The Elegoo Centauri 2 and Qidi Tech Q2C are cross-brand rivals: both are entry-tier printers, listed $100 apart. Both are CoreXY printers with 4-slot multicolor and automatic calibration. The Q2C costs $100 more and gets you an enclosed chamber (with ASA on its materials list) and a top speed of 600 mm/s (vs 500); 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 →First-generation product — recently released, still early days
Best for: Budget makers who primarily print PLA, PETG, and TPU and want a large enclosed CoreXY at $379. Not the right choice if you regularly print ABS, ASA, PA, or PC.
Full details →| Elegoo Centauri 2 | Qidi Tech Q2C | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting Price | ★ $299 | $399 |
| Print Specs | ||
| Tier | Entry | Entry |
| Motion | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Build Volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | ★ 270 × 270 × 256 mm |
| Max Speed | 500 mm/s | ★ 600 mm/s |
| Multicolor | ✅ 4 slots | ✅ 4 slots |
| Enclosure | ❌ | ★ ✅ |
| Auto Calibration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open Source | ❌ | ❌ |
| Upgrade Kit | — | — |
| Buy Timing | ||
| Released | Jun 24, 2026 | Jan 14, 2026 |
| Cycle length | — | — |
| Cycle advice | Buy | Buy |
| Deals advice | Buy | Buy |
| Next model | — | — |
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 Q2C was released on Jan 14, 2026, 302 days ago. It is a first-generation product, so there is no earlier cycle to predict its successor from.
Both are early enough in their cycles that timing should not decide this one. The Centauri 2 launched 141 days ago and the Q2C launched 302 days ago. Pick on features and price.
Cycle and deal status as of November 12, 2026. See the launch calendar →
The Centauri 2 lists at $299 and the Q2C at $399 — $100 apart, so the Q2C costs 33% more.
Per litre of build volume, that works out to $18 for the Centauri 2 versus $21 for the Q2C — the Centauri 2 is the better value per litre as well.
This one is close on paper. If you will stick to materials both printers list (PLA, PETG and TPU), save the $100; if you want ASA, the Q2C's enclosure earns its premium. The Centauri 2 also brings support for PLA-CF and PETG-CF.
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.
270×270×256 mm is larger than the Bambu P2S and X2D at a lower price. The passive enclosure keeps PLA and PETG prints consistent without needing active heating.
The Q2C works with the Qidi Box multi-filament system — up to 4 units can be chained for 16-color printing, sold separately at $228 per unit.
Same rated top speed as Bambu Lab printers, placing it in the fastest tier of consumer FDM printers.