The Bambu Lab P1S and Prusa Research MK4S are cross-brand rivals: both are prosumer-tier printers, listed $180 apart. Note that the P1S has been replaced by the P2S and is no longer sold new. The MK4S costs $180 more and gets you an open-source design; the P1S answers with an enclosed chamber (with PA-CF on its materials list) and 45% more build volume.
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 It has been replaced by the Bambu Lab P2S.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 →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 | $729 |
| 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 | Aug 13, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~335 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Superseded | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Clearance | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The P1S has been replaced by the P2S and is no longer sold new, so there is no release cycle left to time — any unit you find now is leftover or second-hand stock.
The MK4S was released on Aug 13, 2024, 821 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 730 days; it is now 91 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
On timing alone, the MK4S is the safer buy right now — it is 91 days past its ~730-day cycle with no successor announced, while the P1S has already been replaced by the P2S.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The P1S lists at $549 and the MK4S at $729 — $180 apart, so the MK4S costs 33% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $33 for the P1S versus $63 for the MK4S — the P1S is both cheaper and roomier, so it wins on value outright.
Buy the MK4S. The P1S has already been replaced by the P2S and is no longer sold new, so it is only worth considering at a clearance price. If the P1S appealed to you, the fair comparison today is the MK4S against the P2S.
Compare Bambu Lab P2S vs Prusa Research MK4S →
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
Active chamber temperature control enables reliable ABS, ASA, PA, and PC printing without warping.
500 mm/s print speed with Bambu's vibration compensation delivers fast, accurate prints.
With the P2S released, P1S prices are at their lowest — an opportunity for budget-conscious buyers.
MK4 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.
Firmware, PCB schematics, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are all published under open licenses. You own the printer completely.
Prusa's forum, knowledge base, and repair guides are unmatched. Parts are stocked and available for years after purchase.