Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo vs Longer Orange 4K V2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo ($299, FDM) and Longer Orange 4K V2 ($199, RESIN) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo takes the crown with 9.2/10 vs 6/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Longer Orange 4K V2 saves you $100.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo | Longer Orange 4K V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 180 x 180 x 180 mm | 120 x 68 x 195 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 90 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 4.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 9.2/10 | 6/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo
+Multi-color printing for $299, the cheapest entry point in the Bambu ecosystem
+AMS Lite included, no separate $100 purchase required
+Desk footprint smaller than a sheet of A4 paper, even with AMS Lite attached
+Bambu's full software stack and reliability at the lowest price they've ever offered it
−180mm cube limits you to smaller prints; anything bigger needs the A1 Combo
−AMS Lite tops out at 4 colors; step up to AMS proper for more
−Open frame means ABS is a non-starter without an enclosure
Longer Orange 4K V2
+Better light uniformity than the V1 means fewer dark patches at plate edges
+WiFi at $199 is a feature the original didn't have
+Compact enough to store in a drawer when not printing
−4K resolution is dated: the Elegoo Mars 4 offers 7K for $149 with better community support
−120x68mm plate is small even by entry-level standards
−Longer's support community is thin: problems are harder to solve than on Elegoo hardware
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for compact
- A great printer for budget
- Multi-color (AMS Lite, 4 colors)
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
Choose the Longer Orange 4K V2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 5.5" 4K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo better than the Longer Orange 4K V2?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo scores higher (9.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Longer Orange 4K V2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo or Longer Orange 4K V2?
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo is more beginner-friendly (10/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo worth $100 more than the Longer Orange 4K V2?
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 6/10). The extra $100 gets you multi-color printing for $299, the cheapest entry point in the bambu ecosystem.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo and Longer Orange 4K V2?
Technology: the Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo is FDM (filament) and the Longer Orange 4K V2 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.