The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 (prosumer) and Prusa Research XL+ (professional) come from different brands and sit in different tiers, so this is less a head-to-head than a question of how much printer you need. Both are open-frame CoreXY printers with a 500 mm/s rated top speed and automatic calibration. The XL+ costs $1,940 more and gets you 178% more build volume and extra engineering materials (PA, PA-CF and PC).
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.
Full details →Next model announced — but an upgrade kit is available for existing owners
🔧 Upgrade kit available — from XL
Best for: Professional makers, studios, and engineers who need large-format printing with genuine multi-material capability, open-source hardware, and Prusa's long-term support.
Full details →| Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 | Prusa Research XL+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $359 | $2,299 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Prosumer | Professional |
| Motion | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | ★ 360 × 360 × 360 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ★ ✅ 5 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | 🔧 From XL |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Jan 26, 2026 | Aug 13, 2026 |
| Cycle length | — | ~997 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026) |
The Centauri Carbon 2 was released on Jan 26, 2026, 290 days ago. It is a first-generation product, so there is no earlier cycle to predict its successor from.
The XL+ was released on Aug 13, 2026, 91 days ago. Prusa Research has already announced what comes next: XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026). Because Prusa Research sells upgrade kits for this line, owners can move up without replacing the whole printer.
On timing alone, the Centauri Carbon 2 is the safer buy right now — it launched only 290 days ago, while the XL+ has its next step announced (XL Pick & Place Toolhead, Late 2026), with upgrade kits for existing owners.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Centauri Carbon 2 lists at $359 and the XL+ at $2,299 — $1,940 apart, so the XL+ costs 540% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $21 for the Centauri Carbon 2 versus $49 for the XL+ — the Centauri Carbon 2 is the better value per litre as well.
If you are buying before Dec 5, 2026, the active sale tips value toward the Centauri Carbon 2.
Our pick for most buyers is the XL+, for 178% more build volume and extra engineering materials (PA, PA-CF and PC), plus a higher editor score (8.7 vs 8.4). Go for the Centauri Carbon 2 instead if you want to spend less — it is $1,940 cheaper ($359 vs $2,299).
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
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.
The high-temperature nozzle enables printing of PA, PA-CF, and PC on an open-frame CoreXY — a notable differentiator at this price point.
Elegoo's proprietary CANVAS system provides 4-color filament switching at a competitive all-in price of $449.
Unlike filament-switching AMS/MMU systems, the XL physically swaps print heads. Each material has its own nozzle, eliminating purge towers entirely and enabling true multi-material prints.
One of the largest build volumes available in a CoreXY printer at this price point — suited for large props, architectural models, and batch production.
Every component is documented, parts are stocked for years, and the community has developed hundreds of modifications and improvements.