Bambu Lab P1S Combo vs Creality Ender 5 S1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo and Creality Ender 5 S1 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $699 vs $399. 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 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Creality Ender 5 S1 saves you $300 and wins on Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S Combo | Creality Ender 5 S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $399 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 220 x 220 x 280 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 10.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
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−The P1S hardware is being superseded by the P2S; check current pricing before buying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 5 S1
+Cube frame is mechanically stiffer than bed-slinger designs: first layers are more consistent
+Sprite direct drive handles TPU and flexible filaments properly
+220x220x280mm Z-height is the standout dimension for tall prints
+Stock experience is genuinely good without requiring calibration
−250mm/s is embarrassingly slow in 2024: this is not a speed machine
−No WiFi means manual file management every time
−$399 is a lot when the Bambu A1 Mini does more for $199
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 5 S1 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for reliability
- Cube frame
- Direct drive
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo better than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality Ender 5 S1 may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S Combo or Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo worth $300 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $300 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 5 S1?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 220x220x280mm) and print speed (500 vs 250 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1S Combo is best for engineering; the Creality Ender 5 S1 targets beginners.