P1P vs X1 Carbon
What did the $500 higher launch price actually buy?
Which one should I buy?
Quick answer: Get the X1C over a P1P on the used market only if you run unattended prints or need engineering materials regularly. Get the P1P if you want maximum value for watched PLA/PETG printing. Both are discontinued (P1P Feb 2026, X1C March 2026); for a new machine, look at the P2S ($549) or the X1C's successor, the X2D ($649).
Specs: Bambu Lab P1P tech specs (PDF) · Bambu Lab X1 Carbon tech specs (PDF), checked October 2, 2026
Where to buy
P1PDiscontinued, see the P2S
X1 CarbonDiscontinued, see the X2D
Day-one accessoriesBuild plates · Filament dryers
P1P
- Much cheaper on the used market, best CoreXY value for PLA/PETG printing
- Same CoreXY kinematics and build volume as the X1C, equivalent motion system fundamentals
- Full AMS compatible, up to 16-color daisy-chain printing
- Can be enclosed for ABS/ASA with Bambu's P1P Enclosure Kit (panels plus the required control-board fan)
X1 Carbon
- Lidar auto-calibration, eliminates manual Z-offset and flow rate tuning
- AI failure detection, stops spaghetti and layer-shift disasters during unattended jobs
- Passive enclosed chamber (no active heating), more consistent than an open frame for ABS and ASA
- Hardened steel nozzle included, ready for abrasive filaments
Both printers are discontinued. The P1P was retired in February 2026 and the X1C in March 2026, so this comparison is now mainly for the used market. For new machines, consider the P2S ($549) as the P1P replacement and the X2D ($649) as the X1C's successor.
Specs comparison
| Feature | P1P | X1 Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $1,199 |
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Max speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosure | No (open frame) | Yes (activated carbon only) |
| Lidar | No | Yes |
| AI failure detection | No | Yes |
| Chamber heating | None (open) | Passive (not actively heated) |
| Carbon fiber rods | Yes (X axis) | Yes (X axis) |
| Hardened nozzle | Optional | Included |
| AMS compatible | Full AMS | Full AMS |
- Lidar auto-calibration: Z-offset, flow rate, and vibration calibrated automatically. Less tuning, more reliability
- AI failure detection: Detects spaghetti prints and layer issues. Game-changer for unattended printing
- Passive enclosed chamber: Warmed only by bed and nozzle (no active heater), which helps with ABS and ASA
- Hardened steel nozzle included: Print CF and glass-filled materials without replacing the nozzle
P1P is enough if...
- You're hands-on with calibration
- You mainly print PLA and PETG
- You watch your prints or don't run unattended jobs
- You want maximum value per dollar on the used market
X1C is worth it if...
- You run unattended prints regularly
- You print engineering materials (ABS, ASA, PC, CF)
- You want the "set and forget" experience
- Print failures have a real time and material cost to you
Full specs and review: P1P page · X1C page