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. We scored both across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab P2S takes the crown with 8.8/10 vs 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in 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 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab P2S
+Quick-swap nozzle system is a game-changer
+1080p camera with AI failure detection
+Adaptive cooling pulls in outside air or recirculates
+AMS 2 Pro doubles as a filament dryer
−No LiDAR sensor (reserved for X-series)
−No upgrade path from P1S
−AMS 2 Pro wastes filament on color changes
−$799 for the Combo adds up quickly
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
+Enclosed CoreXY at an unbelievable $299
+Excellent print quality across PLA, PETG, and ABS
+Pre-assembled — print within minutes of unboxing
+Handles carbon-fiber-infused materials
−Firmware can be unreliable and needs updates
−Heat creep issues on long prints above 270C
−Elegoo ecosystem is immature compared to Bambu
−Heavy at 17.5kg for a 256mm build volume
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
- 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 (8.8/10). 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?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Centauri Carbon to save $250.
Is the Bambu Lab P2S worth $250 more than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The Bambu Lab P2S scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8.2/10). The extra $250 gets you quick-swap nozzle system is a game-changer.
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.