Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Bambu Lab P1S Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Bambu Lab P1S Combo ($699, 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 Combo takes the crown with 8.8/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $530 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Bambu Lab P1S Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $699 |
| 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 | 17.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 8.8/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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 Combo
+Enclosed chamber plus AMS multi-material in one box, no separate AMS purchase
+HEPA filter handles ABS fumes; the enclosure keeps chamber temperature stable
+Up to 16 colors by daisy-chaining 4 AMS units
+Bambu's reliability track record is the best in the consumer market
−$699 is a significant step up from the A1 Combo's $399
−The P1S hardware is being superseded by the P2S; check current pricing before buying
−AMS still wastes filament on color transitions; purge blocks help but don't eliminate it
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
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 Combo if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for multi-color
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Multi-material (AMS, up to 16 colors with 4 units)
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Bambu Lab P1S Combo?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher (8.8/10). 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 Combo?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo worth $530 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 7/10). The extra $530 gets you enclosed chamber plus ams multi-material in one box, no separate ams purchase.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Bambu Lab P1S Combo?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Bambu Lab P1S Combo is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.