Bambu Lab P1S Combo vs Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo and Creality Ender 3 V3 KE are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $699 vs $199. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo takes the crown with 8.8/10 vs 8.4/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE saves you $500 and wins on Value, Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S Combo | Creality Ender 3 V3 KE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 220 x 220 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab P1S Combo
+Enclosed chamber plus AMS multi-material in one box, no separate AMS purchase
+HEPA filter handles ABS fumes; the enclosure keeps chamber temperature stable
+Up to 16 colors by daisy-chaining 4 AMS units
+Bambu's reliability track record is the best in the consumer market
−$699 is a significant step up from the A1 Combo's $399
−The P1S hardware is being superseded by the P2S; check current pricing before buying
−AMS still wastes filament on color transitions; purge blocks help but don't eliminate it
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
+Klipper with WiFi at $199: normally this combination costs $299+
+Direct drive comes standard, not as a $40 upgrade
+500mm/s is real and achievable with the pre-installed Klipper profiles
+Color touchscreen that actually works, unlike the Ender 3 classics
−Open frame makes ABS printing inconsistent
−220mm bed is smaller than some $199 competitors
−Community is newer than the Ender 3 classic and gaps show when troubleshooting
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Bambu Lab P1S Combo if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for multi-color
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Multi-material (AMS, up to 16 colors with 4 units)
- WiFi
Choose the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for speed
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S Combo or Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo worth $500 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8.4/10). The extra $500 gets you enclosed chamber plus ams multi-material in one box, no separate ams purchase.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P1S Combo and Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 220x220x240mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1S Combo is best for engineering; the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE targets budget.