Bambu Lab P1SvsPrusa Research MK4S
💰Bambu Lab P1S is $380 cheaper (69% less)
📐Bambu Lab P1S has 45% more build volume
🏠Only Bambu Lab P1S has an enclosure — required for ABS, ASA, PA engineering filaments
🎨Only Bambu Lab P1S supports multicolor printing (4 slots)
⚠️ Ecosystem lock-in warning: Bambu and Prusa are not interchangeable ecosystems. Bambu's AMS system is proprietary — multicolor filaments, cloud features, and software are tightly coupled. Prusa's MMU3 is open source. Switching ecosystems later means replacing filament profiles, software presets, and accessories. Choose based on your long-term workflow, not just the current specs.
Bambu Lab P1S
Buy/Wait:Superseded
This printer is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Bambu Lab P2S.
Best for: Makers who need an enclosed printer for ABS, ASA, PA, and PC at prosumer price — now available at clearance pricing after P2S launch.
Full details →Prusa Research MK4S
Buy/Wait:Upgrade Kit
Late in cycle — but an upgrade kit is available. Existing owners can upgrade without buying new
🔧 Upgrade kit available — from MK4, MK3.5
Best for: Makers who value open-source hardware, community support, long-term repairability, and battle-tested reliability over raw speed or multicolor features.
Full details →| Bambu Lab P1S | Prusa Research MK4S |
|---|
| Pricing |
| Starting Price | ★ $549 | $929 |
| Print Specs |
| Tier | Prosumer | Prosumer |
| Motion | CoreXY | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | ★ 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 250 × 210 × 220 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 4 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ★ ✅ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 |
| Buy Timing |
| Released | Jul 5, 2023 | Mar 20, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~335 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Superseded | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Clearance | Buy |
| Next model | — | Prusa MK5 (Expected 2027) |
Quick Winner
💰
Budget pick
Bambu Lab P1S
$549 starting
📐
Large prints
Bambu Lab P1S
256×256×256 mm
🔓
Open ecosystem
Prusa Research MK4S
Open source
Bottom Line
💰Bambu Lab P1S saves you $380 — choose it if budget is your primary constraint
🏠Bambu Lab P1S is the only choice if you print ABS, ASA, PA, or PC — those materials require an enclosure
🎨Bambu Lab P1S is the pick if multicolor printing is important to you
🔓Prusa Research MK4S is the pick for open firmware, community mods, and long-term repairability
Materials
PA-CFCarbon-fibre nylon — very stiff, abrasive to standard nozzles
PLAEasy to print, no enclosure needed — everyday parts
PETGTougher, slightly flexible, moisture-resistant
ABSHeat and impact resistant — needs enclosure
ASAUV-stable ABS alternative — outdoor parts, needs enclosure
TPUFlexible rubber-like — phone cases, gaskets, wheels
PANylon — strong and wear-resistant, needs dry storage
PCPolycarbonate — extremely tough, challenging to print
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Why buy each?
Bambu Lab P1S
Full enclosure with chamber heatingActive chamber temperature control enables reliable ABS, ASA, PA, and PC printing without warping.
CoreXY speed and precision500 mm/s print speed with Bambu's vibration compensation delivers fast, accurate prints.
Now at clearance pricesWith the P2S released, P1S prices are at their lowest — an opportunity for budget-conscious buyers.
Prusa Research MK4S
Upgrade kit available — no need to buy newMK4 and MK3.5 owners can upgrade to MK4S specs without purchasing a whole new printer. This is Prusa's commitment to owners and is unique in the industry at this level.
Fully open sourceFirmware, PCB schematics, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are all published under open licenses. You own the printer completely.
Best community and documentationPrusa's forum, knowledge base, and repair guides are unmatched. Parts are stocked and available for years after purchase.