Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo vs Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo ($449) and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $165 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo still puts up a fight in Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $284 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 153 x 89 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.08 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 19.35 kg | 7.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8.2/10 |
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 5 Ultra
+14K resolution renders chainmail and sword hilts at a level FDM can't get near
+Tilt release means fewer ripped FEP films mid-print
+Built-in air purifier cuts the resin smell noticeably; still needs ventilation but less aggressively
+WiFi monitoring so you don't have to babysit the machine
−Build plate is 153x89mm: anything larger needs to be sliced and assembled
−Resin printing means gloves, IPA, and a wash station are non-negotiable purchases
−Post-processing adds 30-45 minutes after every print: wash, cure, support removal
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 5 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for detail
- 14K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo better than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo may be the smarter buy if you need multi-color.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo or Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra to save $165.
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo worth $165 more than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $165 less. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo only makes sense if you specifically need multi-color.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
Technology: the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.