Anycubic Kobra 3 vs Anycubic Photon Mono 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Anycubic printers? The Anycubic Kobra 3 ($299) and Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $140 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 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $140 and wins on Value, Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra 3 | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $159 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 260 mm | 134 x 75 x 130 mm |
| Print Speed | 600 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9 kg | 5 kg |
| Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra 3
+CoreXY at 600mm/s for $299 is Bambu A1 territory
+WiFi and camera come standard without paying extra
+Add the ACE Pro multi-color system later if you want it
+Open frame is accessible for maintenance
−Anycubic's slicer software is behind Bambu Studio in polish and usability
−No multi-color out of the box: the A1 Combo at $399 already includes it
−Limited long-term data: first-gen product with fewer community fixes documented
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
+$159 is the lowest you'll pay for 10K resolution resin printing
+Compact enough to fit on a shelf with the build plate folded
+10K resolution prints minis that genuinely impress non-printers
−134x75mm build plate: barely fits more than two minis at once
−USB-only workflow, no WiFi at any price point in this tier
−Slow: 100mm/hr means longer overnight print sessions
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 4 if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 10K mono LCD
- Laser-cut build plate
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra 3 better than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Kobra 3 scores higher (8.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra 3 or Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
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 $140 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Anycubic Kobra 3 scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $140 gets you corexy at 600mm/s for $299 is bambu a1 territory.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra 3 and Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
Technology: the Anycubic Kobra 3 is FDM (filament) and the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.