Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Bambu Lab A1 Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Bambu Lab A1 Combo ($399, FDM) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab A1 Combo takes the crown with 9.2/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $230.
Direct answer
Bambu Lab A1 Combo is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Bambu Lab A1 Combo if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for beginners and multi-color, and the safer recommendation. Choose Anycubic Photon Mono 2 only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Bambu Lab A1 Combo
Best value
Anycubic Photon Mono 2
Best build volume
Bambu Lab A1 Combo
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Bambu Lab A1 Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $399 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 9.65 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 9.2/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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
Bambu Lab A1 Combo
+AMS Lite ships in the box, not as a $75 upsell
+Bambu Studio slices and sends in under a minute
+500mm/s speed that actually holds up at 0.2mm layers
+Auto bed leveling runs in 90 seconds, not 10 minutes
−Open frame means ABS is borderline without an enclosure
−AMS Lite tops out at 4 colors; want more, buy a different system
−You're locked into Bambu Studio for the best experience
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 Bambu Lab A1 Combo if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for speed
- Auto bed leveling
- Multi-color (AMS Lite)
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Bambu Lab A1 Combo?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab A1 Combo scores higher (9.2/10). 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 Photon Mono 2 or Bambu Lab A1 Combo?
The Bambu Lab A1 Combo is more beginner-friendly (10/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab A1 Combo worth $230 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Bambu Lab A1 Combo scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 7/10). The extra $230 gets you ams lite ships in the box, not as a $75 upsell.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Bambu Lab A1 Combo?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Bambu Lab A1 Combo is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.