🖨 3D Printer Radar

Anycubic Kobra XvsElegoo Centauri Carbon 2

Cross-ecosystem comparison: These printers use different software ecosystems. Accessories, filament profiles, and community support are not interchangeable between brands. Consider the total ecosystem cost, not just the printer price.
Anycubic Kobra X
Buy/Wait:Buy

First-generation product — recently released, still early days

Best for: Budget-conscious makers who want multicolor printing at the lowest possible entry price and don't need a large build volume or premium features.

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Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2
Buy/Wait:Buy

First-generation product — recently released, still early days

Best for: Elegoo users and budget-conscious makers who want multicolor FDM from a brand known for resin printers — or those looking for a capable CoreXY with high-temperature nozzle capability at $449.

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Anycubic Kobra XElegoo Centauri Carbon 2
TierEntryProsumer
MotionBedSlingerCoreXY
Build Volume260 × 260 × 260 mm256 × 256 × 256 mm
Max Speed600 mm/s500 mm/s
Multicolor✅ 4 slots✅ 4 slots
Enclosure
Auto Calibration
Open Source
Upgrade Kit
ReleasedMar 1, 2026Jan 26, 2026
Cycle length
Cycle adviceBuyBuy
Deals adviceCautionCaution
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Materials

Anycubic Kobra X only
Both
PLAEasy to print, no enclosure needed — everyday parts
PETGTougher, slightly flexible, moisture-resistant
ABSHeat and impact resistant — needs enclosure
TPUFlexible rubber-like — phone cases, gaskets, wheels
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 only
ASAUV-stable ABS alternative — outdoor parts, needs enclosure

Why buy each?

Anycubic Kobra X

Entry-level 4-color multicolor

At $279–299 with ACE Gen 2 included, the Kobra X is one of the most affordable ways to get into multicolor FDM printing.

260×260×260 mm build volume

A slightly larger cube-format build volume than the Kobra 3 V2's 255×255×260 mm bed — practical for most everyday prints.

ACE Gen 2 multicolor system

The second-generation ACE Gen 2 offers improved filament switching reliability over the original ACE Pro, with support for up to 4 colors per print.

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2

Elegoo's first multicolor FDM

The Centauri Carbon 2 marks Elegoo's entry into multicolor FDM printing — bringing the brand's value-focused approach to a segment dominated by Bambu and Anycubic.

350°C nozzle for engineering filaments

The high-temperature nozzle enables printing of PA, PA-CF, and PC on an open-frame CoreXY — a notable differentiator at this price point.

CANVAS 4-color multicolor system

Elegoo's proprietary CANVAS system provides 4-color filament switching at a competitive all-in price of $449.