Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Creality CR-M4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Creality CR-M4 ($599, 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 Anycubic Photon Mono 2 takes the crown with 7/10 vs 6/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Creality CR-M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $599 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 450 x 450 x 470 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 38 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 6/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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
Creality CR-M4
+450mm build volume: print a torso, a chest plate, a full helmet in one run
+Dual Z axis keeps a bed this large from sagging mid-print
+Relatively affordable for the volume: comparable machines cost $1,500+
+Direct drive handles flexible and abrasive materials on a large scale
−200mm/s is the slowest print speed on the list by a wide margin: large prints take days
−38kg: this printer lives where you put it, forever
−Open frame on a 450mm machine means ABS warping is brutal without a DIY enclosure
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 Creality CR-M4 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for cosplay
- A great printer for professional
- 450x450x470mm build volume
- Auto bed leveling
- Dual Z motors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Creality CR-M4?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 scores higher (7/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality CR-M4 may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 2 or Creality CR-M4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 4/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality CR-M4 worth $430 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 actually scores higher (7/10) despite costing $430 less. The Creality CR-M4 only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Creality CR-M4?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality CR-M4 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.