Bambu Lab P1S vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1S and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $449 vs $449. 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 Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo still puts up a fight in 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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Bambu Lab P1S
Best value
Bambu Lab P1S
Best build volume
Bambu Lab P1S
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $449 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.08 mm |
| Weight | 14.13 kg | 19.35 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
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
+First enclosed multi-color CoreXY under $500
+91% first-attempt success rate on multi-color jobs
+RFID reads filament type automatically, no manual input
+TPU prints without complaints
−Spool holders are finicky
−Loading routine doesn't get hot enough for high-temp filaments
−Build plate grip is mediocre
−Canvas software works but looks like it was designed fast
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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed CoreXY
- 4-color Canvas multi-color system
- 350C hardened steel nozzle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S scores higher (9/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo may be the smarter buy if you need multi-color.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S or Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
The Bambu Lab P1S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Which is the better value, Bambu Lab P1S or Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
Same price ($449), so it comes down to features. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo edges ahead on value score.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P1S and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 256x256x256mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1S is best for engineering; the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo targets multi-color.