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Compatibility at a glance
| Printer | Units supported | Max colors |
|---|---|---|
| A1 / A1 mini | 1 × AMS lite, or up to 4 × AMS / AMS 2 Pro / AMS HT (via hub) | 4 (lite) / 16 |
| P1S / P1P / X1 | Up to 4 × AMS / AMS 2 Pro / AMS HT | 16 |
| P2S | 4 × AMS / AMS 2 Pro + 4 × AMS HT | 20 |
| H2D / H2S | 4 × AMS / AMS 2 Pro + 8 × AMS HT | 24–25 |
Source: MatterHackers, "The Ultimate Bambu Lab AMS Guide".
The units
Best for A1 owners
Bambu Lab AMS lite
Open, four-spool multicolor for the A1 series only.
Best for A1 / A1 mini owners who print PLA in color
Key specs manufacturer data
| Slots | 4 spools |
|---|---|
| Design | Open (no enclosure, no drying) |
| Compatible printers | A1, A1 mini only |
| Max colors | 4 (one AMS lite per printer; cannot be mixed with other AMS types) |
Why it stands out
- Cheapest way into Bambu multicolor
- Simple, visible spool path
- Pairs natively with A1 / A1 mini
Trade-offs
- No humidity protection
- A1-series only
- Cannot be chained
Spec sources: matterhackers.com
The original, chainable
Bambu Lab AMS (original)
The enclosed four-spool unit that can be chained to 16 colors.
Best for P1S / X1 owners who want 8–16 colors
Key specs manufacturer data
| Slots | 4 spools |
|---|---|
| Design | Enclosed with desiccant compartment |
| Compatible printers | X1, P1, P2S, H2 series; A1 series via A1 AMS Hub |
| Max colors | 16 with 4 units on X1/P1 |
Why it stands out
- Keeps filament covered between prints
- Chainable
- Works across most Bambu printers
Trade-offs
- No active drying (see AMS 2 Pro)
- Cardboard spools may need adapters
- Takes space on top of or beside the printer
Spec sources: matterhackers.com
Best overall: storage + drying
Bambu Lab AMS 2 Pro
Four spools, enclosed, with built-in filament drying.
Best for PETG / humid-climate users
Key specs manufacturer data
| Slots | 4 spools |
|---|---|
| Design | Enclosed with active drying |
| Power | Can draw power from H2 / P2S printers (one unit); separate adapter on X1/P1/A1 for drying |
| Compatible printers | H2 series, P2S, X1, P1, A1 series (via hub) |
Why it stands out
- Dries filament in place
- Bundled with the P2S Combo
- Chainable with other AMS units
Trade-offs
- Extra adapter needed to dry on older printers
- Drying runs at reduced power while printing
- Not for TPU
Spec sources: matterhackers.com · tomshardware.com
Specs side by side
| Bambu Lab AMS lite | Bambu Lab AMS (original) | Bambu Lab AMS 2 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slots | 4 spools | 4 spools | 4 spools |
| Design | Open (no enclosure, no drying) | Enclosed with desiccant compartment | Enclosed with active drying |
| Compatible printers | A1, A1 mini only | X1, P1, P2S, H2 series; A1 series via A1 AMS Hub | H2 series, P2S, X1, P1, A1 series (via hub) |
| Max colors | 4 (one AMS lite per printer; cannot be mixed with other AMS types) | 16 with 4 units on X1/P1 | — |
| Power | — | — | Can draw power from H2 / P2S printers (one unit); separate adapter on X1/P1/A1 for drying |
| Where to buy |
Specs from manufacturer pages and published reviews. Prices change daily, so we don't print them: use the buttons for the current price.
Practical tips
- Damp filament is the top cause of AMS jams. Dry PETG before loading; see filament dryers.
- TPU stays outside the AMS. Use the external spool holder.
- Cardboard spools may need adapter rings to avoid shedding.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the AMS lite with a P1S or P2S?
No. The AMS lite is exclusive to the A1 and A1 mini, and Bambu has indicated no plans to extend compatibility.
Can I use a full AMS with the A1?
Yes. The A1 and A1 mini can use AMS, AMS 2 Pro and AMS HT units through the A1 AMS Hub, up to four units. You cannot mix them with an AMS lite.
Does the AMS dry filament?
The original AMS only stores filament with desiccant. The AMS 2 Pro and AMS HT add active drying.