Bambu Lab P2S vs P1S: New Flagship Is Set to Dethrone the Best-Selling P1S
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Time to read 4 min
Bambu Lab’s P1S has long reigned as the best-selling 3D printer in its category—its sales even outpaced those of many 2d printers. But its reign is about to end, and the culprit is Bambu Lab itself. Meet the P2S, the second-generation upgrade to the P1S. Positioned at a similar price point but with superior performance. P2S vs P1S, the P2S is poised to replace the P1S as Bambu Lab’s new mid-range flagship for the U.S. market.
Table of contents
P2S vs P1S, Design & Usability Upgrades: Small Tweaks, Big Impact
The P2S differs from the P1S in two key design changes, each addressing pain points that P1S users know all too well:
1. Ergonomic Carry Handles + Active Cooling Vents
The P1S weighs in at approximately 33 lbs (15 kg) net, and with accessories, it tips the scales at over 44 lbs (20 kg)—making it a hassle to move. The P2S adds strategic cutouts that double as ergonomic carry handles, letting you grip and lift the printer with ease.
But these cutouts aren’t just for portability: they also serve as air intake vents. From the autodesk test below that we found this is still not enough and the exauhst fan kit sounds a nessary part that you need to have.
On the P1S, printing with the door closed risked heat buildup and nozzle clogs—a frustration so common many users removed the door entirely. The P2S solves this with active cooling: its vents draw in cool outside air when cooling mode is enabled, preventing heat from accumulating in the print chamber and eliminating clogging risks. The P1S relied on passive cooling (simply opening the door for air circulation), but the P2S’s active system is far more effective.
Additionally, the P2S has pre-installed mounting points on the chamber floor and sides for auxiliary cooling fans, with adjustable dampers at the fan base. These dampers let you close the bottom air intakes to seal the print chamber, maintaining precise temperatures for materials that require a heated environment.
2. Overhauled User Experience
The P1S’s physical button-and-screen interface was a frequent complaint—so the P2S swaps it for a 5-inch touchscreen, paired with Bambu Lab’s second-gen UI (the same as the H2 series). The result? A smoother, more intuitive experience that leaves the P1S in the dust.
The P2S also features the second-gen NM42pro multi-material unit, which adds a 149°F (65°C) drying function to prevent filament moisture buildup—a game-changer for users who leave filament unused for extended periods.
Core Hardware: Performance & Precision Redefined
While the P2S’s toolhead looks identical to the P1S’s, its internal upgrades are substantial:
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Hotend & Extrusion System: The hotend is interchangeable with the H2D series (retaining the quick-release design) but caps out at 572°F (300°C) (note: check nozzle compatibility). The extruder uses helical gear drive with a clever passive gear design: a small-angle bevel compresses the swing arm, amplifying spring force to maximize torque in a compact space.
The extrusion motor is upgraded to the PMSM servo motor (same as the H2 series), boosting extrusion rate by 70% compared to the P1S. It also offers real-time pressure and position sampling to detect clogs instantly—an industry-leading “black tech” feature.
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Software & Smart Optimizations:
- AI Detection: Identifies mismatches between hardware and slicer settings, and detects print defects like stringing or clogs to stop failed prints early (saving filament).
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Ditches the P1S’s 2.4G-only limitation for faster, more stable 2.4G/5G connectivity—critical for U.S. users relying on high-speed home networks.
- Active Flow Calibration: Uses an eddy current sensor to adjust for filament diameter inconsistencies. While unnoticeable with high-quality filament, it ensures precision with low-tolerance filaments (a must for American makers who use budget filament brands).
Real-World Testing: Industry-Leading Results
We put the P2S through rigorous testing—and it delivered exceptional performance across the board:
- First-Layer Test: The P2S’s first-layer adhesion set an industry benchmark, with zero warping or failed starts (a make-or-break metric for 3D printing).
- Tall, Thin Dual-Model Test: Both models printed with perfect structural integrity, no deformation, and consistent layer lines.
- Autodesk Model Test:the P2S reproduced 9 tiny pillars on the model’s top—showcasing unmatched detail resolution for intricate textures. However the temp inside still causing minor stringing. So that we suggest a vent or a exaust fan kit is useful.
- Large-Scale Part Test: A 2.34 lbs (1060g) “Skylark” part (printing for 22 hours, nearly maxing out the build volume) printed flawlessly on the first try—no warping, smooth surfaces, and tight layer line control. We repeated this test multiple times with 100% success, no calibration needed.
Verdict: The Unbeatable Mid-Range Flagship
After over a month of testing, the P2S has zero major flaws. As a second-gen upgrade, it nails the needs of U.S. makers: unrivaled ease of use, rock-solid reliability, and top-tier performance—all at a price expected to be slightly higher than the P1S (but well worth the premium).
The P2S isn’t just a better P1S—it’s a replacement. For American consumers, it’s the new king of mid-range 3D printers, and the P1S’s days as the best-seller are numbered.
Have questions about the P2S vs. P1S? Drop a comment below—we’ll answer every detail!
Author : Dayu
Dayu DIY is a renowned tech influencer specializing in hands-on 3D printer reviews and DIY tech content. Known for thorough, user-centric testing, Dayu shares actionable insights for makers.