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 9.2/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra saves you $250.
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 | 9.2/10 | 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 Saturn 3 Ultra
+218x123mm plate holds a full 10-model squad in one run at 12K resolution
+Tilt release on a plate this size dramatically reduces FEP tears
+Terrain, dungeon tiles, and large busts all fit without splitting
+150mm/hr speed is faster than most competitors at this plate size
−A full plate run goes through resin fast: budget for 500ml+ per session
−Post-processing for a full plate takes the better part of an hour
−At $299, you're also spending $80-120 on a wash and cure station before you can print anything
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 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 (9.2/10). 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 (9/10 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 (9.2/10 vs 8/10). 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 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.