Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers, $349 vs $449. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability. That said, the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus saves you $100.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $449 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 400 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.08 mm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg | 19.35 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus
+300x300x400mm at $349: the price-per-cubic-millimeter is absurd
+Klipper pre-installed with room to tune
+Direct drive handles TPU and flexible materials at this large scale
+Prints armor plates and large props without slicing and gluing
−QC varies batch to batch: some users get great units, some need calibration work
−Artillery's community is thin compared to Creality or Elegoo
−Gets audibly loud pushing 500mm/s; this is a workshop printer, not a bedroom one
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
+First enclosed multi-color CoreXY under $500
+91% first-attempt success rate on multi-color jobs
+RFID reads filament type automatically, no manual input
+TPU prints without complaints
−Spool holders are finicky
−Loading routine doesn't get hot enough for high-temp filaments
−Build plate grip is mediocre
−Canvas software works but looks like it was designed fast
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- 300x300x400mm build
- Klipper
- Auto bed leveling
Choose the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed CoreXY
- 4-color Canvas multi-color system
- 350C hardened steel nozzle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus or Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo worth $100 more than the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $100 gets you first enclosed multi-color corexy under $500.
What's the main difference between Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
Build volume (300x300x400mm vs 256x256x256mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is best for large-prints; the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo targets multi-color.