Bambu Lab H2S 3D Printer review is here! We break down the specs, performance, and the surprisingly low $1,250 price. Is this the best large-format 3D printer for cosplay, props, and professionals ?
The 3D printing world has been buzzing with anticipation for Bambu Lab’s follow-up to their impressive H2D. The wait is over, and the result is the Bambu Lab H2S—a printer that doesn’t just meet expectations; it shatters them with a price tag that is turning heads across the industry.
In this comprehensive review, based on extensive hands-on testing, we dive deep into what makes the H2S a potential game-changer for hobbyists, cosplayers, and professional users in the United States.
Bambu Lab H2S: At a Glance
- Price: $1,250 (Printer only) | $1,500 (with AMS 2 Pro) | $2,100 (Laser Combo)
- Build Volume: 340 x 320 x 340 mm
- Key Features: CoreXY system, active heated chamber (65°C), hardened steel swappable nozzles, vibration compensation, Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Best For: Large, single-material prints, professional prototyping, cosplay armor, and high-detail miniatures.
The Headline: An Unbeatable Price Point
The most shocking revelation is the cost. Prior to the announcement, expert estimates placed the H2S at around $1,500. Bambu Lab stunned everyone by launching it at $1,250.
This strategic pricing, which already factors in recent tariffs, makes the H2S an incredibly compelling option. It positions itself as a “P1” version of the flagship H2D—offering the core performance in a more affordable, streamlined package. For a large-format printer with these capabilities, this price is virtually unmatched.
What is the Bambu Lab H2S?
The “S” stands for Single Nozzle. The H2S is essentially a single-nozzle version of the dual-extrusion H2D. It inherits all the second-generation “H2” improvements Bambu Lab learned from their X1, P1, and A1 lines, including:
- Refined CoreXY System: Uses linear rails for smoother, more precise movement.
- Servo Motor Extruder: Provides a closed-loop feedback system for consistent extrusion and clog detection.
- Massive Build Volume: At 340 x 320 x 340 mm, it offers a taller Z-axis than the H2D, perfect for large helmets and props.
H2S vs. H2D: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose the H2S ($1,250) if you primarily print with one material at a time but need a huge build volume for cosplay, props, or functional parts. It’s the ultimate workhorse for big, reliable prints.
- Choose the H2D if multi-color printing or dissolvable support interfaces are a critical part of your workflow. The dual nozzles are unmatched for efficiency in multi-material printing.
Performance & Print Quality: From Lightning Fast to Incredibly Detailed
The H2S is a performance beast, capable of handling everything from exotic technical filaments to simple PLA.
- Material Versatility: With a 350°C nozzle, 120°C heated bed, and an active chamber heater (65°C), it effortlessly prints PETG, ASA, Nylon, Polycarbonate, and TPU.
- Speed and Reliability: It inherits the H2D’s incredible speed, quiet operation, and vibration compensation, making it remarkably reliable right out of the box.
- Nozzle Flexibility: The easy-swap nozzle system lets you go from coarse to ultra-fine detail.
- 0.8mm Nozzle: Print layer heights up to 0.56mm for incredibly fast, strong, coarse-looking prints with a unique “lo-fi” aesthetic.
- 0.2mm Nozzle: Achieve stunning, resin-like detail with 0.08mm layer heights, making it a viable option for high-quality miniatures.
Notable Features (And What’s Missing)
- AMS 2 Pro Compatibility: The $1,500 combo includes the excellent AMS 2 Pro, which features built-in drying and a vastly improved system for estimating filament remaining and clearing jams.
- Streamlined to Save Cost: To hit the $1,250 price, Bambu Lab removed the nozzle camera (AI detection is handled by the corner camera), the side windows, and onboard storage (you must use a USB drive).
- Laser Upgrade Option: A upgrade kit is available to transform the H2S into a laser engraver/cutter for $2,100 total.
Who is the Bambu Lab H2S For?
- Cosplayers & Prop Makers: The build volume is perfect for helmets, armor pieces, and large props in durable materials like PETG and ASA.
- Professional Print Farms: For businesses needing to crank out large, single-material parts reliably, the H2S’s price and performance are a dream combination.
- Hobbyists & Makers: If you’ve outgrown your Ender 3 or Prusa and crave more volume, higher speed, and easier printing with advanced materials, the H2S is the logical next step.
The Verdict: A New Benchmark for Value
The Bambu Lab H2S is not just a new printer; it’s a statement. By delivering a large-format, professional-grade machine with an active heated chamber for $1,250, Bambu Lab has set a new benchmark for value in the 3D printing market.
Bambu Lab H2S: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional Value: Priced at $1,250, it offers massive build volume and features unheard of at this price point just a year ago. | No Onboard Storage: Requires a user-provided USB drive to store files and timelapses, which feels outdated on a modern printer. |
| Large, Heated Build Volume: 340 x 320 x 340 mm build area with an active heated chamber (65°C) perfect for cosplay, props, and large functional parts. | No Side Windows: The standard model lacks the glass side panels found on the H2D, making it less appealing to watch. |
| Professional Performance: Capable of printing advanced engineering materials like Nylon, PC, and ASA reliably thanks to the high-temperature hotend and chamber. | Streamlined Features: To cut costs, it lacks the nozzle camera (relying on the corner camera for AI detection) and an Ethernet port. |
| Quiet and Stable Operation: Inherits vibration compensation and a refined CoreXY system from the H2D, making it surprisingly quiet and reliable. | Uneven Bed Heating Pattern: The heating element creates an “S” pattern, leading to slight temp variations, though it doesn’t typically affect print quality. |
| Easy-Swap Nozzles: System allows quick changes from a high-detail 0.2mm nozzle to a fast 0.8mm nozzle for different applications. | Not for Multi-Material: As a single-nozzle printer, it cannot efficiently print multi-color or multi-material parts without an AMS and significant purging. |
| AMS 2 Pro Compatibility: Works seamlessly with the advanced AMS (Automatic Material System) for multi-color printing and features like built-in drying and filament estimation. | Laser is an Upgrade: The laser engraving/cutting functionality is not included and requires a separate, expensive upgrade kit. |
| Laser Upgrade Path: The printer can be upgraded post-purchase to a laser engraver and cutter, adding to its versatility. |
For anyone looking for a capable, large-format 3D printer without breaking the bank, the Bambu Lab H2S is, without a doubt, a top contender and arguably the best value on the market today.
FAQs
Does the Bambu Lab H2S have a heated chamber?
Yes! It has an active chamber heater that can reach 65°C, which is essential for printing advanced materials like Nylon and Polycarbonate.
Can the H2S be upgraded to dual nozzles later?
No. The design is for a single nozzle only. The second PTFE tube entry is plugged.
What is the difference between the H2S and the X1 Carbon?
The X1C has a much smaller build volume (256³ mm) but includes a lidar and other premium features. The H2S is all about massive build volume at a surprisingly low cost.
When will the H2S be available for purchase in the USA?
It was announced and became available for order on launch day (August 22nd). Check Bambu Lab’s official website and authorized US retailers for availability.
