Bambu Lab P1S Combo vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab P1S Combo ($699, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199, 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 P1S Combo takes the crown with 8.8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $500 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S Combo | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
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−The P1S hardware is being superseded by the P2S; check current pricing before buying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
Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
+9K resolution is a meaningful jump from 7K: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts
+Tilt release means FEP films last longer; $50 less per year in consumables is real money
+Built-in air purifier takes the edge off the smell without requiring an external solution
+WiFi monitoring means you can start a print and check it from another room
−153x77mm plate is tight for anything larger than small character models
−Still needs a wash and cure station: budget $50-80 extra
−Resin workflow is messier and slower to start than FDM
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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 9K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S Combo or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra to save $500.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo worth $500 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 7.8/10). 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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Bambu Lab P1S Combo is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.