Bambu Lab A1 vs Longer Orange 4K
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab A1 ($299, FDM) and Longer Orange 4K ($129, 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 takes the crown with 9.2/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Longer Orange 4K saves you $170 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab A1 | Longer Orange 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $129 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 118 x 66 x 190 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.05 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 9.2/10 | 6.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab A1
+Full 256mm build volume
+Bambu polish at $299
+Fast and quiet
+Great without AMS Lite
−Open frame
−No multi-color unless AMS Lite added
−AMS Lite is extra cost
Longer Orange 4K
+Cheapest resin printer
+WiFi at this price
+Decent 4K resolution
−Very small build plate
−4K resolution below current standard
−Less reliable long-term
−Tiny community
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Bambu Lab A1 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
- Camera
Choose the Longer Orange 4K if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- 5.5" 4K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab A1 better than the Longer Orange 4K?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab A1 scores higher (9.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Longer Orange 4K may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab A1 or Longer Orange 4K?
The Bambu Lab A1 is more beginner-friendly (10/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab A1 worth $170 more than the Longer Orange 4K?
The Bambu Lab A1 scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $170 gets you full 256mm build volume.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab A1 and Longer Orange 4K?
Technology: the Bambu Lab A1 is FDM (filament) and the Longer Orange 4K is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.