The Creality K2 Combo costs $230 less than the Bambu Lab P2S Combo, at $549 versus $779. That’s the main trade-off between two enclosed CoreXY multicolor printers that 247printing, a YouTube channel, tested side by side with about 50 prints across PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS and carbon-fiber blends. Bambu Lab sponsored 247printing’s video.
The P2S is the first overhaul of Bambu’s popular P1S. CNC Kitchen, a YouTube channel that tests 3D printing hardware, highlighted its quick-swap hardened steel nozzles, AI camera and AMS 2 Pro with built-in filament drying. The K2 Combo pairs a slightly bigger 260 mm build volume with Creality’s CFS color system, which reviewer FauxHammer said he prefers to Bambu’s original AMS.
Creality K2 vs Bambu Lab P2S: Side-by-Side Specs
Prices from Amazon at time of writing. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
| Spec | Creality K2 Combo | Bambu Lab P2S Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Amazon, Oct 17, 2026) | $549.00 | $779.00 |
| Build volume | 260 × 260 × 260 mm | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Frame | Enclosed CoreXY | Enclosed CoreXY |
| Hotend | 300°C hardened steel | 300°C hardened steel, quick-swap nozzles |
| Bed | 100°C | 110°C, spring steel sheets |
| Speed | 600 mm/s, 20,000 mm/s² | On par with or faster than X1/P1S (CNC Kitchen) |
| Color system | CFS, with temperature and humidity readout; units can chain | AMS 2 Pro with built-in drying; up to 20 colors with AMS HT and AMS |
| Chamber heating | No heater; disables case fans to warm up | — |
| Camera | See listing | Internal HD camera with automatic failure detection |
| Screen | Smallest of 247printing’s test group | 5-inch touchscreen |
| Buy | Check price | Check price |
Specs come from Creality’s K2 Combo page and CNC Kitchen’s P2S review.
Round 1: Price and What’s in the Box
247printing said the P2S Combo, with the AMS 2 Pro, was the most expensive complete package in its four-printer comparison. The K2 was the only one that shipped with a small spool of filament, and the only one with the pliers needed to cut filament (247printing, “QIDI Q2 vs Creality K2 vs Centauri Carbon vs Bambu P2S – Big Mid-Range Comparison!”). Neither kit includes a spare nozzle.
Edge: K2, by $230 at Oct 17 prices.
Round 2: Multicolor and Filament Handling
On the P2S, the filament path is set up permanently. On the K2, 247printing said, you switch PTFE tubes depending on whether you print from the external spool or the CFS. The P2S also grabs filament automatically once its toolhead sensor detects it (247printing, “QIDI Q2 vs Creality K2 vs Centauri Carbon vs Bambu P2S – Big Mid-Range Comparison!”). CNC Kitchen said the P2S buffer has two ports by default, and two AMS units connect directly for 8 colors without extra accessories (CNC Kitchen, “The P2S Is the Upgrade No One Expected – But Everyone Wanted!”).
FauxHammer prefers the CFS to Bambu’s original AMS and likes its front readout of internal temperature and humidity, plus an ID number when you chain several units. Without a CFS, the K2 uses an external filament reader (FauxHammer, “Why can’t they SEE THIS!! – Creality K2 Review”).
Edge: P2S for convenience and built-in drying; K2 for value.
Round 3: Nozzles, Camera and Smarts
The P2S uses the same quick-swap nozzle system as Bambu’s H and A series, with a hardened steel nozzle as standard, so abrasive filaments don’t need a special swap. CNC Kitchen said extrusion feedback can detect grinding or jamming filament, which it said only Bambu Lab does right now (CNC Kitchen, “The P2S Is the Upgrade No One Expected – But Everyone Wanted!”). FauxHammer said the only modern convenience feature the K2 lacks is an easily swappable nozzle (FauxHammer, “Why can’t they SEE THIS!! – Creality K2 Review”).
Edge: P2S.
Round 4: Enclosure and High-Temp Materials
The K2 has no chamber heater. To warm up, it turns off its case fans until the chamber passes the target temperature. FauxHammer measured over 50°C eventually, and suggests preheating with the bed before starting ABS-type jobs (FauxHammer, “Why can’t they SEE THIS!! – Creality K2 Review”). Its bed reaches 100°C, against 110°C on the P2S.
Edge: about even. The P2S has the hotter bed; the K2 has dual rear exhaust fans and a slightly bigger build volume.
Round 5: Screen and Usability
247printing called the P2S interface the most premium of the group: the largest screen, highest pixel density and very responsive touch. The K2’s screen is the smallest and “a tiny bit less responsive but still perfectly usable,” with a layout like Bambu’s first-generation UI (247printing, “QIDI Q2 vs Creality K2 vs Centauri Carbon vs Bambu P2S – Big Mid-Range Comparison!”).
Edge: P2S.
Which Should You Buy?
- Buy the Creality K2 Combo for the lowest price on an enclosed multicolor CoreXY, a 260 mm build volume and the CFS with humidity readout.
- Buy the Bambu Lab P2S Combo for filament drying in the AMS 2 Pro, quick-swap hardened nozzles, a failure-detecting camera, extrusion feedback and the most polished interface.
247printing said the P2S is “a very good printer” but “won’t automatically be the overall winner” for every buyer (247printing, “QIDI Q2 vs Creality K2 vs Centauri Carbon vs Bambu P2S – Big Mid-Range Comparison!”).
How This Comparison Was Researched
I have not tested these printers myself. Findings come from 247printing, CNC Kitchen and FauxHammer, as credited. Specs come from Creality’s page and CNC Kitchen’s review, and prices from Amazon at time of writing.
Video: 247printing, “QIDI Q2 vs Creality K2 vs Centauri Carbon vs Bambu P2S – Big Mid-Range Comparison!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bambu P2S worth $230 more than the K2?
It is if you want built-in filament drying, quick-swap nozzles and Bambu’s camera failure detection. For the lowest price on an enclosed multicolor printer, the K2 Combo costs less.
Which has the bigger build volume?
The K2, at 260 mm cubed, vs 256 mm cubed for the P2S.
Does the K2 have a chamber heater?
No. FauxHammer says it warms the chamber by turning off its case fans.
How many colors can the P2S print?
Up to 20 in one project with the AMS HT and original AMS, per CNC Kitchen.
Sources
- 247printing, “QIDI Q2 vs Creality K2 vs Centauri Carbon vs Bambu P2S – Big Mid-Range Comparison!”
- CNC Kitchen, “The P2S Is the Upgrade No One Expected – But Everyone Wanted!”
- FauxHammer, “Why can’t they SEE THIS!! – Creality K2 Review”
- Amazon listings: Creality K2 Combo, Bambu Lab P2S Combo (from Amazon at time of writing)
Related: Bambu Lab P1S vs P2S | Best Budget Multicolor 3D Printer | Best 3D Printer Under $500
Notes and disclosure
Note: Prices come from Amazon listings at time of writing. Prices reviewers mention were current when their videos were made. Specs come from Creality and CNC Kitchen.