Creality K1 vs Bambu Lab A1
Is the Creality K1 better than the Bambu Lab A1 for you?
Property
Creality K1
Bambu Lab A1
Image
Getting StartedEssential features for beginners
Setup TimeTime to get to first print
15 minutes
Pre-assembled
Auto Bed LevelingRemoves 80% of print issues and manual leveling
Yes
Yes
MatterManifest CompatibleReady for print files from Catalog and AutoSlicer
Yes
No
What You Can PrintBuild volume and material capabilities
Build VolumeLarger build volume = bigger prints
220 × 220 × 250 mm
256 × 256 × 256 mm
Max Nozzle TemperatureHigher temperature = more material options
300°C
300°C
Max Bed TemperatureHigher bed temperature = better adhesion
100°C
120°C
Max Print SpeedFastest the printer is able to move
600 mm/s
500 mm/s
Average Print SpeedGeneral printing speed = prints take less time
300 mm/s
200 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
Yes
ABSStrong and heat resistant, needs enclosure
Yes
No
ASAUV resistant, good for outdoor parts
Yes
No
NylonVery strong, needs high temperatures
Yes
No
Ease of UseUser-friendly features and ease of operation
Direct DriveFiner filament control, improves overall printing quality
Yes
Yes
Filament SensorPrevents print from continuing when filament runs out
Yes
Yes
WiFi PrintingStart prints from your computer
Yes
Yes
EnclosedSealed environment for better temperature control, fumes and noise reduction
Yes
No
Advanced FeaturesAdvanced capabilities and customization
Multi-MaterialPrint with multiple colors/materials
No
AMS (Automatic Material System)
CameraMonitor prints remotely
Real-time monitoring and time-lapse recording
Real-time monitoring and time-lapse recording
DesignCoreXY = faster, Bed Slinger = simpler, Delta = tall prints
CoreXY
Bedslinger
Technical SpecsPerformance and build characteristics
Max Printing AccelerationHigher acceleration = faster printing
20000 mm/s²
10000 mm/s²
Print Bed SurfaceSurface type affects print adhesion
PEI
PEI
EcosystemOpen ecosystems work with 3rd party software and parts for easier maintenance
Open Source
Closed Source
Cost & ValuePrice and overall value
SeriesHigher series usually means newer/better features
K1
A1
Release DateWhen the printer was first released
April 2023
March 2024
PriceThe retail price of the printer
$499
$499