Slamtec RPLIDAR A1M8 360° LiDAR vs SLAMTEC RPLIDAR A1 Upgraded (ROS/ROS2)
Specifications
| Spec | Slamtec RPLIDAR A1M8 360° LiDAR | SLAMTEC RPLIDAR A1 Upgraded (… |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 0.15–12 m | 0.15–12 m |
| Sample Rate | 8,000 samples/sec | — |
| Scan Frequency | 5.5 Hz | — |
| Angular Resolution | 1° | — |
| Interface | USB (UART adapter included) | USB |
| Power | 5V via USB | 5V USB |
| Weight | 170 g | — |
| ROS Package | rplidar_ros (official) | — |
| Ranging Method | — | Triangulation |
| ROS2 Support | — | Native (Humble, Iron) |
| Price | $99 | $79 |
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Reviews | 4,300 | 210 |
Slamtec RPLIDAR A1M8 360° LiDAR
Pros
- ✓The de-facto standard entry-level LiDAR — massive ROS driver support
- ✓12m range covers most indoor mapping scenarios
- ✓USB plug-and-play on Linux, Windows, and Raspberry Pi
- ✓4,300+ reviews means every common issue is documented online
Cons
- ✗8,000 samples/sec is adequate but slower than newer models
- ✗Spinning motor can be noisy in quiet environments
- ✗No built-in IMU — you'll need a separate one for full SLAM
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
Verdict
- $ SLAMTEC RPLIDAR A1 Upgraded (ROS/ROS2) saves $20 — better for budget-conscious buyers.
- ⭐ Slamtec RPLIDAR A1M8 360° LiDAR is rated higher (0.1 stars difference).
- ✦ SLAMTEC RPLIDAR A1 Upgraded (ROS/ROS2) delivers the best rating-per-dollar.