Published noise figures
We list only figures the manufacturers publish. Where a maker does not publish a number on the pages we checked, the printer is left out rather than estimated. Bambu Lab’s P1S and P2S store pages, for example, did not show a decibel figure when we checked.
| Printer | Published figure | Mode and conditions stated |
|---|---|---|
| Anycubic Kobra S1 | ≤44 dB quiet; ≤46 dB standard [6] | Quiet and standard print modes; measurement footnote not summarized here, see the source [6] |
| Creality K1C | ≤45 dB [5] | Silent mode, measured at 1 metre, data from Creality Lab [5] |
| Bambu Lab A1 mini | About 48 dB [1]; store page advertises 49 dB [2] | Silent mode (wiki FAQ) [1] |
| Bambu Lab A1 | Around 48 dB [3]; store page advertises 49 dB [4] | Silent mode (wiki FAQ) [3] |
Why these numbers are not a ranking
A few decibels separate these printers on paper, but the figures are not measured the same way. Creality states a 1-metre distance and its own lab [5]; Bambu Lab’s wiki gives an approximate silent-mode figure without a distance on the FAQ we checked, while its store pages advertise a slightly different 49 dB figure [1][2]. Treat a 1–4 dB gap between brands as within the noise of differing test methods, not as a measured difference.
The figures also describe the quietest mode. Anycubic publishes both standard and quiet numbers for the Kobra S1 [6], which is more useful than a single best case. If a listing gives only one number, assume it is the quiet mode.
We have not measured any of these printers ourselves; this is a comparison of published claims.
Quiet modes cost print time
On these printers the quiet setting is a speed setting. Bambu Lab lets you switch between Silent, Standard, Sport and Ludicrous speed modes on the A1 mini from the printer, the app or the slicer [1], and Creality says the K1C lets you choose a speed and noise level for printing [5].
The practical trade-off is time. A long overnight print in silent mode finishes later, which may still be the right choice in a shared flat. A useful pattern is to slice normally, print fast while you are out, and switch to the quiet mode only when someone is trying to sleep or work nearby.
Maintenance that keeps a printer quiet
Noise often grows as a printer ages. Creality says fans should be checked regularly, and recommends weekly, for dust to prevent abnormal noise and extend service life [7], and Bambu Lab also recommends weekly fan checks [8].
Squeaks usually come from idlers. Bambu Lab recommends a little lubricating oil between the idler flange and holder only when squeaking is present, to avoid dust buildup [8]. Creality suggests silicone lubricant on the top and bottom of idler wheels only when they squeak [7]. Bambu Lab’s A1 FAQ lists lubricant oil for eliminating noise from idler wheels on that model [3].
Bambu Lab notes that bearing noise from low internal lubrication does not affect printing performance in theory, so treating it is optional [8].
Placement for apartments and shared rooms
Where you put the printer changes what you hear. A heavy, stable surface reduces vibration transfer; Creality’s manual advises against unstable or vibrating locations for print quality reasons too [9]. Distance helps as well; Creality’s published figure, for example, is measured at 1 metre [5].
Keep ventilation in mind. The quietest spot, such as a closed cupboard, is often the worst for fumes and heat; Creality asks for a well-ventilated, cool, dust-free location away from heat sources [9]. Do not trade air quality for silence.
- Use a solid table rather than a shelf that resonates.
- Keep the printer out of bedrooms and away from shared walls where possible.
- Schedule long prints for times when the room is empty.
- Use the quiet mode only when needed, and accept the longer print time.
Who should pay for a quieter model
If the printer will share a room where people sleep or take calls, published quiet-mode figures and an enclosed design are reasonable tie-breakers between otherwise similar printers. If it will live in a garage or spare room, choose on build volume, materials and price instead; a 2–4 dB claimed difference will matter less than maintenance and placement.
Whatever you buy, check the return window so you can judge the noise in your own space before it closes.
Questions before you decide
Which printer has the lowest published noise level?
Of the pages we checked, Anycubic lists the Kobra S1 at 44 dB or less in quiet mode, Creality lists the K1C at 45 dB or less in silent mode at 1 metre, and Bambu Lab lists the A1 and A1 mini at about 48 dB in silent mode. Test conditions differ, so this is not a measured ranking.
Does silent mode slow printing?
Yes. Bambu Lab offers Silent, Standard, Sport and Ludicrous speed modes, and Creality describes choosing a speed and noise level, so the quiet setting is a slower one.
How do I stop a printer squeaking?
Both Bambu Lab and Creality suggest a little lubricant on idler pulleys only when they squeak, and no lubricant otherwise, to avoid dust buildup. Check fans for dust weekly as well.
Can I put a printer in a cupboard to keep it quiet?
Creality asks for a well-ventilated, cool location away from heat sources, so a closed cupboard is a poor choice. Use distance, a solid surface and scheduling instead.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Bambu Lab Wiki: A1 mini FAQ Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Bambu Lab US store: A1 mini product page and specifications Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Bambu Lab Wiki: A1 FAQ Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Bambu Lab US store: A1 product page and specifications Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Creality: K1C product page and specifications Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Anycubic Australia: Kobra S1 product page and specifications Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Creality Wiki: K1C / K1C 2025 maintenance tips Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Bambu Lab Wiki: P1 series printer maintenance recommendation Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Creality Wiki: K1C / K1C 2025 user manual Accessed 30 Oct 2026
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