The Elegoo Centauri 2 (entry) and Prusa Research XL+ (professional) come from different brands and sit in different tiers, so this is less a head-to-head than a question of how much printer you need. Both are open-frame CoreXY printers with a 500 mm/s rated top speed and automatic calibration. The XL+ costs $2,000 more and gets you 178% more build volume and extra engineering materials (ABS, ASA, PA, PA-CF and PC); the Centauri 2 answers with support for PLA-CF and PETG-CF.
First-generation product — recently released, still early days
Best for: Budget buyers who mainly print PLA, PETG and TPU and want fast CoreXY multicolor for as little as possible, without paying for an enclosure they won't use.
Full details →Next model announced — but an upgrade kit is available for existing owners
🔧 Upgrade kit available — from XL
Best for: Professional makers, studios, and engineers who need large-format printing with genuine multi-material capability, open-source hardware, and Prusa's long-term support.
Full details →| Elegoo Centauri 2 | Prusa Research XL+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $299 | $2,299 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Entry | Professional |
| Motion | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | ★ 360 × 360 × 360 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ★ ✅ 5 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | 🔧 From XL |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Jun 24, 2026 | Aug 13, 2026 |
| Cycle length | — | ~997 days |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Upgrade Kit |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026) |
The Centauri 2 was released on Jun 24, 2026, 141 days ago. It is a first-generation product, so there is no earlier cycle to predict its successor from.
The XL+ was released on Aug 13, 2026, 91 days ago. Prusa Research has already announced what comes next: XL Pick & Place Toolhead (Late 2026). Because Prusa Research sells upgrade kits for this line, owners can move up without replacing the whole printer.
On timing alone, the Centauri 2 is the safer buy right now — it launched only 141 days ago, while the XL+ has its next step announced (XL Pick & Place Toolhead, Late 2026), with upgrade kits for existing owners.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Centauri 2 lists at $299 and the XL+ at $2,299 — $2,000 apart, so the XL+ costs 669% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $18 for the Centauri 2 versus $49 for the XL+ — the Centauri 2 is the better value per litre as well.
If you are buying before Dec 5, 2026, the active sale tips value toward the Centauri 2.
Our pick for most buyers is the XL+, for 178% more build volume and extra engineering materials (ABS, ASA, PA, PA-CF and PC), plus a higher editor score (8.7 vs 8.2). Go for the Centauri 2 instead if you want to spend less — it is $2,000 cheaper ($299 vs $2,299).
How we judge timing and deals: read our methodology →
The Centauri 2 Combo includes the 4-color CANVAS system with RFID filament detection, auto refill and tangle detection. It is one of the cheapest CoreXY multicolor packages from a major brand.
It uses the same 256×256×256 mm CoreXY motion system, 500 mm/s top speed, 350°C hardened nozzle and 121-point auto leveling as the Centauri Carbon 2, for $50–100 less.
The camera, air filter, LED lighting and smart exhaust grill are optional add-ons, so you pay only for the features you need.
Unlike filament-switching AMS/MMU systems, the XL physically swaps print heads. Each material has its own nozzle, eliminating purge towers entirely and enabling true multi-material prints.
One of the largest build volumes available in a CoreXY printer at this price point — suited for large props, architectural models, and batch production.
Every component is documented, parts are stocked for years, and the community has developed hundreds of modifications and improvements.