Anycubic Kobra 3 vs Anycubic Photon Mono 2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Choosing between two Anycubic printers? The Anycubic Kobra 3 ($299) and Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $130 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Kobra 3 takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $130.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra 3 | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $169 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 143 x 89 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.02 mm |
| Weight | 9 kg | 5.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 7/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra 3
+CoreXY speed at $299
+600mm/s capable
+WiFi and camera standard
+Good open-frame design
−No multi-color (ACE Pro sold separately)
−Anycubic software less mature
−Newer product with limited long-term data
Anycubic Photon Mono 2
+Budget resin entry point from a known brand
+6K sufficient for most miniatures
+Small and portable
+Well-supported by Photon Workshop
−6K below current 9K/12K standard
−No WiFi
−No tilt release
−Very small build plate
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anycubic Kobra 3 if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
Choose the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 6K mono LCD
- USB
- Anycubic Photon Workshop slicer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra 3 better than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra 3 scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra 3 or Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Anycubic Kobra 3 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Kobra 3 worth $130 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Anycubic Kobra 3 scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7/10). The extra $130 gets you corexy speed at $299.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra 3 and Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
Technology: the Anycubic Kobra 3 is FDM (filament) and the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.