Bambulab P1S & P2S Comparison

After the release of the P1S in 2023, Bambulab updated its model to offer the P2S in November 2025. The P2S keeps the strengths of its predecessor while being improved to provide a better user experience. After a few months of use, we at Machines 3D were able to form an opinion, and in this article, we present a comparison between an iconic version of consumer 3D printing and the redesigned new generation.

1. Who is it for and what are the uses?

Imagine a printer that comes out of the box, calibrates itself, and prints a prototype in 20 minutes: that’s the Bambu Lab universe! But the P1S and P2S are not aimed at exactly the same users.

The P1S, the versatile champion: Perfect for hobbyists, schools, fablabs, or small professional setups. It excels in daily use – PLA, PETG, ABS for mechanical parts, educational models, or personal items. Its enclosed chamber handles odors and heat effectively without any fuss.

The P2S, the prosumer evolution: Designed for production workshops, design offices, print farms, or advanced training centers. It shines with technical materials (PA, reinforced PC, composites), multi-color printing via AMS, and “print & forget” reliability for long runs.

In short, if you are starting out or printing occasionally, the P1S is more than enough; to scale professionally, the P2S multiplies productivity.

2. Five technical highlights that make the difference

Beyond the numbers, five technical elements truly separate the P1S from the P2S. No expert knowledge needed to understand their real impact on your prints.

The display:
The P1S has a small 2.7-inch LCD screen with a few physical buttons. The interface is well thought-out but somewhat limited. The P2S, on the other hand, features a 5-inch color touchscreen directly on the machine. The menu is similar to the P1S (with a few extra options) but better organized, allowing direct control of print speed, temperature, and AMS without a smartphone. This makes offline use easier when Wi-Fi is unavailable.

Extrusion:
The P1S comes with a solid direct-drive extruder, ideal for PLA/PETG/ABS printing. The P2S uses a DynaSense servo motor, increasing thrust by +70% (40 mm³/s) and detecting jams or grinding in real time. It also allows for more reliable printing of slightly more technical filaments (PA-CF, reinforced PC).

Filtration/chamber:
Both machines have an enclosed chamber and carbon filter, which greatly reduces ABS odors in non-ventilated rooms. The P2S adds an intelligent airflow system: automatic flaps that adapt to the material (maximized cooling for PLA, confinement for high-temperature ABS). This reduces warping risks and also lowers noise with certain materials.

AI features:
The P1S offers a 720p camera for timelapses and monitoring via the BambuHandy app. On the P2S, the upgraded camera (Full HD 1080p 30fps) integrates AI capable of detecting spaghetti, blobs, or filament anomalies and can automatically pause the print. This provides reassurance when leaving the printer to work alone; with the P2S, it’s almost “print & forget.”

Maintenance:
Changing the nozzle or hotend on the P1S requires a few tools. It’s not difficult, and detailed technical documentation is available for beginners. Bambulab redesigned this on the P2S with a “one-clip quick-swap” system: the full hotend can be replaced in 10 seconds without tools, fully optimized for AMS 2 Pro. Perfect for educational machine fleets.

Here’s a comparative table highlighting further differences:

These improvements make the P2S a prosumer-ready production tool, while the P1S remains an accessible workhorse.

3. Field Feedback and Tests

In practice, the P1S and P2S share the same Bambu Lab DNA: quick unboxing, automatic calibration, and first prints ready in under 15 minutes. The “plug & print” promise holds for both machines. The difference lies in daily comfort and peace of mind when prints are running back-to-back.

The P1S experience remains simple and effective. Essential settings are easily accessible, making it pleasant for regular but moderate use. Its minimalist interface, however, sometimes requires using Bambu Studio or the mobile app for adjustments, which can be inconvenient in workshops or offline environments.

The P2S elevates the experience further. The touchscreen brings real comfort: filament selection, temperature adjustment, and AMS control are done directly on the machine, smoothly and intuitively. This saves time when managing multiple prints simultaneously or in educational settings.

For standard parts, both machines deliver excellent print quality. However, when printing at higher speeds or complex geometries, the P2S is more consistent. Its more powerful and controlled extrusion reduces minor defects related to flow variations, particularly on bridges, fast speed changes, or long prints.

The difference is even more noticeable with technical materials. Where the P1S sometimes requires extra attention, the P2S handled TPU, Nylon (PA6), and PC with less stress. Jam detection and finer chamber management minimize surprises, which significantly changes the workflow for multi-hour or multi-day prints.

Finally, regarding overall comfort, the P2S is slightly quieter and better controlled during continuous operation. Not a revolution, but noticeable during long print sessions, especially in shared office or workshop spaces.

4. Conclusion and Machines 3D Advice

The P1S remains a solid reference for daily 3D printing. Reliable, intuitive, and quick to deploy, it offers excellent value for makers, schools, or workshops printing mainly in PLA, PETG, or ABS without requiring advanced features. Its well-established ecosystem, effective enclosed chamber, and AMS compatibility make it a versatile machine that performs reliably, producing clean parts with minimal hassle.

The P2S is the logical evolution, turning this foundation into a tool for intensive use and more demanding materials. With its upgraded extruder, embedded AI, refined touchscreen interface, and more stable thermal management, it transforms the experience when printing frequently, for long durations, or with technical filaments. These improvements increase reliability, reduce print failures, and provide notable comfort, making it ideal for semi-professional users, small batch production, or advanced multi-material projects.

If you’re looking to start 3D printing or improve your skills, whether with a P1S or a P2S, Machines 3D is here to guide you. Check our catalog for printers, filaments, and training courses on our website, and our experts are available to answer all your questions.