Bambu Lab P1P vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1P and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $499 vs $449. 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 Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo saves you $50 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1P | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $449 |
| 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 | 0.08 mm |
| Weight | 13.5 kg | 19.35 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
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
+First enclosed multi-color CoreXY under $500
+91% first-attempt success rate on multi-color jobs
+RFID reads filament type automatically, no manual input
+TPU prints without complaints
−Spool holders are finicky
−Loading routine doesn't get hot enough for high-temp filaments
−Build plate grip is mediocre
−Canvas software works but looks like it was designed fast
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 2 Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed CoreXY
- 4-color Canvas multi-color system
- 350C hardened steel nozzle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1P better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1P scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo may be the smarter buy if you need multi-color.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1P or Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
The Bambu Lab P1P is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1P worth $50 more than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
The Bambu Lab P1P scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8/10). The extra $50 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 2 Combo?
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 2 Combo targets multi-color.