The Centauri 2 (entry) and Neptune 4 Pro (prosumer) are a step-up decision within Elegoo's lineup: same ecosystem, different class of machine. Both are open-frame printers with a 500 mm/s rated top speed and automatic calibration. The Centauri 2 costs $39 more and gets you 4-slot multicolor and 25% more build volume; the Neptune 4 Pro answers with extra engineering materials (ABS and ASA).
First-generation product — recently released, still early days
Best for: Budget buyers who mainly print PLA, PETG and TPU and want fast CoreXY multicolor for as little as possible, without paying for an enclosure they won't use.
Full details →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Budget-conscious makers who want a capable bed-slinger with Klipper firmware for customization — without Bambu's closed ecosystem or Prusa's premium pricing.
Full details →| Elegoo Centauri 2 | Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | $299 | ★ $260 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Entry | Prosumer |
| Motion | CoreXY | BedSlinger |
| Build Volume | ★ 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 225 × 225 × 265 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ★ ✅ 4 slots | ❌ No |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Jun 24, 2026 | Jul 15, 2023 |
| Cycle length | — | ~450 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Wait |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
The Centauri 2 was released on Jun 24, 2026, 141 days ago. It is a first-generation product, so there is no earlier cycle to predict its successor from.
The Neptune 4 Pro was released on Jul 15, 2023, 1,216 days ago. Its previous release cycle ran about 450 days; it is now 766 days past that point and no successor has been announced.
On timing alone, the Centauri 2 is the safer buy right now — it launched only 141 days ago, while the Neptune 4 Pro is 766 days past its ~450-day cycle with no successor announced.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Neptune 4 Pro lists at $260 and the Centauri 2 at $299 — $39 apart, so the Centauri 2 costs 15% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $18 for the Centauri 2 versus $19 for the Neptune 4 Pro — so the pricier Centauri 2 actually gives you more build space per dollar.
Our pick for most buyers is the Centauri 2, for 4-slot multicolor and 25% more build volume, plus a higher editor score (8.2 vs 7.7) and better buy-now timing. Go for the Neptune 4 Pro instead if you want to spend less — it is $39 cheaper ($260 vs $299).
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
The Centauri 2 Combo includes the 4-color CANVAS system with RFID filament detection, auto refill and tangle detection. It is one of the cheapest CoreXY multicolor packages from a major brand.
It uses the same 256×256×256 mm CoreXY motion system, 500 mm/s top speed, 350°C hardened nozzle and 121-point auto leveling as the Centauri Carbon 2, for $50–100 less.
The camera, air filter, LED lighting and smart exhaust grill are optional add-ons, so you pay only for the features you need.
The Neptune 4 Pro ships with Klipper pre-installed — enabling advanced input shaping, pressure advance, and configuration flexibility without modding.
A 500 mm/s rated speed at a price significantly below Bambu and Prusa alternatives.
Full automatic bed leveling reduces setup time and calibration friction.