Bambu Lab P1S vs Prusa MK4S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P1S and Prusa MK4S are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $449 vs $929. 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 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S | Prusa MK4S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $929 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 250 x 210 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 14.13 kg | 7 kg |
| Overall Score | 9/10 | 7.8/10 |
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
Prusa MK4S
+Prusa's QC is genuinely better than anyone else's: every printer is test-printed before shipping
+PrusaSlicer is open source and powerful, no subscription, no cloud required
+Customer support answers in hours, not weeks
+Spare parts available for 5+ year old models; no planned obsolescence
−200mm/s max is a third of what CoreXY machines do at half the price
−$929 for an open-frame bed-slinger is a hard sell in 2025
−Bambu's A1 Combo does more for $530 less
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 Prusa MK4S if you want:
- A great printer for reliability
- A great printer for open-source
- Open source
- PrusaSlicer
- Nextruder
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P1S better than the Prusa MK4S?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S scores higher (9/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Prusa MK4S may be the smarter buy if you need reliability.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P1S or Prusa MK4S?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Bambu Lab P1S to save $480.
Is the Prusa MK4S worth $480 more than the Bambu Lab P1S?
The Bambu Lab P1S actually scores higher (9/10) despite costing $480 less. The Prusa MK4S only makes sense if you specifically need reliability.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P1S and Prusa MK4S?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 250x210x220mm) and print speed (500 vs 200 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P1S is best for engineering; the Prusa MK4S targets reliability.