SLAMTEC RPLIDAR A1 Upgraded (ROS/ROS2) vs WayPonDEV RPLIDAR A1M8 360° Lidar Kit
Specifications
| Spec | SLAMTEC RPLIDAR A1 Upgraded (… | WayPonDEV RPLIDAR A1M8 360° L… |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 0.15–12 m | 0.15–12 m |
| Ranging Method | Triangulation | — |
| Interface | USB | USB (UART adapter included) |
| ROS2 Support | Native (Humble, Iron) | — |
| Power | 5V USB | 5V via USB |
| Sample Rate | — | 8,000 samples/sec |
| Scan Frequency | — | 5.5 Hz |
| Includes | — | Mounting hardware, cables, setup guide |
| ROS Package | — | rplidar_ros |
| Price | $79 | $89 |
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Reviews | 210 | 320 |
SLAMTEC RPLIDAR A1 Upgraded (ROS/ROS2)
Pros
- ✓Native ROS2 support with cleaner driver than the older A1M8
- ✓Triangulation ranging is more accurate at close range than time-of-flight
- ✓Compact form factor fits in tight robot chassis designs
- ✓Lower price than A1M8 with better software support
Cons
- ✗Fewer community resources than the A1M8 (newer product)
- ✗Same 12m range limit as predecessor
WayPonDEV RPLIDAR A1M8 360° Lidar Kit
Pros
- ✓Better documentation than the official Slamtec listing — includes guided setup for beginners
- ✓Maker bundle includes mounting hardware and cables often sold separately
- ✓Same proven A1M8 sensor with 4,300+ reviews of community validation
- ✓ROS driver included with setup instructions
Cons
- ✗Slightly more expensive than buying direct from Slamtec
- ✗Same hardware limitations as A1M8 — 8,000 samples/sec, no native ROS2 driver
Verdict
- $ SLAMTEC RPLIDAR A1 Upgraded (ROS/ROS2) saves $10 — better for budget-conscious buyers.
- ⭐ Both are rated equally at ⭐ 4.5.
- ✦ SLAMTEC RPLIDAR A1 Upgraded (ROS/ROS2) delivers the best rating-per-dollar.