Bambu Lab P1P vs Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab P1P ($499, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284, RESIN) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab P1P takes the crown with 8.8/10 vs 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra saves you $215 and wins on Value, Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1P | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $284 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 153 x 89 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 13.5 kg | 7.5 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 Mars 5 Ultra
+14K resolution renders chainmail and sword hilts at a level FDM can't get near
+Tilt release means fewer ripped FEP films mid-print
+Built-in air purifier cuts the resin smell noticeably; still needs ventilation but less aggressively
+WiFi monitoring so you don't have to babysit the machine
−Build plate is 153x89mm: anything larger needs to be sliced and assembled
−Resin printing means gloves, IPA, and a wash station are non-negotiable purchases
−Post-processing adds 30-45 minutes after every print: wash, cure, support removal
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 Mars 5 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for detail
- 14K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1P better than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1P scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1P or Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
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 $215 more than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P1P scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8.2/10). The extra $215 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 Mars 5 Ultra?
Technology: the Bambu Lab P1P is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.