Bambu Lab P2S vs Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab P2S ($549, FDM) and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284, 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 8.8/10 vs 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra saves you $265 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P2S | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549 | $284 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 153 x 89 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 14.9 kg | 7.5 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 Mars 5 Ultra
+14K resolution for insane detail
+Tilt release reduces peel forces
+Built-in air purifier
+WiFi control
−Small build plate for larger models
−Resin printing is messier than FDM
−Requires post-processing (wash + cure)
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 Mars 5 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for detail
- 14K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P2S better than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P2S scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P2S or Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P2S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P2S worth $265 more than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P2S scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8.2/10). The extra $265 gets you quick-swap nozzle system is a game-changer.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P2S and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
Technology: the Bambu Lab P2S is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.