Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Anycubic Photon Mono 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Anycubic printers? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169) and Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $10 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 takes the crown with 7.4/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $159 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 134 x 75 x 130 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 7.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono 2
+6K resolution still delivers usable miniature detail for most tabletop purposes
+Compact and portable: stores on a shelf when not in use
+Photon Workshop slicer is decent for an entry-level tool
+Anycubic's brand reliability is solid at this tier
−No tilt release means FEP replacements add up quickly
−No WiFi: USB-only workflow
−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K
−Discontinued: no firmware updates coming
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 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
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 Photon Mono 2 better than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 scores higher (7.4/10). 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 Photon Mono 2 or Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 to save $10.
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 worth $10 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $10 less. The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 only makes sense if you specifically need budget.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
Build volume (143x89x165mm vs 134x75x130mm) and print speed (80 vs 100 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is best for budget; the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 targets miniatures.