Bambu Lab P1S Combo vs Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $699 vs $218. 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 8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE saves you $481 and wins on Value, Beginner Friendliness.
Direct answer
Bambu Lab P1S Combo is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Bambu Lab P1S Combo if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for engineering and abs, and the safer recommendation. Choose Creality Ender 3 V3 SE only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Bambu Lab P1S Combo
Best value
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Best build volume
Bambu Lab P1S Combo
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S Combo | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $218 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 8/10 |
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−The P1S hardware is being superseded by the P2S; check current pricing before buying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 SE
+Auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth
+Direct drive means you can print TPU without fighting the extruder
+r/ender3 has 200,000 members who've fixed every problem you'll ever have
+Spare parts are everywhere and cheap
−250mm/s max is half what CoreXY printers do at this price in 2024
−Open frame, no WiFi, no camera: this is a no-frills machine
−Firmware updates require a USB stick and patience
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 SE if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
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 SE may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S Combo or Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo worth $481 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8/10). The extra $481 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 SE?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 220x220x250mm) and print speed (500 vs 250 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1S Combo is best for engineering; the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE targets beginners.