Bambu Lab P2S vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Bambu Lab P2S and Elegoo Centauri Carbon are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $549 vs $299. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab P2S takes the crown with 9.2/10 vs 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon saves you $250 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P2S | Elegoo Centauri Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549 | $299 |
| 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 | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 14.9 kg | 17.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 9.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab P2S
+Quick-swap nozzle: no tools, no waiting for cool-down, no thread damage from hot-tightening
+1080p AI camera pauses the print when it detects layer failures, not just notifies you
+AMS 2 Pro dries filament while printing so you don't need a separate drybox for standard materials
+5-inch touchscreen is large enough to actually use without squinting at a 2-inch screen
−No LiDAR sensor: that capability is still exclusive to the X-series
−P1S owners have no trade-in path; the upgrade cost is the full $549
−Multi-color purges still waste filament; purge blocks help but don't fix the root issue
−The $799 Combo version gets close enough to the H2D's price that a comparison is warranted
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
+Enclosed CoreXY at $299. Yes, really.
+PLA, PETG, ABS: all print well out of the box
+Pre-assembled, printing within minutes of opening the box
+Carbon-fiber-infused materials are a go
−Firmware needs attention after unboxing
−Heat creep shows up on long prints above 270C
−Elegoo's ecosystem is years behind Bambu's
−17.5kg for a 256mm build volume is heavy
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Bambu Lab P2S if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for engineering
- Enclosed CoreXY
- AMS 2 Pro compatible
- 5-inch touchscreen
Choose the Elegoo Centauri Carbon if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling (4 pressure sensors)
- Chamber camera monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P2S better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P2S scores higher (9.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P2S or Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The Bambu Lab P2S is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 8/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P2S worth $250 more than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The Bambu Lab P2S scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 8.2/10). The extra $250 gets you quick-swap nozzle: no tools, no waiting for cool-down, no thread damage from hot-tightening.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P2S and Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 256x256x256mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Bambu Lab P2S is best for speed; the Elegoo Centauri Carbon targets budget.