Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Bambu Lab P1S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Bambu Lab P1S ($449, 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 P1S takes the crown with 9/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $280 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Bambu Lab P1S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $449 |
| 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 | 14.13 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 9/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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 P1S
+HEPA filter actually handles ABS fumes, not just PLA smell
+CoreXY at 500mm/s inside an enclosed chamber
+Reliability track record is as good as anything at this price
+AMS multi-material works without the constant jams you get on cheaper systems
−$449 without AMS, which adds another $100-150 on top
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
−P1P owners considering an upgrade: this is it, but it stings
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 P1S if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed
- Multi-material (AMS)
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Bambu Lab P1S?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S scores higher (9/10). 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 P1S?
The Bambu Lab P1S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S worth $280 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Bambu Lab P1S scores higher overall (9/10 vs 7/10). The extra $280 gets you hepa filter actually handles abs fumes, not just pla smell.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Bambu Lab P1S?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Bambu Lab P1S is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.