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, same as the Combo but $100 cheaper
+Bambu's reliability, slicer, and support at $299
+500mm/s speed that's calibrated and ready without tweaking
+AMS Lite upgradeable later when multi-color becomes interesting
−Open frame: ABS warping is a real problem without modification
−No multi-color in the box: the Combo is $100 more and includes it
−The upgrade to A1 Combo is tempting enough that many buyers regret not doing it upfront
Longer Orange 4K
+$129 is the absolute floor for resin printing
+WiFi at this price is genuinely surprising
+4K resolution is enough to see if resin is your thing
−118x66mm build plate: one mini at a time, if they're small
−4K resolution is dated next to 9K and 12K competitors
−Long-term reliability is unknown; smaller community means fewer fixes documented online
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, same as the combo but $100 cheaper.
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.