Bambu Lab P1P vs Voxelab Aquila X2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1P and Voxelab Aquila X2 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $499 vs $179. 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 6.6/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Voxelab Aquila X2 saves you $320 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1P | Voxelab Aquila X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $179 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 13.5 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 6.6/10 |
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
Voxelab Aquila X2
+Silent stepper drivers mean it runs without disturbing the room
+Manual leveling teaches you what auto-leveling actually does
+Ender 3-compatible mods are everywhere and cheap
−Manual bed leveling is a chore you'll do every few prints until you upgrade it
−Bowden extruder makes TPU printing a frustrating exercise
−180mm/s is slow in a world where budget printers hit 500mm/s
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 Voxelab Aquila X2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- Resume printing
- Filament runout sensor
- Glass build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1P better than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1P scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Voxelab Aquila X2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1P or Voxelab Aquila X2?
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 $320 more than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
The Bambu Lab P1P scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 6.6/10). The extra $320 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 Voxelab Aquila X2?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 220x220x250mm) and print speed (500 vs 180 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1P is best for speed; the Voxelab Aquila X2 targets budget.