Bambu Lab P2S vs H2S: Which 3D Printer Reigns Supreme for You?
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Time to read 6 min
In just two months, Bambu Lab has rolled out two new 3D printers—the H2S and P2S. Many enthusiasts are asking: are they just different in print size? The answer is a resounding no. As one of the first users to test both models extensively for two months, I’m breaking down the P2S’s full upgrades and helping you decide whether the P2S or H2S is the right fit for your 3D printing needs.
Table of contents
Bambu Lab P2S: A "Listening to Users" Upgrade, Worthy of the "King of Printers" Title
5 Core Performance Upgrades That Elevate the Experience
1 User Interface: From Monochrome to 5-Inch Color Touchscreen 2 Handling: Next-Gen AMS 2 pro Drying Module 3 Print Precision: New Hotend + Servo Motor + Flow Compensation 4 Smart Monitoring: AI Visual Detection + 1080P HD Camera 5 Cooling & Insulation: Adaptive Air Circulation System (The Game-Changer)
Quality-of-Life Upgrades: Polished Details for US Users
Bambu Lab P2S vs H2S Comparison: Choose Based on Your Needs Bambu Lab P2S vs H2S Key Spec's Differences Bambu Lab P2S vs H2S, Here is Your Buying Guide Conclusion: Choose the Right Bambu Lab Printer for Your Journey
Bambu Lab P2S: A "Listening to Users" Upgrade, Worthy of the "King of Printers" Title
The P2S’s upgrades are best described as "user-centric." While it may look similar on the surface, it’s been fully revamped from the inside out—delivering print quality that sits at the very top of Bambu Lab’s lineup, even fully replacing the iconic P1S and X1C series for many users.
5 Core Performance Upgrades That Elevate the Experience
1 User Interface: From Monochrome to 5-Inch Color Touchscreen
The most obvious change is the replacement of the P1S’s clunky monochrome screen with a vibrant 5-inch color touchscreen. The interface is clean and intuitive, allowing you to adjust machine settings, skip parts mid-print, and more—all directly on the screen. It’s a massive leap in usability for US hobbyists and professionals alike.
2 Handling: Next-Gen AMS 2 pro Drying Module
The P2S comes with Bambu Lab’s new second-gen AMS pro drying module, capable of heating filaments up to 65°C (149°F)—a temperature range critical for tackling moisture-prone materials common in US workshops. This solves the universal issue of moisture-affected filaments, ensuring consistent, reliable prints across the wide variety of materials US users work with, from TPU to PETG.
3 Print Precision: New Hotend + Servo Motor + Flow Compensation
At first glance, the P2S’s toolhead only has a larger intake fan—but the internal structure is fully upgraded. It uses the same hotend nozzle as the H2S/H2D, paired with Bambu Lab’s self-developed next-gen zero-backlash servo motor for stronger extrusion force and precise filament feeding, even at high print speeds.
Topping it off: a high-resolution, high-frequency eddy current sensor on the nozzle enables active flow compensation, resulting in smoother, more uniform print surfaces with sharper edges. Better yet, it detects anomalies like abrasive material jams and pauses prints instantly—a must-have for anyone printing flexible or moisture-prone filaments (a common pain point for US makers working with specialty materials).
Same Motor as H2D and H2S
P2S's fan (right) and P1S's fan (left)
4 Smart Monitoring: AI Visual Detection + 1080P HD Camera
The P2S’s camera integrates an AI visual detection system that identifies print failures like "noodle prints" or failed layer adhesion, creating a complete print monitoring system. The camera itself is upgraded to 1080P at 30fps, delivering smoother real-time monitoring and crisp time-lapse videos—perfect for sharing your creations on social media with the US 3D printing community (think Instagram, Reddit, or Maker Forums).
5 Cooling & Insulation: Adaptive Air Circulation System (The Game-Changer)
This is the P2S’s standout upgrade. Unlike the H2 series (which uses passive air circulation via negative pressure), the P2S reimagines its side auxiliary fan as an adaptive active air circulation system:
- It draws cool external air from the bottom of the machine and blows it directly onto the print layer, delivering exceptional overhang performance for low-temperature materials like PLA (a staple for US hobbyists). For context, PLA prints best at a bed temperature of 60°C (140°F), and this cooling system optimizes results for this widely used material.
- For high-performance materials (e.g., ABS, which requires a chamber temp of 60-70°C / 140-158°F), it switches to internal air circulation to insulate the print chamber—balancing cooling needs for PLA and insulation for engineering-grade filaments critical to makers and small businesses.
H2S's Design
Note on Heat Dissipation: While the adaptive system works well for most use cases, some users have reported mild heat buildup during extended prints (3+ hours) with high-temp materials like ABS or PETG, especially in poorly ventilated spaces To mitigate this, we recommend considering the external exhaust fan that connects to the P2S’s rear vent. This accessory helps expel excess heat and fumes, improving print consistency and air quality—an affordable upgrade that enhances the P2S’s performance for heavy-duty or indoor use.
Quality-of-Life Upgrades: Polished Details for US Users
Beyond core performance, the P2S refines small but impactful details tailored to US workspaces and preferences:
Print Volume: Remains 256×256×256mm (10×10×10 inches)—a compact yet versatile size for home workshops, maker spaces, or small businesses. Brighter LED lights on the front and left make it easier to monitor prints .
Connectivity & Filament Handling: SD card slot replaced with a USB port for stable and faster file transfers now you have to buy it yourself (a big win for A1 or P1S users who is really suffering on the previous SD card. Read the related Blog about how the SD card cause the sudden stop); filament inlet upgraded to match the H2D, reducing clogging risks for multi-color prints (a popular feature for US hobbyists creating custom, colorful projects).
Maintenance: X-axis carbon rod swapped for a polished rod (same performance, easier to maintain for DIY-focused US users who prefer hands-on upkeep).
Odor Reduction: Activated carbon filter is over three times larger than the P1S’s, drastically reducing print odors (a critical upgrade for indoor use in US homes/apartments, where ventilation can be limited).
Cleaning & Flexibility: Redesigned inner wall bottom and rear buffer for easier cleaning, disassembly, and maintenance; buffer now includes ports for flexible AMS combinations or external spool holders (note: avoid the buffer port for TPU/soft materials—use the top-right port instead, or direct-to-toolhead for 85A+ soft filaments, a common specification for makers using flexible materials).
Bambu Lab P2S vs H2S Comparison: Choose Based on Your Needs
The H2S is essentially a single-head version of the H2D, with nearly identical print quality to the P2S—but their use cases and strengths differ significantly for the users, especially when it comes to size, temperature, and material compatibility (key considerations for makers).
Bambu Lab P2S vs H2S Key Spec's Differences
Category |
Bambu Lab P2S |
Bambu Lab H2S |
Print Size |
256×256×256mm (10.08×10.08×10.08 inches) |
340×320×340mm (13.39×12.60×13.39 inches) |
Chamber/Temp Specs |
No active chamber; 300°C (572°F) hotend, 110°C (230°F) bed |
65°C (149°F) active chamber; 350°C (662°F) hotend, 120°C (248°F) bed |
Compatible Filaments |
Optimized for PLA/low-temp materials compatible with some high-performance filaments |
Ideal for high-temp engineering materials like ABS or Nylon |
Expandability |
3D printing only |
Add 10W laser, knife cutting, or pen modules |
Multi-Color Printing |
Up to 20 colors (4×AMS2 pro + 4×AMSHT) |
Up to 24 colors (4×AMS2 pro + 8×AMS HT) |
Print Experience |
Balanced performance |
Faster printing, quieter operation |
Pricing Note |
USD 549 |
USD 1,249 |
Bambu Lab P2S vs H2S, Here is Your Buying Guide
Professional Users / Large-Scale Printing: Choose the H2S. If you need large-format prints , industrial-grade parts, high-temp engineering filaments (like PC or PA), or expandable features (laser engraving, pen plotting), the H2S’s strengths shine. It’s also Bambu Lab’s quietest model—perfect for your wife who sensitive to noise (e.g., home offices, apartment living).
Casual Hobbyists / 3D Printing Farms: Prioritize the P2S. At approximately 549 (single unit, prices subject to change) or 779 (multi-color kit, prices subject to change), it delivers top-tier precision, speed, stability, and smart features—unbeatable value for everyday printing needs in the US (e.g., hobby projects, small functional parts, or batch printing for personal use). Its compact 10×10×10-inch build volume fits perfectly in most US home workshops.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Bambu Lab Printer for Your Journey
Final Thought of Bambu Lab P2S vs H2S of P2S vs H2S : The Bambu Lab P2S is a masterful response to user feedback, earning its title as the "new king of consumer 3D printers" for most US users. Its balanced performance, compact size (10×10×10 inches), and optimized cooling for PLA (the most popular filament) make it a go-to for hobbyists and small-scale makers. The H2S, meanwhile, caters to advanced, professional needs—offering a larger build volume, high-temp capabilities (up to 662°F hotend), and expandability that aligns with small businesses and industrial makers.
As 3D printing technology and materials evolve, consumer-grade printers are increasingly replacing traditional manufacturing in niche applications (e.g., custom home goods, prototyping, cosplay). There’s no "better" option—only the right one for your budget and needs. Whether you pick the P2S or H2S, you’re stepping into a world of endless creative and practical possibilities with Bambu Lab’s industry-leading technology.
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