The Bambu Lab P2S Combo earned the top spot through sheer consensus. Tech Fowler printed dozens of models across PLA, PETG, and ABS without a single failure, calling it "the best 3D printer I've ever used." Tom Buck produced the highest-quality Benchy benchmark he's ever seen on his first attempt, then declared it "the best 3D printer in the world." Those are strong claims from reviewers who collectively test more than 50 machines a year.
The included AMS2 Pro is the real differentiator. It actively dries your filament inside the unit (critical for moisture-sensitive PETG and nylon), handles automated four-color spool changes, and refills seamlessly when a spool runs out. M.M's Prop Shop ran multi-color prints for weeks without manual intervention. Tech Fowler described the experience as "set it and forget it."
Bambu also overhauled the interface. The 5-inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, replacing the tiny monochrome LCD on older models. A 1080p camera with AI spaghetti detection watches every print and pauses automatically if something goes wrong. Frankly Built called the touchscreen "a massive upgrade" and noted the remote monitoring via the Bambu Handy app works flawlessly.
At $799 for the full combo, this sits at the sweet spot of the mainstream premium tier. You get enclosed CoreXY speed, multi-color capability, and an ecosystem that makes printing feel like using any other home appliance.
What It Won't Do
Fume management is the P2S Combo's biggest weakness. It lacks a dedicated exhaust fan or filtration port. When printing ABS or ASA, plastic fumes leak through gaps in the glass doors and chassis. Both Tech Fowler and Frankly Built flagged this as a problem in small rooms. Dirt-E-Bikes also found a design issue where the PTFE tube rubs against the top glass cover, causing visible scratching after just a few hours of use. He had to manually grease a squeaking belt idler pulley at the 50-hour mark. These are fit-and-finish issues you wouldn't expect at this price.
Frankly Built ran side-by-side tests printing identical models on the P1S and P2S using the same filament. His conclusion: print quality is "absolutely indistinguishable" between the two machines. That's the P1S value proposition in a single sentence. You get the same CoreXY speed, the same enclosed build chamber, and the same dimensional accuracy for $399 instead of $799.
3DPrinterMike defends the P1S as the "best beginner 3D printer" on the market two years after launch. Its print consistency is so reliable that failure detection is almost unnecessary, because the machine rarely fails. The Den of Tools agrees, calling it a "joy to use" that still outperforms newer budget competitors.
The P1S works with older AMS units for multi-color printing (up to 16 colors with four units daisy-chained), so you're not locked out of the ecosystem. It ships with a HEPA and activated carbon filter built in, which the P2S actually lacks. And at $399 standalone, it leaves serious budget for filament, spare nozzles, and a second machine for your print farm.
What It Won't Do
The user interface is painful. 3DPrinterMike and The Den of Tools both describe the 2.8-inch monochrome LCD as an "archaic 1980s dot-matrix screen." Nozzle swaps require dealing with tiny screws and delicate wires, missing the P2S's magnetic quick-swap system. The 720p camera shoots at 0.5 frames per second, which is essentially a slideshow. You rely heavily on the smartphone app for any real monitoring or control. These are inconveniences, not dealbreakers, but they add friction to every print session.
Who Should Buy Which
Bambu Lab P2S Combo
The plug-and-play multi-color workhorse that reviewers call the best 3D printer in the world
- You want multi-color prints without babysitting spool changes or dealing with dried-out filament
- You print in a shared space and need remote monitoring with a real-time 1080p camera
- You're a beginner who wants the most hands-off, appliance-like experience possible
- You plan to print with engineering filaments like ABS, ASA, or nylon that benefit from an enclosed chamber
- You value a modern touchscreen interface and don't want to rely on a phone app for basic controls
Bambu Lab P1S
Identical print quality to the P2S at nearly half the price, with built-in filtration the pricier model lacks
- You want enclosed CoreXY print quality identical to the P2S at nearly half the price
- You're building a print farm and need reliable machines that cost less per unit
- You already own Bambu AMS units from an older printer and want to reuse them
- You're comfortable monitoring prints via the Bambu Handy phone app instead of on-device controls
- You prioritize the built-in HEPA and activated carbon filtration that the P2S lacks