Bambu Lab P1S vs Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1S and Creality Ender 3 V3 KE are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $449 vs $199. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab P1S takes the crown with 9/10 vs 8.4/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE saves you $250 and wins on Value.
Direct answer
Bambu Lab P1S is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Bambu Lab P1S if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for engineering and abs, and the safer recommendation. Choose Creality Ender 3 V3 KE only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Bambu Lab P1S
Best value
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
Best build volume
Bambu Lab P1S
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S | Creality Ender 3 V3 KE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 220 x 220 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 14.13 kg | 8 kg |
| Overall Score | 9/10 | 8.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab P1S
+HEPA filter actually handles ABS fumes, not just PLA smell
+CoreXY at 500mm/s inside an enclosed chamber
+Reliability track record is as good as anything at this price
+AMS multi-material works without the constant jams you get on cheaper systems
−$449 without AMS, which adds another $100-150 on top
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
−P1P owners considering an upgrade: this is it, but it stings
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
+Klipper with WiFi at $199: normally this combination costs $299+
+Direct drive comes standard, not as a $40 upgrade
+500mm/s is real and achievable with the pre-installed Klipper profiles
+Color touchscreen that actually works, unlike the Ender 3 classics
−Open frame makes ABS printing inconsistent
−220mm bed is smaller than some $199 competitors
−Community is newer than the Ender 3 classic and gaps show when troubleshooting
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Bambu Lab P1S if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed
- Multi-material (AMS)
- WiFi
Choose the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for speed
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S scores higher (9/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S or Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE to save $250.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S worth $250 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
The Bambu Lab P1S scores higher overall (9/10 vs 8.4/10). The extra $250 gets you hepa filter actually handles abs fumes, not just pla smell.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P1S and Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 220x220x240mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1S is best for engineering; the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE targets budget.