Bambu Lab H2C vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Bambu Lab H2C and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 aren't competing for the same budget: the H2C costs roughly six times as much and adds a second extruder with up to 24-filament color switching, while the Centauri Carbon 2 is an entry/intermediate machine with an enclosed chamber that covers the basics at a fifth of the price. This comparison only makes sense once you know which budget tier you're actually shopping in.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2025 | 2026 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 2249 € | ~349–399 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 49.2 × 51.4 × 62.6 cm | 50 × 48 × 74.3 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 32.5 kg | 19.35 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 330 × 320 mm | 256 × 256 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 325 mm | 256 mm |
| Power (W) | 1800 W | 1100 W |
| Maximum speed | 1000 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 320 mm | 256 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 325 mm | 256 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 350 °C | 350 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 120 °C | 110 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 1000 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | Yes | Yes |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | Yes | No |
| Native Klipper | No | Yes |
| Input shaper | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | Yes | Yes |
| Max colors | 24 | 4 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The printer is operated through Bambu Studio, Bambu Lab's open-source slicer based on PrusaSlicer, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Remote control is available via the Bambu Handy app or Bambu Suite. The machine includes a 5" color touchscreen for local operation and connects over dual-band Wi-Fi. The firmware is proprietary; Klipper is not natively supported. | The proprietary Elegoo OS, built on Klipper architecture, manages full-auto calibration routines and AI-assisted monitoring. The machine is primarily supported by Elegoo Slicer (an Orca Slicer derivative), ensuring optimal control over material profiles and dynamic color changes. Users can also natively use Orca Slicer or export G-code from third-party alternatives like Cura. The intuitive touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity enable seamless remote management and direct job queuing over the local network. |
The differences that matter
- Price: around €2249 for the H2C against €374 for the Centauri Carbon 2 — different spending tiers entirely.
- Dual extruder only on the H2C: enables water-soluble supports and fast color swaps, not just more colors.
- Max colors: 24 on the H2C against 4 on the Centauri Carbon 2, both via accessory.
- Bed size: 330×320 mm on the H2C against 256×256 mm on the Centauri Carbon 2 — the latter is built for smaller parts.
- Native Klipper only on the Centauri Carbon 2.
Which one to choose
Choose H2C if…
The H2C's dual extruder and 24-channel color system suit small-batch production with frequent color changes or water-soluble supports — a use case that justifies the price jump only if machine time actually costs something. The enclosed chamber and rated 1000 mm/s help on ABS/ASA and repeat runs.
Choose Centauri Carbon 2 if…
The Centauri Carbon 2 still closes its chamber — which is why ASA prints cleanly on it too — but stays under €400, with a smaller 256×256 mm bed suited to single parts or prototypes rather than production. It's the pick for anyone who wants an enclosed chamber and Klipper firmware without paying for a second extruder they wouldn't use.
Where to buy
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Filaments for these printers
The most chosen spools among the materials both printers can print according to their specifications.
- ELEGOO PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- Bambu Lab PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- SUNLU PLA PLA1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
- OVERTURE PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)High speed1.75 mm1 kg Check the price on Amazon →
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