Is the Prusa MK4 or Bambu Lab P1S better for beginners?

The Prusa MK4. PrusaSlicer is well-documented, the Prusa community forum is the most active 3D printing support community in the UK, and the machine is designed to be serviced by the owner. Bambu Studio's cloud dependency and the P1S's faster iteration pace means older units can face software deprecation — a risk a beginner is less equipped to navigate.

Can the Bambu Lab P1S print ABS reliably?

Yes. The fully enclosed build chamber maintains the stable temperature ABS requires, and the hardened steel nozzle handles the material cleanly. This is the primary practical reason to choose the P1S over the MK4 used — the MK4's open frame makes consistent ABS printing difficult without significant modification.

How do I check the condition of a used Prusa MK4?

Ask for total print hours via the firmware menu (Settings → Statistics). Check the build plate's PEI surface for deep scratches or peeling at the edges. Inspect the nozzle for wear — brass nozzles typically last 200–500 hours of PLA. Ask whether the hotend has been serviced and whether the thermistor connector is secure. A print quality test (benchy) before purchase is the definitive check.

Does the Bambu Lab P1S hold its value used?

Less well than the Prusa MK4. The Robot Resale Index shows the P1S at 87.2, down 12.8% year on year, against the MK4 at 89.6, down 10.4%. Bambu Lab's rapid product iteration — the A1, X1C, and H2D launches — consistently compresses used values of earlier models. The MK4's more stable product cadence and open-source status gives it a more resilient used market.

Which is better value used in the UK in 2026 — Prusa MK4 or Bambu P1S?

On pure value, the Bambu Lab P1S at £400–£540 used is the better financial deal — you get a faster, more capable machine for less money because Bambu's rapid product cycle depresses used prices. On total-cost-of-ownership, the Prusa MK4 wins: it depreciates more slowly, its parts are cheaper and more available, and its open-source ecosystem means no software lock-in risk. If you plan to own the printer for 3+ years, buy the MK4. If you want maximum features per pound today and are comfortable with faster depreciation, buy the P1S.

3D printer comparison

Prusa MK4 vs Bambu Lab P1S — Which to Buy Used?

Last updated 27 September 2026

The Prusa MK4 and Bambu Lab P1S are the two dominant used 3D printers in the UK hobbyist market, and they represent genuinely different philosophies. The MK4 is open-frame, open-source, and repairable — it has a 9.3/10 bench score built on 820 hours of logged printing and holds its value better than almost any machine in this price range. The P1S is a fully enclosed speed machine that prints ABS and ASA reliably at 500 mm/s, costs less used, but depreciates faster as Bambu Lab releases new models. Used prices currently overlap: £450–£620 (MK4) versus £400–£540 (P1S). For beginners, the MK4 is lower-risk. For experienced users who need engineering materials or multi-material printing, the P1S used is exceptional value.

FDM 3D printer

Prusa MK4

Used price (UK)£450–£620

Retail (new)£999

Bench score9.3 / 10

Resale index89.6(-10.4% YoY)

Full price guide →

FDM 3D printer

Bambu Lab P1S

Used price (UK)£400–£540

Retail (new)£749

Resale index87.2(-12.8% YoY)

Full price guide →

How they compare

Aspect	Prusa MK4	Bambu Lab P1S
Bench score	9.3 / 10✓	Not bench-tested
Used price (UK)	£450–£620	£400–£540✓
Retail price (new)	£999	£749✓
Print speed	~200 mm/s practical	500 mm/s rated✓
Enclosure	Open frame	Fully enclosed✓
Material range	PLA, PETG, flexible — limited ABS	PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, PA, PC✓
Multi-material	Via optional MMU3 add-on	Via AMS (sold separately, ~£250)
Software	PrusaSlicer (open source)✓	Bambu Studio (proprietary cloud)
Repairability	Excellent — documented, community-supported✓	Moderate — some proprietary parts
Best for	Reliability, PLA/PETG, long print queues	Speed, ABS/ASA, multi-material

Which should you buy?

Choose Prusa MK4

Choose the Prusa MK4 if you print predominantly PLA or PETG, prioritise reliability over speed, and plan to own and service the machine for three-plus years. The 9.3/10 bench score over 820 hours confirms it is the most reliable machine in this price range used.

Choose Bambu Lab P1S

Choose the Bambu Lab P1S if you need ABS or ASA printing (requiring the enclosure), want the fastest possible PLA output, or plan to add the AMS multi-material system. At £420–£500 used, it offers capabilities that cost over £1,200 new three years ago.

Bottom line

For first-time 3D printer buyers, the MK4 is the lower-risk used purchase — better documented, more community-supported, and with a proven reliability record. For experienced users who know they need speed or engineering materials, the P1S used is excellent value.

For sale now

Prusa MK4

£450–£620 used

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Bambu Lab P1S

£400–£540 used