Elegoo Centauri Carbon vs QIDI X-Plus 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon and QIDI X-Plus 3 are both FDM 3D printers competing in different tiers — $299 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 8.2/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon saves you $200 and wins on Value, Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Centauri Carbon | QIDI X-Plus 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $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 | 0.1 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 17 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
+Enclosed CoreXY at an unbelievable $299
+Excellent print quality across PLA, PETG, and ABS
+Pre-assembled — print within minutes of unboxing
+Handles carbon-fiber-infused materials
−Firmware can be unreliable and needs updates
−Heat creep issues on long prints above 270C
−Elegoo ecosystem is immature compared to Bambu
−Heavy at 17.5kg for a 256mm build volume
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 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 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 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 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Centauri Carbon or QIDI X-Plus 3?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 7/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Plus 3 worth $200 more than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The QIDI X-Plus 3 scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10). The extra $200 gets you enclosed with active heating to 60c.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Centauri Carbon and QIDI X-Plus 3?
Build volume (256x256x256mm vs 280x280x270mm) and print speed (500 vs 600 mm/s). The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is best for budget; the QIDI X-Plus 3 targets engineering.