Bambu Lab X1C vs P1S vs P2S: Which Should You Buy? (2026 Buyer's Guide)
I own all three Bambu Lab enclosed printers. Here's which one you should buy based on your budget, use case, and priorities — with real pricing and production data from 2026.
If you’ve been staring at Bambu Lab’s lineup trying to figure out which enclosed CoreXY printer to buy, you’re not alone. The X1C, P1S, and P2S all look nearly identical on the outside, they all print at screaming speeds, and they all work with the AMS. So why is there a $600+ price gap between the cheapest and most expensive?
This guide gives you a direct answer. I own all three — the X1C, P1S, and P2S — and have printed thousands of hours across all of them. Here’s what actually matters and who should buy which one.
Quick Answer: Which Bambu Lab Printer Should You Buy?
| Your Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| First Bambu, tight budget | P1S — now $399 solo / $549 AMS combo |
| Serious hobbyist, multi-material | P1S + AMS — best value after Feb 2026 price drop |
| Engineering materials (PA-CF, PC, ABS) | X1C — LIDAR calibration is a real advantage |
| Quiet workspace, want latest features | P2S — 7 dB quieter, faster flow, better camera |
| Print farm / high volume | P1S — best TCO, proven reliability |
| Upgrading from A1/A1 Mini | P1S or P2S depending on budget |
Current Prices (February 2026)
Bambu Lab dropped prices significantly on February 15, 2026. These are verified current prices:
- P1S (solo): $399 (dropped from $549)
- P1S + AMS Combo: $549 (dropped from $749)
- P2S (solo): ~$549
- P2S + AMS 2 Pro Combo: ~$799
- X1C + AMS Combo: ~$1,199–$1,399
⚠️ Prices change frequently. Always verify on Bambu Lab’s store before buying.
The P1S price drop is significant. At $549 with AMS, it’s now $250 cheaper than the P2S combo — a gap that changes the value calculation considerably.
Specs Comparison: What Actually Differs
| Spec | P1S | P2S | X1C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (solo) | $399 | ~$549 | ~$999 |
| Build volume | 256×256×256mm | 256×256×256mm | 256×256×256mm |
| Max print speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Max flow rate | 32 mm³/s | 40 mm³/s | 32 mm³/s |
| Noise level | ~72 dB | ~65 dB | ~72 dB |
| Camera | 0.5fps snapshots | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
| AI failure detection | None | 6 types | 2 types |
| Screen | Small display, D-pad | 5” touchscreen | 5” touchscreen |
| First-layer calibration | Vibration sensor | Eddy current | LIDAR |
| Nozzle swap | Screwdriver | Tool-free clip | Screwdriver |
| Max bed temp | 100°C | 110°C | 100°C |
| Enclosure | Full | Full | Full |
| AMS compatibility | AMS / AMS 2 Pro | AMS 2 Pro | AMS / AMS 2 Pro |
| LIDAR calibration | No | No | Yes |
| OrcaSlicer support | Full | Partial | Full |
The P1S: The Workhorse That Just Got a Lot Better Value
The P1S is Bambu Lab’s entry into enclosed CoreXY printing, and for most people, it’s the right choice.
What the P1S does well
Print quality is excellent. At speeds you’ll actually use (150–300 mm/s for quality prints), the P1S produces results that are difficult to distinguish from the X1C or P2S. The speed gap at the top end (500 vs 600 mm/s) matters for time-to-part but not for quality.
Proven reliability. The P1S has been on the market since late 2023. There are years of community troubleshooting data, established Reddit threads, Bambu wiki documentation, and thousands of hours of print farm data. You know what goes wrong and how to fix it.
Best ecosystem support. OrcaSlicer has full, mature P1S support. The Bambu community has tested hundreds of filament profiles on the P1S. Every third-party upgrade and modification you might want has been figured out.
The AMS combo value is now unmatched. At $549 for the P1S + AMS combo (February 2026 price), you get a proven multi-material system at a price that would have been impossible 6 months ago.
What the P1S lacks
No LIDAR. This is the real differentiator between P1S and X1C for technical printing. The P1S uses a vibration sensor for calibration, which works well but isn’t as precise as the X1C’s LIDAR system. For standard materials (PLA, PETG, ABS), you won’t notice. For high-shrinkage engineering materials, the LIDAR advantage is real.
No camera to speak of. The P1S camera produces 0.5 fps still images — enough to check if your print started, not enough for real monitoring. If you want to watch your prints remotely, you’ll be disappointed.
Basic interface. The small display and D-pad feel dated next to the P2S and X1C touchscreens. Not a dealbreaker, but you’ll be doing most control from Bambu Studio or Bambu Handy on your phone anyway.
Who should buy the P1S
- Anyone buying their first enclosed 3D printer under $600
- Print farm operators who want proven reliability and the lowest total cost of ownership
- Multi-material enthusiasts — the P1S + AMS combo at $549 is the best deal in Bambu’s lineup right now
- Anyone printing primarily PLA, PETG, ABS, or ASA
The P2S: Bambu’s Newest Enclosed Printer
The P2S launched in late 2025 as a “redefined” P1S, incorporating features from the H-series flagship printers. It’s quieter, faster, and more capable — but also more expensive and less documented.
What’s genuinely better on the P2S
7 decibels quieter. 65 dB vs 72 dB isn’t just a spec — it’s the difference between a printer you can have in a home office and one you need to banish to a garage. If your printer is anywhere near where people work, sleep, or have video calls, the noise reduction matters.
40 mm³/s max flow rate. The P2S has a 25% higher flow rate than the P1S and X1C. This matters primarily when printing at high speed or with high-flow filaments. For normal-speed quality printing, you won’t notice. For production speed printing, you will.
Real camera. 1080p at 30 fps means you can actually watch your prints. The 6-type AI failure detection (spaghetti, layer shift, nozzle clog, etc.) catches problems that would otherwise ruin multi-hour prints. For unattended printing, this is a legitimate quality-of-life improvement.
Tool-free quick-swap nozzle. Changing nozzles on the P1S and X1C requires a screwdriver and takes a few minutes. The P2S clip system makes nozzle swaps a 30-second job. If you swap nozzles frequently (0.2mm for detail, 0.6mm for speed, hardened for abrasives), this adds up.
Smart partial bed leveling. The P2S only levels the area your print will use, taking under 30 seconds instead of the 5+ minutes for a full-bed P1S calibration. Multiply that across dozens of prints and it’s real time savings.
110°C max bed temperature. The extra 10°C over the P1S opens up some high-temperature materials that need extreme bed adhesion. For most users, 100°C is sufficient, but the headroom is nice.
P2S caveats — know before you buy
OrcaSlicer not officially supported. Bambu Lab has been slow to support the P2S in OrcaSlicer, which is the preferred slicer for power users. You can still use it, but expect some rough edges. If OrcaSlicer is a requirement for you, verify current support status before buying.
Early-adopter reliability concerns. The P2S is a relatively new product. Multiple Reddit reports mention quality control issues (one user reported 3 replacement units with 3 different defects). The P1S has years of manufacturing consistency; the P2S is still early in its production run. Community troubleshooting knowledge is also thin compared to the P1S.
Nozzle incompatibility. P2S uses a different nozzle design from the P1S and X1C. Your existing nozzle stock doesn’t transfer over.
$250 more than P1S for the AMS combo. At current prices ($799 P2S + AMS 2 Pro vs $549 P1S + AMS), you’re paying $250 for quieter operation, a better camera, faster flow, and the tool-free nozzle system. Whether that’s worth it depends on how you use the printer.
Who should buy the P2S
- Home office users where noise level is a real constraint
- Users who want the latest features and are comfortable being an early adopter
- Anyone who changes nozzles frequently (benefits most from tool-free swap)
- Buying a first enclosed Bambu and want the most future-proof option in the mid-tier
- NOT recommended if you rely heavily on OrcaSlicer (verify support first)
The X1C: Still the King for Engineering Materials
The X1C is Bambu Lab’s flagship CoreXY, and while it’s been around since 2022, one feature keeps it relevant: LIDAR-based first-layer calibration.
What makes the X1C different
LIDAR calibration is genuinely better for technical printing. The X1C’s LIDAR scans the actual print surface in real time and adjusts the nozzle height and flow dynamically. For standard materials, this is overkill. For high-shrinkage materials (PA-CF, PC, ABS on large prints), the LIDAR’s ability to compensate for surface variations is a real advantage over the vibration-based and eddy-current systems in the P1S and P2S.
Established ecosystem. The X1C has been the reference Bambu machine for three years. Every material profile, calibration guide, and community mod has been validated on the X1C first. If you’re printing unusual materials or doing anything technical, the X1C has more community knowledge behind it.
Carbon fiber frame and linear rails. The X1C uses a stiffer frame with linear rails throughout. Whether this translates to measurably better print quality at normal speeds is debated in the community — but it does mean less frame flex at the extreme speeds.
Best camera + AI combo for mid-print monitoring. The X1C’s 1080p camera with 2-type AI detection is better than the P1S (no camera worth mentioning) and below the P2S (6-type detection). It’s a solid monitoring solution for unattended printing.
X1C vs P2S: which is better?
This is the question that doesn’t have a simple answer. The X1C costs more ($999+ solo vs ~$549 P2S) but offers LIDAR that neither the P1S nor P2S has. The P2S offers quieter operation, faster flow, and 6-type AI detection.
Choose X1C over P2S if:
- You regularly print PA-CF, PC, ABS in large parts, or other demanding engineering materials
- You prefer a more mature, fully-documented platform
- OrcaSlicer compatibility is important to you right now
Choose P2S over X1C if:
- Noise is a priority
- You print mostly PLA, PETG, ABS, and ASA (where LIDAR advantage is minimal)
- You want the newest features without going to the H-series price range
Who should buy the X1C
- Engineers and professionals printing functional parts from PA-CF, PC, or high-shrinkage materials
- Anyone who wants the most proven, fully-documented Bambu platform
- Print farm operators who want established reliability for technical materials
- Users who are heavy OrcaSlicer users (full support, no ambiguity)
Engineering Materials: Where These Printers Really Differ
If you’re printing PLA and PETG, all three printers are roughly equivalent. The differences emerge when you push into engineering materials.
PA-CF (Carbon Fiber Nylon)
All three printers can print PA-CF with a hardened nozzle. The X1C has a practical advantage here: the LIDAR first-layer calibration handles the warping tendency of nylon better than vibration-based calibration on the P1S. On the P2S, this gap is smaller due to the eddy-current calibration and higher bed temperature (110°C vs 100°C).
AMS compatibility note: Third-party PA-CF and all carbon fiber/glass fiber filaments cannot run through the AMS — they’ll destroy PTFE tubes rapidly. You’ll need an external spool bypass for engineering materials regardless of which printer you choose.
PC (Polycarbonate)
PC requires 100°C+ bed temperature and enclosed printing. The P2S has a slight edge here with its 110°C max bed and active chamber cooling. The X1C and P1S can print PC but may need additional chamber heating on large parts to prevent warping.
ABS and ASA
All three handle ABS and ASA well. The key factor is enclosure temperature stability, which all three provide. The LIDAR advantage on the X1C matters less here than with nylon — ABS is more forgiving during first layer calibration.
TPU and Flexible Filaments
None of these printers can run TPU through the AMS — it’ll buckle in the PTFE tubes. All three support TPU via external spool bypass. The X1C has historically had better flexible filament profiles due to its longer community history.
Multi-Color Printing: AMS System Differences
If multi-color printing is a priority, the AMS compatibility matters more than which printer you choose.
P1S: Compatible with original AMS and AMS 2 Pro. The $549 AMS combo is the best value in Bambu’s current lineup for multi-color printing.
P2S: Ships with AMS 2 Pro combo ($799). The AMS 2 Pro has a built-in dryer (up to 65°C) and redesigned feeders. The AMS 2 Pro is newer and still working out some early-adopter issues (see the AMS troubleshooting guide for details).
X1C: Compatible with original AMS and AMS 2 Pro. The X1C + AMS combo is the most expensive multi-color setup but offers the most stable and proven multi-color experience.
For serious multi-color printing: P1S + AMS at $549 is the current sweet spot. The X1C’s LIDAR doesn’t improve multi-color quality significantly, and the P2S’s AMS 2 Pro issues are still being resolved.
Noise: Does It Actually Matter?
The 7 dB difference between the P2S (65 dB) and the P1S/X1C (72 dB) sounds subtle, but decibels are logarithmic. 7 dB represents roughly double the perceived loudness in normal listening conditions.
In practice:
- 72 dB (P1S/X1C): Comparable to a vacuum cleaner at a distance. Fine in a workshop or dedicated print room, distracting in an office or bedroom.
- 65 dB (P2S): Similar to a normal conversation. More manageable in shared spaces.
If your printer is in a dedicated print room, garage, or basement where noise doesn’t affect anyone, the P1S/X1C noise level is a non-issue. If it’s in your office or bedroom, the P2S noise reduction is worth real money.
Reliability and Long-Term Costs
P1S has the lowest long-term uncertainty. Three years of production data, established replacement parts, community repair knowledge, and Bambu Lab’s full wiki documentation. Nozzles, PTFE tubes, and extruder parts are readily available.
P2S is too new to have long-term reliability data. Early reports are mixed — some users report zero issues, others encountered quality control problems in the first few months. The nozzle incompatibility with P1S/X1C means you’re building a separate parts inventory.
X1C sits in the middle — older than P1S (2022 vs 2023), with the most field time and the largest community knowledge base of the three. Some X1C-specific parts (LIDAR module, carbon rail components) are more expensive to replace than equivalent P1S parts.
The Verdict: What Should You Buy?
Buy the P1S if:
You want the best value enclosed Bambu printer at current prices. The February 2026 price drop to $399 solo / $549 AMS combo makes this the obvious choice for anyone who doesn’t have a specific reason to step up. Proven hardware, mature ecosystem, full OrcaSlicer support, and now priced lower than it’s ever been.
Buy the P2S if:
You work from home or in a shared space where the 7 dB noise reduction genuinely matters to you. Or you frequently swap nozzles and want the tool-free system. Or you want the better camera for unattended monitoring. Just know you’re paying a $250 premium over the P1S combo, and you’re an early adopter.
Buy the X1C if:
You regularly print PA-CF, PC, or other demanding engineering materials where LIDAR first-layer calibration provides a real advantage. Or you want the most established, fully-documented Bambu platform. The X1C’s higher price is harder to justify for PLA/PETG printing — the P1S or P2S will produce the same quality for less money.
Quick Reference: By Use Case
Miniatures and detail printing: Any of the three with a 0.2mm nozzle. No meaningful difference in quality at normal speeds.
Functional parts (PLA/PETG/ABS): P1S at $399 is the right answer. Spend the savings on filament.
Functional engineering parts (PA-CF, PC): X1C for the LIDAR calibration advantage and full OrcaSlicer support with established material profiles.
Multi-color cosplay / display printing: P1S + AMS at $549. Best value multi-color setup available.
Print farm / passive income: P1S. Proven reliability, lowest TCO, most field data on long-run performance.
Gift for a beginner: P1S + AMS combo. It’s the sweet spot of capability and price, and the most documented printer in the lineup.
Prices verified February 2026. Bambu Lab pricing changes frequently — always check current prices before purchasing. [Affiliate disclosure: Links to Bambu Lab’s store include an affiliate tag; purchasing through them supports this site at no additional cost to you.]
Have questions about which printer fits your specific use case? Drop them in the comments or head to r/BambuLab — the community is active and helpful.