Bambu Lab P1P vs Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1P and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $499 vs $218. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab P1P takes the crown with 8.8/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE saves you $281 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1P | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $218 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 13.5 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab P1P
+Identical CoreXY motion system as the P1S: same speed, same print head, same quality
+Aftermarket enclosure panels are $60 and turn this into a near-P1S for less money
+Bambu's slicer and cloud ecosystem work the same as on every other Bambu
−$499 open frame when the A1 Combo is $399 with AMS Lite: the value math is awkward
−AMS sold separately: the one thing the A1 Combo has that this doesn't
−Discontinued: replaced by the P2S, which is just better
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
+Auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth
+Direct drive means you can print TPU without fighting the extruder
+r/ender3 has 200,000 members who've fixed every problem you'll ever have
+Spare parts are everywhere and cheap
−250mm/s max is half what CoreXY printers do at this price in 2024
−Open frame, no WiFi, no camera: this is a no-frills machine
−Firmware updates require a USB stick and patience
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Bambu Lab P1P if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
Choose the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1P better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1P scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1P or Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
Both score 9/10 for beginners. Go with the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE to save $281.
Is the Bambu Lab P1P worth $281 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Bambu Lab P1P scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8/10). The extra $281 gets you identical corexy motion system as the p1s: same speed, same print head, same quality.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P1P and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 220x220x250mm) and print speed (500 vs 250 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1P is best for speed; the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE targets beginners.