A1

“My default answer for a first printer under $300.”
Will’s take Top pick

“My default answer for a first printer under $300.”
Will’s take Top pick

“Four colours on a budget, with an AI camera thrown in.”
Will’s take Solid choice
| Spec | Bambu Lab A1 | Creality SPARKX i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $279 |
| Released | December 2023 | January 2026 |
| Technology | Filament (FDM) | Filament (FDM) |
| Motion system | Bed slinger | Bed slinger |
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 260 × 260 × 255 mm |
| Top speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Acceleration | 10,000 mm/s² | 10,000 mm/s² |
| Max colours | 4 (AMS lite) | 4 (CFS Lite / CFS nano) |
| Frame | Open frame | Open frame |
| Hotend, max | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Bed, max | 100 °C | 100 °C |
| Chamber heating | None | None |
| Weight | 8.3 kg | 9.12 kg |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA | PLA, PETG, PLA-CF, TPU (64D or harder) |