Bambu Lab P1P vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1P and Elegoo Centauri Carbon are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $499 vs $299. 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 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon saves you $200 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1P | Elegoo Centauri Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 13.5 kg | 17.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
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
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
+Enclosed CoreXY at $299. Yes, really.
+PLA, PETG, ABS: all print well out of the box
+Pre-assembled, printing within minutes of opening the box
+Carbon-fiber-infused materials are a go
−Firmware needs attention after unboxing
−Heat creep shows up on long prints above 270C
−Elegoo's ecosystem is years behind Bambu's
−17.5kg for a 256mm build volume is heavy
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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling (4 pressure sensors)
- Chamber camera monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1P better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1P scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1P or Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The Bambu Lab P1P is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 8/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1P worth $200 more than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The Bambu Lab P1P scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8.2/10). The extra $200 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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 256x256x256mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1P is best for speed; the Elegoo Centauri Carbon targets budget.