Bambu Lab P1P vs Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab P1P ($499, FDM) and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra ($459, 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 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra saves you $40 and wins on Print Quality.
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 Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Bambu Lab P1P
Best value
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Best build volume
Bambu Lab P1P
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1P | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $459 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 13.5 kg | 11 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 Saturn 4 Ultra
+218x123mm plate fits a full Warhammer squad in one run, not two
+12K resolution holds up just as well as the Mars at 14K for most print sizes
+Tilt release is worth it at this plate size: peel forces on large prints are brutal without it
+Terrain and base tiles look genuinely stunning at this resolution
−Resin consumption goes up fast when you're filling a plate this size
−Post-processing for a full plate run takes 45-60 minutes minimum
−The purifier helps but a plate this big curing kicks up more fumes
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 Saturn 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for large-prints
- 12K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1P better than the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1P scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1P or Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P1P is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1P worth $40 more than the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P1P scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $40 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 Saturn 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Bambu Lab P1P is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.