Bambu Lab P1S vs Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1S and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $449 vs $218. 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 8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE saves you $231 and wins on Value, Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $218 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 14.13 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 9/10 | 8/10 |
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 SE
+Auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth
+Direct drive means you can print TPU without fighting the extruder
+r/ender3 has 200,000 members who've fixed every problem you'll ever have
+Spare parts are everywhere and cheap
−250mm/s max is half what CoreXY printers do at this price in 2024
−Open frame, no WiFi, no camera: this is a no-frills machine
−Firmware updates require a USB stick and patience
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 SE if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S scores higher (9/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S or Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 8/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S worth $231 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Bambu Lab P1S scores higher overall (9/10 vs 8/10). The extra $231 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 SE?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 220x220x250mm) and print speed (500 vs 250 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1S is best for engineering; the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE targets beginners.