FlashForge AD5X vs Bambu Lab A1 (2026): Speed, Quality, Noise, Cost

Which is better for you? Real-world print quality, speed, setup, multicolour options, running cost, and a verdict on who should buy which.

Quick Comparison

Feature FlashForge AD5X Bambu A1
Price (UK) £599-£699 £459
Build Volume 300×250×200 mm 256×256×256 mm
Print Speed Up to 500mm/s Up to 500mm/s
Bed Type Heated PEI Heated PEI
Multi-Color Yes (AMS) Yes (AMS Lite)
Enclosed Yes No

Verdict: buy A1 if you want speed on a budget; buy AD5X if you need size + enclosure

Choose Bambu A1 if: you want the lowest price, great out-of-box quality, a big community, and don’t need an enclosure for ABS/ASA.

Choose FlashForge AD5X if: you need the larger 300×250×200 mm volume, an enclosed chamber for higher-temp materials, and are okay paying more for that capability.

FlashForge AD5X: Overview

Key Features

  • Large build volume: 300×250×200 mm - larger than Bambu A1
  • Enclosed design: Better for ABS and other materials requiring temperature control
  • High speed: Up to 500mm/s print speed
  • AMS support: Multi-material and multi-color printing
  • CoreXY design: Stable and fast motion system
  • Price: £599-£699 (depending on configuration)

Pros

  • Larger build volume
  • Fully enclosed for better material compatibility
  • Good print quality
  • Multi-material support
  • Fast print speeds

Cons

  • More expensive than Bambu A1
  • Larger footprint
  • Less established brand than Bambu Lab
  • Smaller community support

Bambu A1: Overview

Key Features

  • Compact design: 256×256×256 mm build volume
  • Open frame: Easier access but less temperature control
  • High speed: Up to 500mm/s print speed
  • AMS Lite: Multi-color printing support
  • Proven reliability: From established Bambu Lab
  • Price: £459 (more affordable)

Pros

  • More affordable price
  • Proven track record from Bambu Lab
  • Excellent print quality
  • Large community support
  • Compact footprint
  • Fast and reliable

Cons

  • Smaller build volume
  • Not enclosed (limited ABS printing)
  • AMS Lite has fewer spool slots than full AMS

Detailed Comparison

Price & Value

Winner: Bambu A1

The Bambu A1 is significantly cheaper at £459 vs FlashForge AD5X at £599-£699. For most users, the Bambu A1 offers better value for money, especially if you don't need the larger build volume or enclosed design.

Build Volume

Winner: FlashForge AD5X

The FlashForge AD5X has a larger build volume (300×250×200 mm) compared to Bambu A1 (256×256×256 mm). If you need to print larger objects, the AD5X is the better choice.

Print Quality

Winner: Tie

Both printers offer excellent print quality. The Bambu A1 has a slight edge in consistency and ease of use, while the FlashForge AD5X performs well but may require more tuning.

Material Compatibility

Winner: FlashForge AD5X

The enclosed design of the FlashForge AD5X makes it better for printing ABS, ASA, and other materials that require temperature control. The Bambu A1 is better suited for PLA, PETG, and TPU.

Community & Support

Winner: Bambu A1

Bambu Lab has a larger, more active community and better-established support. FlashForge is newer to the high-speed printer market, so community resources are more limited.

Speed

Winner: Tie

Both printers can reach speeds up to 500mm/s. In practice, both are very fast and speed differences are minimal for most prints.

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