AstroPrint vs Bambu Studio

AstroPrint is a platform for managing 3D printers and printer fleets. Its cloud library stores STL and G-code files, and users can slice designs in a browser. A cloud dashboard tool generates printable models from text prompts. Users can monitor prints and remotely pause, resume, or cancel them from a computer or smartphone; analytics cover filament use, printer operating hours, and print success rates. Printers can connect through AstroBox Touch, AstroBox Gateway, a self-built AstroBox, or the OctoPrint plugin. The mobile app can search Thingiverse designs and start prints. AstroPrint Desktop is listed for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux, alongside Android, iOS, web, API, and self-hosted platforms. Klipper is supported for slicing only, and live video streaming is not available in the mobile app; a browser is needed for that. The free Basic plan includes 2 printers, 1 user, and 1GB file storage. Premium costs $9.90/mo and includes the first 5 printers, with each additional printer costing $5.

Bambu Studio is free slicing software for preparing 3D-printing projects on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It combines project-based workflows, optimized slicing algorithms, and a graphical interface. Its tools include basic slicing, a G-code viewer, management of multiple plates, and automatic object arrangement and orientation. Support options include hybrid, tree, normal, and customized forms, alongside multi-material printing and painting tools. Additional capabilities include STEP support, assembly and explosion views, and arc-path support. Listed remote features provide printer control and monitoring. The software is licensed under GNU AGPL version 3. Its optional networking plugin uses non-free libraries; after slicing, users can print by SD card without that plugin. For Linux, the project provides AppImages for Ubuntu and Fedora and points to Flathub. Bambu Lab says the software includes printer and filament profiles based on engineers’ tests and integrated with hardware logic. Privacy options described by the maker include LAN-Only Mode, offline firmware updates, and Stealth Printing, which avoids cloud storage of print files unless chosen.