Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2vsPrusa Research MK4S

💰Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 is $491 cheaper (112% less)

📐Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 has 45% more build volume

🎨Only Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 supports multicolor printing (4 slots)

Cross-ecosystem comparison: These printers use different software ecosystems. Accessories, filament profiles, and community support are not interchangeable between brands. Consider the total ecosystem cost, not just the printer price.

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2

Buy/Wait:Buy

First-generation product — recently released, still early days

Best for: Elegoo users and budget-conscious makers who want multicolor FDM from a brand known for resin printers — or those looking for a capable CoreXY with high-temperature nozzle capability at $449.

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Prusa Research MK4S

Buy/Wait:Upgrade Kit

Late in cycle — but an upgrade kit is available. Existing owners can upgrade without buying new

🔧 Upgrade kit available — from MK4, MK3.5

Best for: Makers who value open-source hardware, community support, long-term repairability, and battle-tested reliability over raw speed or multicolor features.

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	Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2	Prusa Research MK4S
Pricing
Starting Price	★ $438	$929
Print Specs
Tier	Prosumer	Prosumer
Motion	CoreXY	BedSlinger
Build Volume	★ 256 × 256 × 256 mm	250 × 210 × 220 mm
Max Speed	500 mm/s	500 mm/s
Multicolor	★ ✅ 4 slots	❌ No
Enclosure	❌	❌
Auto Calibration	✅	✅
Open Source	❌	★ ✅
Upgrade Kit	—	🔧 From MK4, MK3.5
Buy Timing
Released	Jan 26, 2026	Mar 20, 2024
Cycle length	—	~730 days
Cycle advice	Buy	Upgrade Kit
Deals advice	Caution	Buy
Next model	—	Prusa MK5 (Expected 2027)

Quick Winner

Bottom Line

💰Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 saves you $491 — choose it if budget is your primary constraint

🎨Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 is the pick if multicolor printing is important to you

🔓Prusa Research MK4S is the pick for open firmware, community mods, and long-term repairability

Materials

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 only

—

Both

PLAEasy to print, no enclosure needed — everyday parts

PETGTougher, slightly flexible, moisture-resistant

ABSHeat and impact resistant — needs enclosure

ASAUV-stable ABS alternative — outdoor parts, needs enclosure

TPUFlexible rubber-like — phone cases, gaskets, wheels

Prusa Research MK4S only

PANylon — strong and wear-resistant, needs dry storage

PCPolycarbonate — extremely tough, challenging to print

Why buy each?

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2

Elegoo's first multicolor FDM

The Centauri Carbon 2 marks Elegoo's entry into multicolor FDM printing — bringing the brand's value-focused approach to a segment dominated by Bambu and Anycubic.

350°C nozzle for engineering filaments

The high-temperature nozzle enables printing of PA, PA-CF, and PC on an open-frame CoreXY — a notable differentiator at this price point.

CANVAS 4-color multicolor system

Elegoo's proprietary CANVAS system provides 4-color filament switching at a competitive all-in price of $449.

Prusa Research MK4S

Upgrade kit available — no need to buy new

MK4 and MK3.5 owners can upgrade to MK4S specs without purchasing a whole new printer. This is Prusa's commitment to owners and is unique in the industry at this level.

Fully open source

Firmware, PCB schematics, hardware designs, and slicing profiles are all published under open licenses. You own the printer completely.

Best community and documentation

Prusa's forum, knowledge base, and repair guides are unmatched. Parts are stocked and available for years after purchase.