Bambu Lab P1S vs Snapmaker U1
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Choose the Bambu Lab P1S if you are looking for an enclosed 3D printer, lower cost, and support for up to 16 colors via a dedicated accessory. Choose the Snapmaker U1 if you prefer a native 4-color multi-extruder system without external accessories, open-source Klipper firmware, and an enlarged work volume of 270×270×270 mm.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2023 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~399–499 € | 849 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.9 × 38.9 × 45.8 cm | 58.4 × 49.9 × 73 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 12.95 kg | 18.2 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 270 × 270 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 270 mm |
| Power (W) | 1000 W | 1150 W |
| Voltage (V) | 100 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.04 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 270 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 256 mm | 270 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | Yes | No |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | No | Yes |
| Native Klipper | No | Yes |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | No |
| Max colors | 16 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The P1S is managed through Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's proprietary slicer available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, or via OrcaSlicer, the widely adopted open-source fork that provides finer parameter control. The Bambu Handy mobile app enables remote monitoring and print launching. The printer supports local LAN connections without a mandatory cloud account, though some advanced features — such as remote timelapses and OTA firmware updates — require a Bambu account. | The primary software is Snapmaker Orca, an optimized version of the popular OrcaSlicer, which provides native management of the four toolheads and factory-calibrated material profiles. The printer can also be seamlessly managed via the Snapmaker mobile app for remote monitoring, taking advantage of the built-in 1080p camera. The internal firmware is built on Klipper, Moonraker, and Fluidd, which Snapmaker has made open-source, allowing experienced users to customize the machine and integrate it into complex workflows. |
The differences that matter
- Enclosure: The P1S features a fully enclosed chamber, whereas the U1 has an open-frame design.
- Extrusion & Multicolor: The U1 uses a native multi-extruder system with 4 independent heads for 4 colors without extra accessories. The P1S uses a single extruder but supports up to 16 colors using an external accessory.
- Build Volume & Size: The U1 provides a build volume of 270×270×270 mm with outer dimensions of 58.4×49.9×73 cm (18.2 kg), compared to 256×256×256 mm and 38.9×38.9×45.8 cm (12.95 kg) on the P1S.
- Firmware & Software: The U1 relies on an open-source Klipper/Moonraker/Fluidd stack with Snapmaker Orca, while the P1S uses dedicated firmware managed via Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer, and the Bambu Handy app.
Which one to choose
Choose P1S if…
The Bambu Lab P1S is the ideal choice for users seeking an enclosed printer design at a lower entry price (~€399–499). It is particularly suitable for those aiming for multicolor printing up to 16 shades expandable via an optional accessory, offering a compact footprint (38.9×38.9×45.8 cm) with Bambu Studio or OrcaSlicer in local LAN mode.
Choose U1 if…
The Snapmaker U1 caters to users requiring a true native multi-extruder architecture (4 toolheads) without relying on external modules for multicolor. Its €849 price tag covers native integration of open-source Klipper firmware (with Moonraker and Fluidd), an extended build volume of 270×270×270 mm, and an integrated 1080p camera.
Where to buy
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Filaments for these printers
The most chosen spools among the materials both printers can print according to their specifications.
- ELEGOO PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- Bambu Lab PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- OVERTURE PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)High speed1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
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