Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ($218, 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 SE takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $49 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $218 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
+Auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth
+Direct drive means you can print TPU without fighting the extruder
+r/ender3 has 200,000 members who've fixed every problem you'll ever have
+Spare parts are everywhere and cheap
−250mm/s max is half what CoreXY printers do at this price in 2024
−Open frame, no WiFi, no camera: this is a no-frills machine
−Firmware updates require a USB stick and patience
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 SE if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher (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 Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE worth $49 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7/10). The extra $49 gets you auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.