Elegoo Centauri 2 Combo vs Prusa Research XL Single-toolhead
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Same class, different scale: the XL Single-toolhead offers 360×360×360 mm and costs €2299, while the Centauri 2 Combo has a smaller volume but already brings four-colour printing. What decides it is how much space you really need.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | — | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | — | 2299 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | — | 70 × 90 × 72 cm |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 360 × 360 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 360 mm |
| Voltage (V) | — | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 400 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.2 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 360.0 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 256 mm | 360.0 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | — | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | — | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 400 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | — | No |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | — | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | — | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | — | Yes |
| Native Klipper | — | No |
| Input shaper | — | Yes |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | Yes |
| Multicolor requires accessory | No | Yes |
| Max colors | 4 | 5 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Four-color printing runs through the CANVAS system included in the Combo version. | The printer runs Marlin firmware customized by Prusa, heavily influenced by Klipper and natively compatible with PrusaSlicer for tool-change management, Input Shaper, and Pressure Advance. Other slicers such as Cura or Simplify3D produce standard G-code but don't support tool changing or the segmented bed. The G-code protocol is open, and control via OctoPrint or Pronterface is possible. PrusaConnect and Wi-Fi are built in for remote management, while the absence of a locked proprietary ecosystem allows the use of third-party filaments and spare parts. |
The differences that matter
- Volume: 360×360×360 mm against 256×256×256 mm → a single 35 cm part fits on the XL, while on the Centauri it must be split.
- Multicolour: four-colour CANVAS included with the Centauri 2 Combo; on the XL multicolour needs an accessory and reaches five colours.
- Price: the XL Single-toolhead lists at €2299 → you pay for volume and an open ecosystem, not speed: the Centauri declares 500 mm/s against 400.
Which one to choose
Choose Centauri 2 Combo if…
You print parts within 256 mm per side, maybe in several colours, and want CANVAS already included without adding accessories. It suits anyone colouring prototypes and desk objects who doesn't need a wide bed. You accept splitting parts that exceed that volume.
Choose XL Single-toolhead if…
You work on large parts, even a single 35 cm piece, or want to fill the bed with copies in one print. Prusa's Marlin firmware with PrusaSlicer, Wi-Fi and PrusaConnect, an open G-code protocol, third-party filaments and spares. You accept the €2299 price, a machine without an enclosed chamber and multicolour that needs an accessory.
Where to buy
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