Bambu Lab P1S Combo vs Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab P1S Combo ($699, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284, 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 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra saves you $415 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S Combo | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $284 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 153 x 89 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 7.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
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−The P1S hardware is being superseded by the P2S; check current pricing before buying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 5 Ultra
+14K resolution renders chainmail and sword hilts at a level FDM can't get near
+Tilt release means fewer ripped FEP films mid-print
+Built-in air purifier cuts the resin smell noticeably; still needs ventilation but less aggressively
+WiFi monitoring so you don't have to babysit the machine
−Build plate is 153x89mm: anything larger needs to be sliced and assembled
−Resin printing means gloves, IPA, and a wash station are non-negotiable purchases
−Post-processing adds 30-45 minutes after every print: wash, cure, support removal
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 5 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for detail
- 14K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo better than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S Combo or Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra to save $415.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo worth $415 more than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8.2/10). The extra $415 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 5 Ultra?
Technology: the Bambu Lab P1S Combo is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.