Bambu Lab A1 vs Longer Orange 4K V2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab A1 ($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 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 | Longer Orange 4K V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 120 x 68 x 195 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 90 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.05 kg | 4.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 9.2/10 | 6/10 |
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 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 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 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 better than the Longer Orange 4K V2?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab A1 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 or Longer Orange 4K V2?
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 $100 more than the Longer Orange 4K V2?
The Bambu Lab A1 scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 6/10). The extra $100 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 V2?
Technology: the Bambu Lab A1 is FDM (filament) and the Longer Orange 4K V2 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.