Bambu Lab A2L vs A1 – Is the big upgrade worth the money?

By Kristoffer Marnø

When Bambu Lab launched the A2L, it was easy to dismiss it as "a big A1". However, after seeing what it can do, it is clear that the A2L is more than just the extra build volume.

It builds on everything that made the A1 popular, but at the same time corrects several of the weaknesses that bedslinger printers traditionally struggle with.

First impression

The first thing you notice is, of course, the size.

With a build volume of 330 × 320 × 325 mm, the A2L is significantly larger than the A1. The extra space makes a real difference in practice. Large cosplay parts, helmets, Gridfinity storage, and functional items can often be printed in one piece rather than several smaller sections.

But size also has a downside.

The A2L requires significantly more space than many expect. Although the printer takes up less space on paper, you need to account for the build plate's movement.

We recommend a minimum of:

• 600 mm width without AMS
• 750 mm depth
• Approx. 800 mm width with AMS Lite mounted

If you have a small desk, you should measure before purchasing.

Print quality is almost impressive

If there's one thing Bambu Lab has become known for, it's the first layer.

The A2L does not disappoint.

First layers are consistently precise, uniform, and require virtually no user intervention. Auto-calibration and bed leveling work exactly as expected from a modern Bambu printer.

On PLA, the results are simply excellent.

Overhangs are printed surprisingly well, and the open construction actually helps with cooling. Here, the A2L has an advantage over many enclosed printers, where cooling is often compromised by the hot chamber.

The VFA problem is almost gone

One of the most interesting areas on the A2L is the drive system.

Bambu has introduced a new belt construction, where the drivetrain combines traditional timing belts with belt sections without teeth.

The purpose is to reduce the Vertical Fine Artifacts (VFA) that many printers show on flat walls.

The result is impressive.

On test items like Gridfinity boxes and the classic Benchy, VFA is almost eliminated compared to the A1.

For users who print functional parts with large surfaces, this is one of the most noticeable improvements.

The new build plate is more than just larger

The build plate has received an upgrade that doesn't get much attention.

Bambu has mounted four strong magnets in each corner of the plate.

This means that large prints have a much harder time lifting or deforming the plate during printing.

Warping can, of course, still occur on the model itself, but the build plate remains far more stable under load.

An extra bonus is that the H2C print plate fits directly on the A2L.

Same nozzle as A1

One of the good news for existing A1 owners is that the A2L continues with the same nozzle system.

If you have already invested in:

• 0.2 mm nozzle
• 0.4 mm nozzle
• 0.6 mm nozzle
• 0.8 mm nozzle

these can be reused directly.

This significantly reduces upgrade costs.

But remember: It still comes with stainless steel

The printer is still delivered with a stainless steel nozzle.

It's perfect for:

• PLA
• PETG
• TPU
• ASA
• ABS

But if you print:

• Carbon Fiber
• Glass Fiber
• Glow-in-the-Dark
• Metal-filled filaments

you should upgrade to hardened steel or another wear-resistant solution.

Bedslinger physics still exist

Bambu has implemented active vibration compensation, and it works surprisingly well.

But the A2L is still a bedslinger.

When printing very tall objects, you can still observe minor wobble artifacts.

They are significantly reduced compared to previous generations, but not eliminated.

The good news is that the problem can almost be eliminated by reducing the print speed on tall models.

The taller the model, the more sense it makes to lower the speed.

The table matters more than you think

The A2L moves a large build plate back and forth at high speed.

This also means that the printer can transfer noticeable vibrations to the furniture.

A solid table or workbench makes a surprisingly big difference in both noise and print quality.

The camera is still... a camera

The camera is identical to what we know from the A1.

It works.

You can follow the print.

You can see if something goes wrong.

But that's all it is.

If you expect webcam quality or detailed monitoring, you will likely be disappointed.

Blob Detection is actually useful

One of the new features is monitoring of the purge area.

The printer can detect abnormal filament clumps and potential "Blob of Doom" situations before they develop into bigger problems.

It's not a guarantee against errors, but it's an extra safety net that many users will appreciate.

AMS compatibility

The A2L supports:

• AMS Lite
• AMS 2 Pro
• AMS HT

But it is important to understand that the printer still uses a single nozzle.

Therefore, the same limitations apply as on other single-nozzle systems.

Color changes still require:

• Purge
• purgetower
• Material waste

If you primarily print multicolor, there are better alternatives.

Here you should also consider:

• X2D
• H2C
• Snapmaker U1

These are developed more directly with a focus on multi-color production.

Filament handling

PLA+, Silk PLA and other brittle materials should not be left stretched in PTFE tubes for extended periods.

If the printer is not to be used for some time, it is recommended to:

• Retract the filament
• Lock it on the spool

This reduces the risk of filament breakage inside the tubes, which can be frustrating to fix.

Power consumption and noise

During heating, the printer can briefly draw up to:

• Approx. 850 W

During normal operation, consumption is typically around:

• 120 W for PLA
• 150 W for PETG

The noise level measured approximately one meter from the printer is around:

• 50 dBA

This is relatively low for a printer of this size.

The plotter upgrade is interesting

The new Cutter Upgrade opens up some creative possibilities.

The module is mounted directly on the print head and allows you to:

• Cut vinyl
• Make decals
• Create T-shirt designs
• Work on hobby projects

The functions are controlled through Bambu Suite, while regular 3D prints continue to be handled via Bambu Studio or Bambu Handy.

Setup

Setup takes approximately 30 minutes.

The manual is among the best on the market, and the printer guides the user through the entire process step by step.

Even first-time buyers will usually be ready to print within an hour.

Conclusion

The A1 is still one of the best printers in its price range.

But the A2L feels like the printer the A1 would have been if Bambu had had a couple of years of extra experience from the start.

Larger build volume, significantly fewer VFA artifacts, stronger build plate, better vibration control, and compatibility with existing A1 nozzles make the A2L a very interesting upgrade.

If you print large items, Gridfinity systems, cosplay, or functional parts, the A2L is probably the best bedslinger Bambu Lab has ever built.

See our unboxing video here: