Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo vs QIDI X-Plus 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo and QIDI X-Plus 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in the same price bracket — $449 vs $499. We scored both across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Plus 3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 8/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo saves you $50.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo | QIDI X-Plus 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $499 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 280 x 280 x 270 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.08 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 19.35 kg | 17 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
+First sub-$500 enclosed multi-color CoreXY
+91% first-attempt success rate on multi-color jobs
+RFID auto-identifies filament type and properties
+Excellent TPU printing performance
−Finicky spool holders need improvement
−Loading routine doesn't get hot enough for high-temp filaments
−Cold build plate could use more grip
−Canvas software is functional but visually awkward
QIDI X-Plus 3
+Enclosed with active heating to 60C
+Handles ABS/ASA/Nylon/PC
+Fast CoreXY
+Great value for enclosed
−QIDI software less polished
−Smaller community than Bambu/Creality
−Proprietary components
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 QIDI X-Plus 3 if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed
- CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo better than the QIDI X-Plus 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher (8.4/10). 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 QIDI X-Plus 3?
Both score 7/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo to save $50.
Is the QIDI X-Plus 3 worth $50 more than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 8/10). The extra $50 gets you enclosed with active heating to 60c.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo and QIDI X-Plus 3?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 280x280x270mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is best for multi-color; the QIDI X-Plus 3 targets engineering.