Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Creality Ender 5 S1 and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $399 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 Value, Speed. That said, the Creality Ender 5 S1 saves you $50 and wins on Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $449 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.08 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 19.35 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 5 S1
+Cube frame is mechanically stiffer than bed-slinger designs: first layers are more consistent
+Sprite direct drive handles TPU and flexible filaments properly
+220x220x280mm Z-height is the standout dimension for tall prints
+Stock experience is genuinely good without requiring calibration
−250mm/s is embarrassingly slow in 2024: this is not a speed machine
−No WiFi means manual file management every time
−$399 is a lot when the Bambu A1 Mini does more for $199
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 Creality Ender 5 S1 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for reliability
- Cube frame
- Direct drive
- 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 Creality Ender 5 S1 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 Creality Ender 5 S1 may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 5 S1 or Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo worth $50 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $50 gets you first enclosed multi-color corexy under $500.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
Build volume (220x220x280mm vs 256x256x256mm) and print speed (250 vs 500 mm/s). The Creality Ender 5 S1 is best for beginners; the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo targets multi-color.