Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo vs Elegoo Mars 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo ($449) and Elegoo Mars 4 ($149) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $300 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 saves you $300 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo | Elegoo Mars 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $149 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.08 mm | 0.02 mm |
| Weight | 19.35 kg | 6.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 7.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
Elegoo Mars 4
+$149 entry into Elegoo's quality resin lineup
+7K resolution is still detailed enough for D&D and Warhammer minis
+WiFi monitoring included even at this price
+Elegoo's brand reliability is the best in budget resin
−No tilt release: FEP films will need replacing more often than the Ultra variants
−7K detail is noticeably softer than the 9K and 12K machines on fine surface textures
−Slower at 80mm/hr vs 100mm/hr on the Ultra
Who Should Buy Which?
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
Choose the Elegoo Mars 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 7K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo better than the Elegoo Mars 4?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 4 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo or Elegoo Mars 4?
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 $300 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $300 gets you first enclosed multi-color corexy under $500.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo and Elegoo Mars 4?
Technology: the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 4 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.