The Bambu Lab P2S and Prusa Research MK4S are cross-brand rivals: both are prosumer-tier printers, listed $180 apart. The MK4S costs $180 more and gets you an open-source design; the P2S answers with an enclosed chamber (with PA-CF on its materials list) and 45% more build volume.
Early in release cycle — no urgency to wait
Best for: Serious makers and prosumers who need enclosed printing for ABS, ASA, PA, PA-CF, and PC — and want Bambu's plug-and-play experience at a prosumer price.
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 P2S | 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 | ★ 600 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 4 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ★ ✅ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | 🔧 From MK4, MK3.5 |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Oct 14, 2025 | Aug 13, 2024 |
| Cycle length | ~832 days | ~730 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | P3S or next prosumer model (Expected late 2027) | — |
The P2S was released on Oct 14, 2025, 394 days ago. Based on Bambu Lab's release cadence, we expect the next model (P3S or next prosumer model) around late 2027 — about 323 days away, which puts the P2S 55% of the way through its cycle.
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 P2S is the safer buy right now — it is only 55% of the way through its expected cycle, while the MK4S is 91 days past its ~730-day cycle with no successor announced.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The P2S 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 P2S versus $63 for the MK4S — the P2S is both cheaper and roomier, so it wins on value outright.
If you are buying before Dec 5, 2026, the active sale tips value toward the P2S.
Our pick for most buyers is the P2S, for a lower price ($180 less) and an enclosed chamber (with PA-CF on its materials list), plus a higher editor score (9.2 vs 8.9) and better buy-now timing. Go for the MK4S instead if you want an open-source printer you can modify and repair yourself — the P2S is not open source. The P2S is also in a sale window right now (Bambu Black Friday 2026, until Dec 5, 2026).
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
The P2S enclosure maintains a more consistent chamber temperature over the P1S, reducing warping on long ABS and PA prints.
PLA through PC — the P2S handles the entire engineering filament spectrum with reliable results.
The P-series CoreXY enclosure design strikes the best balance of price, speed, and material capability in Bambu's lineup.
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.