

I had a Creality Ender V2 Neo, was a great printer up until a month in when things started to go wrong. I've sent it back as I worked out I had spent nearly £50 on trying to fix the problems, another £50 and I could have bought the A1. I have the ability to tinker, I just don't want to, I want my prints to work first time and I have no shame in going for the A1 for ease of use.

[@RedDragon-no8ic]

love my A1 Mini combo thinking of grabbing the A1 lot more fun than my Ender 3 lol

[@yobtnirp3D]

I know right?

[@PeterEhm]

I'm brand new to 3D printing and after months of reviews, I decided on the A1 mini and lucked into the recent sale two weeks ago. I'm absolutely thrilled with how easy it is to use and the quality of the prints, given my total lack of skill. Its smaller bed size doesn't matter to me as I'm just learning for now and I picked up an Ender 3 v2 for a song that I'll be upgrading and using for the occasional larger print.

[@Kampy_]

just curious... what what the price you paid for the Mini at the "recent sale" you're referring to? I'm just now deciding I want to buy the Mini, but I'm in no rush to get it, and willing to wait for a good sale / discount... just curious what you paid so I have a reference on how much I could save by waiting for the right sale...

[@naamanmancia2795]

@@Kampy_Im looking at 367.96 on a TikTok summer sale with the ams and 195.51 without it after taxes and shipping. Im feeling fomo since the deals ending soon and wish this commenter had left the price they saw so I would know if this was the best price so far or not.

[@Kampy_]

@@naamanmancia2795 thanks... I just found out about the TikTok price last night. Still debating whether I need the AMS, and what BL filament (if any) I should order along with it... cuz I think there's a 30% discount on some filaments if you purchase at the same time as the printer

[@naamanmancia2795]

@@Kampy_ day after the sale and it’s still coming out to the same due to another sale so it seems like that’s their bottom dollar on it. I would say go for the AMS for the low price when bundled and it’s going to be a tool I’d rather have then to not have especially when the price is almost double for not choosing the first time

[@PeterEhm]

@@Kampy_ apologies for the tardy reply. I paid $312 CAN after taxes and shipping in June 2024.

[@3dpathfinder]

both , like me...I have a P1S, A1 Combo A1 Mini and a X1C coming soon to complete the set, minus the p1p

[@neilfpv]

Thanks for this video. I'm thinking of buying either A1 or A1 mini. I currently own a very old 3d printer. There are times it won't be able to print because the filament in the tip of the nozzle swells and won't go out anymore even when it's very hot. This was being caused by the brass pulley on the extruder. I will have to remove the filament, cut it, and insert it again. Can a Bambu Lab printer detect clogs and fix it magically?

[@RickyImpey]

Honestly, as yet I have never experienced a clog on either of these machines. I think you would be very surprised at how much better these printers are compared to other 'bed slingers' from just a year or two ago.

[@neilfpv]

@@RickyImpey Thank you so much!

[@SneakyJoeRu]

Got mini. Didn't want multi material. Just needed a second printer

[@TapticDigital]

Great review as always Ricky! I hope Bambu’s success motivates other brands to follow suit with the quality and reliability.

[@RayOrsini]

I have both the X1C and recently got the A1. I considered getting a mini too but the AMS can't be mounted on top. So the footprint on the mini is bigger than the A1

[@ymroo8299]

I want to buy the printer only without the ams so I could buy it later, but then I'm worried if I cant find anyone selling the ams in the near future 😅 I could certainly buy the combo but Im still starting with the hobby and I'm still not that far ahead on the idea of what I can achieve with it.

[@tufftimesbc]

Here I am walking with my flip phone and I ran into a colleague with an apple iPhone. I bought one of those and never look back . Then early last year I bought an Ender V3 Neo and I thought to myself as I was living with the bed for the umpteenth time, I came across a video of a Bambu Lab printer. I bought it, and I never looked back .

[@dylanshields7106]

I’m looking to buy my second 3D printer. My first and current 3d printer is the Ender 3 s1 plus. Which has been a great learning experience on how to maintain printers. Though currently has been annoying me with constantly having to level and fix. I literally just destroyed a brand new build surface as I forgot to auto level and the nozzle was too low down. So I am very interested in getting a Bambu lab printer as a second and more reliable solution. What I can’t decide between is if it’s worth getting the bigger A1 even though I currently have a bigger printer. Or should I get the a1 mini with the multi colour option. Because I could use the mini for most things but when I need something big I could just use the Ender

[@MichaelNeagu]

Now I know which printer to get, I think you know which one

[@gelisob]

11:23 i think it's good and simple idea to just put bed size cover on top of bed when you dont print, then no dust gets on it :)

[@actually_yali]

This actually sounds like a great idea. My A1 should be arriving in a few days and I'll print a cover for the printbed as you suggested : )

[@gelisob]

sure you can do that@@actually_yali , but i'm sure printer comes with enough packaging to cut a fitting piece from :D

[@actually_yali]

I'll be sure to look into it once I have it 🤔

[@chrisshaw451]

Good review just ordered the A1 combo :)

[@АлександрБаско-н9э]

Which model is louder? .

[@jenkri]

I am not sure I got the answer to the question from the title, the one I ask to myself as well, and mainly because it is just a question of size & price. Anyway, the way you cover both of them is just what I was searching for. Thank you.

[@TwostepJake]

Where did you get those avatar files to print?

[@ThisisDD]

Have enough for the A1? Get it. Don't? Get the mini. Done.

[@MrLuumpy]

A1 combo is $299. right now... including AMS lite !!!!!!!!!!

[@fullworks6428]

Just ordered a1 but no ams. Will your ultimate drying boxes be ok 4 the 4 colour printing or does that only work with the ams

[@Neillios]

solid review! A+ Thank you ... I can see why companies send you their products to review.

[@Valley3d]

Which one should I buy? Simple! all of them lol. Okay well at least that's my dream

[@darkshock42mlg05]

The cheaper one is for if you're just printin fedjey toys or small figurines but I like to print bigger things and some things that need to be perfect.and.cant be out of spec.in.amy way. Of course tolorances are loose but still tight enough.

[@darkorn9980]

Have you tried any of mentioned ams lite filament "protectors"?

[@cliftonhead9665]

WoW great video. Can you give the measurement from the top of the reel to the desk. I have a limited height problem but like you reposition of the reel, and your handle.

[@RickyImpey]

The standard A1 setup without AMS has a total height, including a reel of 640mm. Is this what you mean?

[@cliftonhead9665]

@@RickyImpey No, with your new handle that reposition the reel on top of the A1Mini. With a standard spool like Bambu Labs spool in place. The top of that spool down to the desk top what is that measurement. TKS

[@RickyImpey]

​@@cliftonhead9665 Sorry, I don't have a top mounted spool holder on the Mini

[@li_beard_oil3640]

Can one ams be used on both machines?

[@RickyImpey]

Yes, you just plug it into whichever of the two machines you want to use it with.

[@li_beard_oil3640]

@@RickyImpey awesome. I can get the mini and then upgrade at some point and still us the one ams. But end up buying another Ams anyway lol

[@cpav9062]

I'm new to 3D printing. At 15:24 he says that there are enclosed printer options for the same price. Any suggestions?

[@commandingsteel]

i used to have a prusa mk3(but sold it to go on vacation 5 years ago) and was gonna buy a mk4s, since my ender 3 neo, is acting up, and no matter what i do i can't get the damn thing to print right but now with the A1 on sale($350 after tax and shipping) i can't justify buying a prusa, when i could get 3 A1s for the price of a mk4s

[@ReelSpider]

I have a MASSIVE bed, compared to the A1 Mini. 99.99% of everything I have ever printed would easily fit on the A1 Mini bed... Still not sure I needed the extra build volume, after a year.

[@poof1560]

i just bought my a1 mini if this video was recommended to me 3 days ago i would have bought the a1

[@spaka1]

A1 mini and x1 carbon combo

[@Carl_rain]

Than u so much for making souch a good video it really helpt me🎉❤❤

[@yobtnirp3D]

Wanna see the a1 max

[@ExpertDiy]

Very nice! good job! 🤩

[@ptitbass]

Still on the fence if i get an A1 or A1 mini.. not easy decision lol got a Sovol SV08 printer with a big bed already.. but no color.. i wanted a secondary printer that would do color.. not sure if we usually reach 180mm+ bed capacity for color printing.

[@calebwhite6173]

I think the A1 combo is only $100 more than the mini now. I’m on the fence too. I got the ender s1 but I may need to take it back. I’m on day 2 of trying to print with it and man is it terrible with bed leveling.

[@ptitbass]

All i can say is if you want to actually enjoy 3d printing get a good printer. Bambu lab is a good first choice brand printer. Otherwise you will end with crappy firmware and leveling.

[@VideosIave]

They guy has the dryest, most British humor. Funny mf

[@mhdm]

13:03 "print at the same speed and I haven't noticed ANY difference in quality". The differences may be small (same hotend, ~same firmware) but this shows you didn't look close enough or do proper ringing/speed/acceleration tests. Literally in the next shot there's visible ringing on the A1 print. A1's bed (256^2 area) is much heavier than A1 mini's bed (180^2 area) so the Y axis should be A1's weak point. A1 mini's cantilever design may result in X axis issues but maybe only at accelerations higher than what's reasonable for its Y axis, so overall maybe A1 mini could print faster at the same quality. Maybe, some proper testing would be nice.

[@Vic-ho5px]

So if I buy the A1 without the AMS Combi. Is it Possible to buy it after is I notice It would be a good option to have for a specific product I want to print?

[@kk-pz8gn]

The Bambu lab allows you to print others STL files, but what 3D software do you recommend for beginners to make their own design to print? thanks in advance.

[@Anadrolus]

Apparently TinkerCAD is the easiest.

[@Foxuniverso]

I hate that i didn't know the A1 existed... I got an ender s3 i think it was? Yeah... Got it for the same cost and its not even close in quality.

[@macphile]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6jOY3ljoLimhrc to answer the question from the title without nearly 13 minutes of Bambu ad that you don't need if you're already looking to spend your money on it… 😁

[@remconet]

Your audio volume is really low.

[@jb6042]

Buying an A1 mini so i can print while i drive

[@NoahMag1cc]

A hero

[@dagoelius]

WIFI go A1, need a dedicated Ethernet connection go Mini.

[@Rasmus-mu1vh]

nice advert

[@JohnDrach]

Is the A1 and A1 mini Mac friendly?

[@floatypiet]

As I know yes. You’ll do everything over the handy App (phone) or bamboo studio (pc/mac)

[@yphong1986]

If it is not Mac friendly, it won't be so popular.

[@michawasiljew6620]

Either, go for any cubic cobra 3

[@stinger220]

Why lol

[@michawasiljew6620]

@@stinger220 cheaper and multi colour doesn’t break every couple of weeks.

[@petercallison5765]

I have seen a number of reviews raving about these printers but I have not seen them using the AMS Lite and I bet its because they hate it or couldn't be bothered with the hassle. It is not clear how to load the filaments at all and actually quite awkward. The idea of spitting filament everywhere and having a purge tower seems like nonsense. With modern printers I have gotten used to very fast benchies but a basic color benchy is over 24 hours on these machines. I am sure that it can do better but it is hardly a beginner's machine if it is that bad out of the box.

[@user-lx9jm1wo3h]

1:44 Lies. Bambu sent out an email to content creators first about the issue, then sent out a repair or return/replace option to everyone, AND THEN they did the responsible thing and issued a recall on it. They were very irresponsible about how they handled this, and you are sugar coating it.

[@stinger220]

Waaaaaaaaa boo hoo prove it

[@StudentMomoCui]

Bro stfu they handled it very well, they offered free repairs if they were broken, I was fixed within days

[@trykozmaksym]

16 minutes to say there's no difference other than size...

[@amandahugankiss4110]

this "free" account and my wifi info.. you are joking, right?

[@anthonylong5870]

Here is an Idea, Instead of wasting your money on these outdated , overpriced Bambu printers. Go buy an Anycubic Kobra 3 combo that is WAY better than both of these in EVERY WAY. Bigger surface, faster print speed, better construction, better print, less waste and no recalls......$479 and you get 2 roll of filament and a bunch of other extras.

[@floatypiet]

But what you don’t get is the amazing software and the app which makes things super easy to print.

[@anthonylong5870]

@@floatypiet Actually get the same kind of software with the Anycubic. Makerworld, remote print, monitoring.....Yep got all that AND the Anycubic also has a tangle sensor the Bambu's dont have

[@joelamaro4525]

My A1 mini has not in fact been recalled. And my A1 mini WITH the AMS costs $349. And the Kobra 3 is not “way better”. And Kobra wastes at least as much. Better construction? HAHAHAHA! The Kobra isn’t constructed any better than an SE. Both the Ender and Kobra have the construction quality of a build it yourself kit. 😂🤣 You are hysterical. Are you on Anycubics payroll?

[@craiglimon6964]

😶

[@stinger220]

Smells like a bot