Bambu Lab P1S vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab P1S ($449, FDM) and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299, 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 takes the crown with 9/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra saves you $150 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 Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Bambu Lab P1S
Best value
Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Best build volume
Bambu Lab P1S
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 14.13 kg | 10.5 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 Saturn 3 Ultra
+218x123mm plate holds a full 10-model squad in one run at 12K resolution
+Tilt release on a plate this size dramatically reduces FEP tears
+Terrain, dungeon tiles, and large busts all fit without splitting
+150mm/hr speed is faster than most competitors at this plate size
−A full plate run goes through resin fast: budget for 500ml+ per session
−Post-processing for a full plate takes the better part of an hour
−At $299, you're also spending $80-120 on a wash and cure station before you can print anything
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 Saturn 3 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for large-prints
- 12K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S scores higher (9/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P1S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S worth $150 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P1S scores higher overall (9/10 vs 8/10). The extra $150 gets you hepa filter actually handles abs fumes, not just pla smell.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P1S and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Bambu Lab P1S is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.