Bambu Lab A1 vs Prusa MK4S
Two of the most popular open printers.
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Best for: A 256 mm bed-slinger with full auto-calibration and AMS lite
Check price at AmazonBest for: Prusa's bed-slinger with load-cell first-layer calibration
Check price at AmazonSpec-by-spec comparison
Green marks the better published figure. "Not listed" means the manufacturer doesn't publish it.
| Spec | Bambu Lab A1 | Prusa MK4S | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build volumeWidth × depth × height from the spec table, in liters. Anything over 45 L gets full marks; see the large-format guide for the giants. | 16.8 L | 11.6 L | 25% |
| Multi-color system offeredYes when the maker sells or builds in a multi-filament system for this printer. | Yes | Yes | 20% |
| Max accelerationHigher acceleration shortens real print times more than headline top speed. Prusa doesn't publish it, so its models get the category median. | 10000 mm/s² | Not listed | 20% |
| Max nozzle temperature300 °C or more lets an open printer handle PETG-CF, TPU and short ABS runs. | 300 °C | 290 °C | 15% |
| Max bed temperatureHotter beds hold PETG and ABS flat on bigger plates. | 100 °C | 120 °C | 10% |
| Built-in camera listedYes when a camera ships built in. Optional add-ons count as No. | Yes | No | 10% |
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 250 × 210 × 220 mm | info |
| Max hotend temp | 300 °C | Not listed | info |
| Max bed temp | 100 °C | 120 °C | info |
| Max speed / acceleration | 500 mm/s / 10,000 mm/s² | Not listed | info |
| Max flow | 28 mm³/s | Not listed | info |
| Multicolor | AMS lite | Not listed | info |
| Camera | Low-rate camera (up to 1080p) | Optional add-on | info |
| Noise | Silent mode under 48 dB | Not listed | info |
| Net weight | 8.3 kg | Not listed | info |
| Max nozzle temp | Not listed | 290 °C | info |
| Calibration | Not listed | Automatic mesh bed leveling with load-cell sensor | info |
| Multi-material | Not listed | MMU3 | info |
| Weight | Not listed | 7 kg (without spool) | info |
| Acceleration | Not listed | Not published | info |
| LayerPick score | 5.5/10 | 5.0/10 | 100% |
Where each one comes out ahead
Bambu Lab A1
Better published figure on: Build volume, Max nozzle temperature, Built-in camera listed.
What we like
- Calibrates Z-offset, bed, vibration and flow for every print
- AMS lite multicolor
Watch out for
- Bambu lists ABS/ASA/PC as not recommended
Prusa MK4S
Better published figure on: Max bed temperature.
What we like
- 120 °C bed
- MMU3 upgrade
Watch out for
- Smaller volume than 256 mm rivals
- Prusa doesn't publish speed figures
Verdict
Bambu has more volume (256 mm cube vs 250 × 210 × 220 mm), a camera and AMS lite. Prusa has a 120 °C vs 100 °C bed and the MMU3.
- Bambu Lab A1: Bambu Lab: A1 tech specs
- Bambu Lab A1: Bambu Lab: A1
- Prusa MK4S: Prusa: MK4S