Bambu Lab P2S vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab P2S ($549, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($199, 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 P2S takes the crown with 9.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra saves you $350.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P2S | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 14.9 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 Mars 4 Ultra
+9K resolution is a meaningful jump from 7K: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts
+Tilt release means FEP films last longer; $50 less per year in consumables is real money
+Built-in air purifier takes the edge off the smell without requiring an external solution
+WiFi monitoring means you can start a print and check it from another room
−153x77mm plate is tight for anything larger than small character models
−Still needs a wash and cure station: budget $50-80 extra
−Resin workflow is messier and slower to start than FDM
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 Mars 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 9K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P2S better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P2S scores higher (9.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P2S or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P2S is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P2S worth $350 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P2S scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $350 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 Mars 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Bambu Lab P2S is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.