Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo vs Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
Choose Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo if you need high speeds (up to 500 mm/s), multicolor printing, and technical materials thanks to the closed chamber. Choose Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro if you are looking for an affordable, lighter Cartesian machine with a slightly higher Z-axis (280 mm) for basic prints.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2026 | 2022 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 439 € | ~199–259 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 50 × 48 × 74.3 cm | 47.5 × 44.5 × 51.5 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 19.35 kg | 8.1 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 225 × 225 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 280 mm |
| Power (W) | 1100 W | 350 W |
| Voltage (V) | 240 V | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 0.1 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 225 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 256 mm | 280 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 350 °C | 260 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 110 °C | 100 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | Yes | No |
| Filament sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | No | No |
| Native Klipper | — | No |
| Input shaper | Yes | No |
| Multicolor printing | Yes | No |
| Multicolor requires accessory | No | — |
| Max colors | 4 | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The machine is compatible with major slicing software on the market. The manufacturer recommends using Elegoo Slicer, specifically optimized to leverage the CoreXY kinematics, multi-color printing via the CANVAS system, and vibration compensation algorithms (Input Shaping). Alternatively, popular slicers like Orca Slicer and Cura can be used, offering broad flexibility to users who prefer established workflows. The integrated dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity allows direct transfer of G-code files to the 8 GB internal memory without physical cards, while the internal camera enables remote monitoring and time-lapse video recording, simplifying the management of the printing process even from a distance. | The operating system is based on the open-source Marlin firmware, ensuring broad compatibility and stability for the user. The printer is supported by major slicing software on the market, such as Ultimaker Cura and PrusaSlicer, for which official preset profiles or easily configurable community profiles exist. Operational management is handled via a practical removable capacitive touchscreen, featuring a simple interface for manual control and monitoring. The machine operates entirely offline, reading G-code files via a MicroSD card or direct USB cable connection, without any dependency on cloud services or wireless networks. |
The differences that matter
- Kinematics and Speed: The Centauri uses a CoreXY structure capable of reaching 500 mm/s with Input Shaping, while the Neptune 3 Pro is a traditional Cartesian limited to 180 mm/s.
- Thermal Management: The Centauri reaches 350 °C at the nozzle and features a closed chamber, allowing the use of technical materials; the Neptune 3 Pro stops at 260 °C with an open structure.
- Multicolor Printing: The Centauri natively supports 4-color printing via the CANVAS system, a feature completely absent in the Neptune 3 Pro (1 color).
- Build Volume and Weight: The Neptune has a higher Z-axis (280 mm vs 256 mm) and is lighter (8.1 kg vs 19.35 kg), but the Centauri offers a larger XY bed (256x256 mm vs 225x225 mm).
- Connectivity: The Centauri integrates Wi-Fi, 8 GB of storage, and an internal camera; the Neptune operates exclusively offline via MicroSD or USB cable.
Which one to choose
Choose Centauri Carbon 2 Combo if…
Choose Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo if your workflow requires high-temperature technical filaments (nozzle up to 350 °C and closed chamber) and if you want multicolor printing (up to 4 simultaneous colors without external accessories). The CoreXY kinematics and Input Shaping support speeds up to 500 mm/s, while Wi-Fi and the built-in camera facilitate remote management.
Choose Neptune 3 Pro if…
Choose Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro if you have a tight budget (under 260 €) and handle standard materials that do not require a closed chamber (nozzle up to 260 °C). Despite being slower (180 mm/s), the Cartesian structure offers a larger Z-axis printing height (280 mm vs 256 mm) in a significantly lighter frame (8.1 kg vs 19.35 kg).
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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