Which is better for a beginner?

The A1 with AMS Lite. It is cheaper, lighter and simpler, and the AMS Lite still gives four-color prints. The P2S adds features a beginner will not need at first.

Is the P2S worth the extra $390?

Yes if you print often. You get 600 mm/s speed, a camera with AI failure detection, a touchscreen and filament drying. For occasional PLA printing, the A1 is enough.

The P2S. It has a 600 mm/s toolhead and 20,000 mm/s² acceleration versus 500 mm/s and 10,000 mm/s² on the A1, plus 40 mm³/s hotend flow.

Do both print in multiple colors?

Yes. Both ship as AMS combos, so both support multi-color printing. The A1 uses AMS Lite; the P2S uses the standard AMS with drying.

Which handles high-temperature filaments better?

The P2S. Its bed reaches 110 °C versus 100 °C on the A1, and it has active venting and filament drying. The A1 is best for PLA, PETG, TPU and PVA.

Which is easier to move around?

The A1. It weighs 8.3 kg against 14.9 kg for the P2S, and its body is smaller in every dimension.

Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite vs Bambu Lab P2S AMS Combo 3D printer

Buy the A1 with AMS Lite if you want a capable four-color printer for the least money; its best new price is $259.00 as of November 6, 2026. Buy the P2S AMS Combo if you need speed, a camera, a touchscreen and filament drying, at $649.00 at B&H Photo-Video-Audio as of November 6, 2026. The P2S costs about $390 more and is the stronger machine, but the A1 covers most home printing.

Today the Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite costs $635.54 less at its best price.

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