Elegoo Centauri Carbon vs Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Centauri Carbon ($299) and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra ($284) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $15 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat, both score 8.2/10 overall. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon wins in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed, while the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra takes Print Quality, Reliability. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Centauri Carbon | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $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 | 0.1 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 7.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
+Enclosed CoreXY at $299. Yes, really.
+PLA, PETG, ABS: all print well out of the box
+Pre-assembled, printing within minutes of opening the box
+Carbon-fiber-infused materials are a go
−Firmware needs attention after unboxing
−Heat creep shows up on long prints above 270C
−Elegoo's ecosystem is years behind Bambu's
−17.5kg for a 256mm build volume is heavy
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 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling (4 pressure sensors)
- Chamber camera monitoring
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 better than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
They tie at 8.2/10. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon suits budget and enclosed, while the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is aimed at miniatures and resin.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Centauri Carbon or Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon worth $15 more than the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $15 less. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon only makes sense if you specifically need budget.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Centauri Carbon and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra?
Technology: the Elegoo Centauri Carbon is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.