Which is better for multi-color printing?

The A1 with AMS Lite. It prints four colors with RFID filament sync and automatic filament backup. The Ender-3 V3 KE is single-color only.

Which has a bigger build volume?

The A1. Its 256 x 256 x 256 mm cube beats the KE's 220 x 220 x 240 mm, so large helmets and props fit in one piece.

Which is easier for a beginner?

The A1 calibrates itself on every print, so beginners rarely touch settings. The KE is pre-assembled and quick to set up, but expect more manual tuning.

Both reach 500 mm/s, but the A1 accelerates harder at 10,000 mm/s² versus 8,000 mm/s², so it finishes complex models sooner.

Is the A1 worth stepping up to from the KE?

Yes if you want multi-color, a larger volume or hands-off calibration. Stay with the KE if you print single-color PLA and want the simplest setup.

Which handles engineering filaments better?

Both reach 300 °C, but neither is enclosed. ABS and ASA print better in an enclosure, so add one to either machine.

Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite vs Creality Ender-3 V3 KE

The Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite is the better printer for most people. It has a larger build volume, faster acceleration, full auto calibration and a four-color AMS Lite with RFID sync. The Ender-3 V3 KE is a simpler single-color machine with a smaller 220x220x240mm volume, but it is pre-assembled and easy to set up. Reviewers praise the A1's print quality and hands-off calibration; the KE is liked as a budget first printer but needs more tuning.

Choose the Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite if you want multi-color printing, a bigger build volume and calibration you never have to touch.
Choose the Creality Ender-3 V3 KE if you print single-color only and want a simple, pre-assembled machine with a touchscreen.

Prices

Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite: $13.46 at Walmart (checked today)
Creality Ender-3 V3 KE: $57.39 at Ma boutique (checked today)
Difference: the Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite is $43.93 cheaper than the Creality Ender-3 V3 KE today

	Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite	Creality Ender-3 V3 KE
Build volume	256 x 256 x 256 mm	220 x 220 x 240 mm
Max acceleration	10,000 mm/s²	8,000 mm/s²
Multi-color	AMS Lite, 4 colors, RFID sync, filament backup	Single extruder only
Calibration	Fully automatic Z-offset, bed level, vibration and pressure	CR Touch auto bed leveling only
Max hot end temp	300 °C, all-metal	300 °C, ceramic heater with bi-metal heatbreak
Enclosure	Open frame	Open frame
Setup	Some assembly, app and Wi-Fi setup	95% pre-assembled, about 10 minutes
Controls	Touchscreen plus Bambu Handy app	Touch UI with live model preview

Spec	Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite	Creality Ender-3 V3 KE
Color	Silver	Black
Build Volume	256mm x 256mm x 256mm	—
Max Tool Head Speed	500 mm/s	—
Max Acceleration	10000 mm/s²	—
Max Build Plate Temperature	100℃	—
Product Size	385mm410mm430mm	—
Net Weight	8.3 kg	—
Combo Package Size	586mm536mm425mm	—
Combo Gross Weight	15 kg	—
Input Voltage	100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz	—
Max Power	1300W@220V, 350W@110V	—
Nozzle Diameter	0.40 mm	—

Spec	Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite	Creality Ender-3 V3 KE
Connectivity	Micro SD Card, WLAN	—
Body	Build Volume(WDH) 256256256 mm³	—
Toolhead	Hot End All-Metal	—
Nozzle	Stainless Steel	—
Max Hot End Temperature	300 °C	—
Speed	Max Speed of Tool Head 500mm/s	—
Max Acceleration of Tool Head	10000mm/s²	—
Supported Filament	PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA Ideal	—
Filament Run Out Sensor	Yes	—

Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite vs Creality Ender-3 V3 KE

Prices

Bambu Lab A1 with AMS Lite vs Creality Ender-3 V3 KE

Prices

Creality Ender-3 V3 KE

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store