Bambu Lab P2S vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab P2S ($549, FDM) and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299, 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 8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra saves you $250 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P2S | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549 | $299 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 14.9 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 8/10 |
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 Saturn 3 Ultra
+12K resolution across a large build plate
+Tilt release for longer FEP life
+Batch print entire armies
+Great for busts and terrain
−Heavy resin consumption at full plate
−Post-processing takes longer at this size
−Still needs wash & cure station
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 Saturn 3 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for large-prints
- 12K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu Lab P2S better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P2S scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Bambu Lab P2S or Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P2S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P2S worth $250 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Bambu Lab P2S scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8/10). The extra $250 gets you quick-swap nozzle system is a game-changer.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P2S and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Technology: the Bambu Lab P2S is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.