Elegoo Centauri Carbon vs Elegoo Neptune 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Elegoo printers? The Elegoo Centauri Carbon ($299) and Elegoo Neptune 4 ($199) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $100 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 no specific category, while the Elegoo Neptune 4 takes none either. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Centauri Carbon | Elegoo Neptune 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | FDM |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.1 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 9.5 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 Neptune 4
+Klipper at $199 means real input shaping and pressure advance, not just fast travel speeds
+Direct drive handles TPU without a fight
+500mm/s capable on stock profiles
+225mm bed is slightly larger than the V3 KE at the same price
−No WiFi on the base model: Elegoo charges extra for connectivity the KE includes free
−Elegoo's community is smaller than Creality's, which matters when you hit unusual problems
−Klipper config occasionally needs manual edits out of the box
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 Neptune 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon better than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
They tie at 8.2/10. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon suits budget and enclosed, while the Elegoo Neptune 4 is aimed at budget and speed.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Centauri Carbon or Elegoo Neptune 4?
Both score 8/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Neptune 4 to save $100.
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon worth $100 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 actually scores higher (8.2/10) despite costing $100 less. The Elegoo Centauri Carbon only makes sense if you specifically need budget.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Centauri Carbon and Elegoo Neptune 4?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 225x225x265mm) and print speed (500 vs 500 mm/s). The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is best for budget; the Elegoo Neptune 4 targets budget.