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.
Direct answer
Bambu Lab P1P is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Bambu Lab P1P if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for speed and beginners, and the safer recommendation. Choose Creality Ender 3 V3 SE only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Bambu Lab P1P
Best value
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Best build volume
Bambu Lab P1P
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.