Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Creality Ender 3 V3 KE ($199, 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 Creality Ender 3 V3 KE takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $30.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Creality Ender 3 V3 KE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $199 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 220 x 220 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 8 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono 2
+Budget resin entry point from a known brand
+6K sufficient for most miniatures
+Small and portable
+Well-supported by Photon Workshop
−6K below current 9K/12K standard
−No WiFi
−No tilt release
−Very small build plate
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
+Klipper at $199
+WiFi built in
+Direct drive at this price
+500mm/s capable
−Open frame
−Smaller bed than some rivals
−Community smaller than Ender 3 classic
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 Ender 3 V3 KE if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for speed
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE scores higher (8.4/10). 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 Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE worth $30 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 7/10). The extra $30 gets you klipper at $199.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Creality Ender 3 V3 KE?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.