Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus ($299, 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 Plus takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $130.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 300 x 300 x 330 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 9.7 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 8.6/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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 Ender 3 V3 Plus
+$299 for 300×300×330mm and 600mm/s — no other printer at this price gets close on volume and speed simultaneously
+CoreXZ keeps the gantry lightweight for reliable high-speed moves
+Direct-drive Sprite extruder handles flexible filaments without a bowden gap
+Klipper-based firmware means real input shaping, not marketing figures
+PEI sheet gives excellent adhesion and clean part release
−Open-frame means ABS and ASA warping without an aftermarket enclosure
−CoreXZ means Y-axis moves the bed — large heavy prints can shift if acceleration is too high
−600mm/s is achievable but real-world quality prints run at 200-300mm/s
−Support quality from Creality varies; community forums are more reliable
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 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-format
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginner
- CoreXZ motion system (vs CoreXY on the K1C)
- 300×300×330mm large build volume
- 600mm/s max print speed with input shaping
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus scores higher (8.6/10). 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 Plus?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus worth $130 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7/10). The extra $130 gets you $299 for 300×300×330mm and 600mm/s — no other printer at this price gets close on volume and speed simultaneously.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.