Bambu Lab P1S Combo vs Prusa Core One
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo and Prusa Core One are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $699 vs $1199. 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 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S Combo | Prusa Core One |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $1199 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 250 x 220 x 270 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 22.5 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−The P1S hardware is being superseded by the P2S; check current pricing before buying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
Prusa Core One
+Prusa reliability is not marketing. It's earned over years.
+55C active chamber heating handles demanding materials
+Fully open-source, no vendor lock-in anywhere
+Kit option at $949 saves 21% if you don't mind the build
−$1,199 assembled is hard to justify against the Bambu alternatives
−Build volume is smaller than what you'd expect at this price
−22.5kg is a lot to move around
−No LiDAR, no AI monitoring
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 Prusa Core One if you want:
- A great printer for precision
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed CoreXY with active chamber heating (55C)
- Nextruder direct drive (10:1 planetary)
- 360-degree cooling duct
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo better than the Prusa Core One?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Prusa Core One may be the smarter buy if you need precision.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S Combo or Prusa Core One?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Bambu Lab P1S Combo to save $500.
Is the Prusa Core One worth $500 more than the Bambu Lab P1S Combo?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo actually scores higher (8.8/10) despite costing $500 less. The Prusa Core One only makes sense if you specifically need precision.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P1S Combo and Prusa Core One?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 250x220x270mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1S Combo is best for engineering; the Prusa Core One targets precision.