They are not competing 3D printers. Bambu Lab’s R1 is a CO₂ laser cutter and engraver; the P1S is an enclosed FDM 3D printer that makes plastic parts from filament. Choose the P1S for 3D printing, or consider the R1 for laser cutting and engraving. The right choice depends on the process you need—not a head-to-head speed score.
What is the difference between the Bambu Lab R1 and P1S?
The machines use different fabrication processes and make different kinds of things. The P1S extrudes melted filament to build a three-dimensional part layer by layer. The R1 uses a laser to cut or engrave a workpiece. Bambu Lab introduced the R1 on September 22, 2026, describing it as the company’s first product line beyond 3D printing. Read Bambu Lab’s R1 announcement.
| Machine | What it does | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab R1 | 55 W CO₂ laser cutting and engraving | Cutting or engraving suitable sheet materials and surfaces |
| Bambu Lab P1S | Enclosed FDM 3D printing | Making three-dimensional plastic parts from filament |
Choose by the job you want to do
Choose the P1S for filament-based 3D printing
The P1S has a listed build volume of 256 × 256 × 256 mm³, a maximum toolhead speed of 500 mm/s, and an all-metal hot end rated to a maximum of 300 °C. Those specifications describe the printer; maximum speed is not a promise of typical print time or print quality. The printer includes an enclosure and activated-carbon filter, a chamber camera, and compatibility with Bambu Lab AMS systems. See Bambu Lab’s P1-series specifications.
Bambu Lab lists PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET, ABS, and ASA as ideal P1S materials; PA and PC as capable; and carbon- or glass-fiber-reinforced polymer as not recommended on its official listing. Verify compatibility and any required upgrades for the exact filament you plan to use before buying.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Consider the R1 for laser cutting or engraving
Bambu Lab describes the R1 as a 55 W CO₂ laser cutter and engraver, with speeds up to 1,000 mm/s. Its launch announcement identifies wood, transparent acrylic, and leather for cutting and engraving, and glass, stone, and coated metals as engraving applications. These are manufacturer-stated capabilities, not independent test results or guarantees for every material, thickness, or finish.
The announcement says the short-focus lens is included. It lists the Riser Base, Conveyor, Rotary attachment, medium- and long-focus lenses, Vision Encoder, E1 Pro air purifier, and Auto Fire Extinguishing system as separate purchases. Check the current product details to determine which accessories your intended work requires.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What to compare before you buy
Because the R1 and P1S do different jobs, compare each with equipment that performs the same process. First identify the finished item you want to make, then check whether the machine supports its material and size. Include accessories and the practical demands of installing and operating the equipment.
- Process and output: A P1S builds three-dimensional parts from filament; an R1 cuts or engraves a workpiece. Neither machine is a substitute for the other’s process.
- Material and dimensions: For the P1S, confirm filament compatibility and whether the part fits its 256 × 256 × 256 mm³ build volume. For the R1, confirm that the workpiece material, size, and intended operation are supported by the current specifications.
- Space, ventilation, and safety: Check the full machine and accessory footprint, ventilation needs, fire precautions, and applicable laser-safety requirements in the current manuals before purchase. The launch announcement describes the standard R1 as intended for home use, but that alone does not establish the safety requirements for a particular setup.
- Workflow: Confirm current Bambu software and file-preparation requirements for the process you plan to use. The published product information does not establish a detailed workflow comparison between these different machine types.
- Total cost and availability: Compare your local price, tax, shipping, bundle contents, and required accessories. A launch price and a changing store listing are not directly comparable without those details.
R1 and P1S prices: check the region and date
Bambu Lab’s September 22, 2026 R1 announcement gave a launch price of $2,499 in the US before tax, with shipping included, and €2,499 in the EU with tax included and shipping excluded. It said preorders began that day through the official store and shipping would start in October. These are launch-announcement terms, not confirmation of current stock, delivery timing, or availability in your region. Check the R1 announcement.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
An official US P1S store listing displayed $869.00 USD against $1,148.00 USD when accessed. That is a store-price snapshot, not a stable MSRP; promotions and selected variants can change. Check the current listing and bundle contents before comparing it with the R1’s launch price. View the US P1S listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can one machine replace the other?
No. A filament printer and a CO₂ laser cutter address different jobs. If you need both 3D-printed parts and laser-cut or engraved workpieces, assess them as two separate machines: account for each machine’s cost, footprint, materials, accessories, operating requirements, and availability. The available manufacturer specifications do not establish a single overall winner or a meaningful combined speed comparison.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
