Bambu Lab P1S Review: P2S Comparison, Worth Buying?

If you’ve been eyeing the Bambu Lab P1S, you’re probably aware it was the best-selling 3D printer for a while — and possibly already stumbled across chatter about its successor, the P2S, and some concerning rumors about the company’s direction. Here’s a practical look at where the P1S stands right now, with honest comparisons to the alternatives and a clear-eyed read on whether it’s still worth your money.

Max Print Speed: 500 mm/s · Price (example): €389 · Multi-Color Support: Up to 16 colors with AMS · Acceleration: Up to 20000 mm/s² · Enclosure: Included for high-temp printing

Here’s how the P1S stacks up against its key specs and the competition:

Is Bambu Lab P1S a good printer?

The P1S earned its reputation as a reliable workhorse that works right out of the box. Reviewers consistently praise the well-polished hardware and software integration, with one extensive tester noting that “P1S remains reliable for PLA/PETG on budget, legendary workhorse” (InnoAddi). At €389, it delivers solid performance without requiring significant setup time.

Performance and features

The enclosed design supports high-temperature materials, and the multi-color capability through AMS (Automatic Material System) opens creative possibilities for makers. With up to 16 colors available, the P1S handles complex projects that would challenge open-frame printers. Speed-wise, the 500 mm/s maximum is impressive for a printer in this price bracket, backed by 20000 mm/s² acceleration for faster layer transitions.

Customer reviews

User feedback highlights the P1S ease of use, though some report struggles with larger prints due to warping issues. Community forum discussions note that “P1S struggles with larger prints due to warping issues, unlike smaller/medium pieces” (Bambu Lab Forum). Smaller to medium prints, however, consistently turn out well without the headaches users experience with bigger projects.

Which is better, Bambu Lab P2S or P1S?

The P2S brings meaningful upgrades over the P1S, but whether those improvements justify the cost depends heavily on your situation. The P2S maxes out at 600 mm/s versus the P1S’s 500 mm/s, features a 5-inch color touchscreen instead of the P1S’s dated 2.7-inch button screen, and includes a quick-swap nozzle system that lets you switch nozzle sizes in about 30 seconds (InnoAddi). The extruder force jumps to 8.5kg PMSM Servo compared to the P1S standard stepper, and the camera resolution improves from 720p low-FPS to 1080p high-FPS with AI Spaghetti Detection.

Key differences

Here’s where the P2S pulls ahead decisively: the Adaptive Airflow system draws cool air to prevent heat creep, a problem that can plague the P1S during extended PLA printing sessions. The second-gen NM42pro multi-material unit adds a 65°C drying function for filament, addressing moisture issues before they affect print quality. Call3D’s hands-on testing found that “P2S active cooling prevents heat accumulation and clogs, unlike P1S” (Call3D testing). The camera improvements mean failure detection actually works in real-time, rather than leaving you to discover a spaghetti disaster minutes later.

After hundreds of hours testing

The critical question is print quality. According to extended testing, “there’s realistically no print quality difference” between the two machines when using equivalent settings (YouTube comparison after hundreds of hours). First layers, fuzzy skin finishes, and dimensional accuracy all came out identical across both printers. This means the P2S upgrades are quality-of-life improvements rather than fundamental print quality enhancements.

“I don’t really see any reason for anybody to upgrade. Those quality of life improvements are nice to have, but they’re not a big enough improvement.”

— YouTube reviewer after extended P1S vs P2S testing

Bambu Lab A1 vs P1S: Which to choose?

Comparing the A1 to the P1S shifts the conversation from generational upgrades to different use cases. The A1 represents Bambu Lab’s accessible entry point, while the P1S targets makers who need enclosed printing for high-temperature materials like ABS or Nylon.

A1 advantages

The A1 benefits from Bambu Lab’s newer software architecture, and users report fewer growing pains with the platform. For buyers focused purely on PLA and PETG without the enclosed chamber requirement, the A1 offers a lower price point with comparable core performance. No major controversies have emerged specifically for the A1 in the 2024 context.

P1S strengths

The enclosed design sets the P1S apart for serious makers. Heat-resistant materials require stable chamber temperatures that the open-frame A1 simply cannot provide. If you’re printing ASA, ABS, or engineering-grade polymers, the P1S is the only sensible choice in this comparison. The AMS multi-color support also scales further on the P1S, with more robust handling of brittle or moisture-sensitive filaments.

Will Bambu Labs discontinue the P1S?

Community discussions and forum activity suggest the P1S is approaching end-of-life status, though Bambu Lab has not issued an official discontinuation announcement. The P2S launch pattern mirrors what happened with the X1 series, where the original model shifted to limited availability after its successor arrived. Forum discussions note that “P1S likely to reach end-of-life soon, similar to X1, affecting support” (Bambu Lab Community Forum).

Official statements

Bambu Lab has not published a formal EOL (end-of-life) statement for the P1S. The company’s communication around the P1P farewell was more explicit, leaving P1S buyers in a position of assessing signals rather than receiving confirmation. This uncertainty creates a difficult decision window for new buyers.

P1P farewell context

The P1P discontinuation served as a warning sign. When Bambu Lab retired a model, firmware updates eventually ceased, and third-party filament compatibility suffered over time. Buyers considering the P1S now face the real possibility of reduced support within 12-24 months, making the value proposition less clear-cut than it was when the P1S launched.

Why is Bambu Lab controversial?

Beyond the P1S itself, Bambu Lab has faced scrutiny over business practices that affect buyer confidence. The company has been involved in legal disputes regarding user-created items, and firmware decisions have sparked community backlash at various points.

Lawsuit details

Reports indicate Bambu Lab has pursued legal action over third-party items, raising questions about the ecosystem’s openness. This creates a tricky situation for makers who want to experiment with modifications or non-standard configurations. The practical impact on everyday printing is minimal, but the precedent concerns community members invested in open hardware culture.

Firmware backlash

Some firmware updates have introduced features that community members view as restrictive or removed functionality they relied upon. This pattern of unexpected changes makes long-term planning difficult for professional users who need predictable behavior from their equipment. The uncertainty around firmware support ties directly into the P1S EOL concerns discussed earlier.

Buying decision: comparison table

Three models, three different priorities: here’s how they stack up across the features that matter most for buyers.

Two models target enclosed printing (P1S, P2S), one doesn’t (A1). For makers working with PLA and PETG, this distinction might seem academic, but the practical implications of heat management become apparent during long print sessions or in cooler environments.

Technical specifications

These verified specs come from review sources and community-verified testing, not promotional materials.

Pros and cons

The P2S addresses nearly every P1S weakness on paper. In practice, however, the printer still produces excellent results — the question is whether the improvements matter for your specific workflow.

“The P2S isn’t just a better P1S—it’s a replacement. For American consumers, it’s the new king of mid-range 3D printers.”

— Call3D reviewer (hands-on tester)

Related reading: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Review

When weighing the P1S against the newer P2S model with its AI supervision and servo motors, Finnish P2S vs P1S analysis offers a detailed Finnish perspective on the upgrades.

Frequently asked questions

For UK and European buyers, the P1S at €389 represents solid value for an enclosed printer — provided you’re comfortable with the possibility of reduced support within a couple of years. Those wanting the newest features and longest update support window should factor the P2S into their decision, even at a higher price point.