Bambu Lab A1 Mini vs Ender 3
Is the Bambu Lab A1 Mini better than the Ender 3 for you?
Property
Bambu Lab A1 Mini
Ender 3
Image
Getting StartedEssential features for beginners
Setup TimeTime to get to first print
Pre-assembled
60 minutes
Auto Bed LevelingRemoves 80% of print issues and manual leveling
Yes
No
MatterManifest CompatibleReady for print files from Catalog and AutoSlicer
Yes
Yes
What You Can PrintBuild volume and material capabilities
Build VolumeLarger build volume = bigger prints
180 × 180 × 180 mm
220 × 220 × 250 mm
Max Nozzle TemperatureHigher temperature = more material options
300°C
260°C
Max Bed TemperatureHigher bed temperature = better adhesion
120°C
110°C
Max Print SpeedFastest the printer is able to move
500 mm/s
180 mm/s
Average Print SpeedGeneral printing speed = prints take less time
200 mm/s
60 mm/s
PLA PlasticBasic plastic, most color options, best for beginners
Yes
Yes
PETGStronger than PLA, good for functional parts
Yes
Yes
TPUFlexible rubber-like material
Yes
No
ABSStrong and heat resistant, needs enclosure
No
No
ASAUV resistant, good for outdoor parts
No
No
NylonVery strong, needs high temperatures
No
No
Ease of UseUser-friendly features and ease of operation
Direct DriveFiner filament control, improves overall printing quality
Yes
No
Filament SensorPrevents print from continuing when filament runs out
Yes
No
WiFi PrintingStart prints from your computer
Yes
No
EnclosedSealed environment for better temperature control, fumes and noise reduction
No
No
Advanced FeaturesAdvanced capabilities and customization
Multi-MaterialPrint with multiple colors/materials
AMS (Automatic Material System)
No
CameraMonitor prints remotely
Real-time monitoring and time-lapse recording
No
DesignCoreXY = faster, Bed Slinger = simpler, Delta = tall prints
Bedslinger
Bedslinger
Technical SpecsPerformance and build characteristics
Max Printing AccelerationHigher acceleration = faster printing
10000 mm/s²
500 mm/s²
Print Bed SurfaceSurface type affects print adhesion
PEI
Plastic
EcosystemOpen ecosystems work with 3rd party software and parts for easier maintenance
Closed Source
Open Source
Cost & ValuePrice and overall value
SeriesHigher series usually means newer/better features
A1
Ender 3
Release DateWhen the printer was first released
May 2024
March 2018
PriceThe retail price of the printer
$389
$189