Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Creality Halot-Mage Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Creality Halot-Mage Pro are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers, $169 vs $299. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Creality Halot-Mage Pro takes the crown with 7.2/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $130 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Creality Halot-Mage Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 228 x 128 x 230 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 120 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 9.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 7.2/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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 Halot-Mage Pro
+Integral light source eliminates the uneven exposure common in budget MSLA printers
+8K resolution at $299 undercuts most Saturn-class competitors
+Built-in air purifier is functional, not decorative
+Creality's brand means spare parts and community resources are accessible
−Creality's resin-specific community is smaller than Elegoo's well-established base
−Firmware has shipped with bugs that need patching before first use
−228x128mm plate is slightly smaller than the Elegoo Saturn at the same price point
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 Halot-Mage Pro if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for detail
- 8K mono LCD
- Integral light source
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Creality Halot-Mage Pro?
By the numbers, the Creality Halot-Mage Pro scores higher (7.2/10). 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 Halot-Mage Pro?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 to save $130.
Is the Creality Halot-Mage Pro worth $130 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Creality Halot-Mage Pro scores higher overall (7.2/10 vs 7/10). The extra $130 gets you integral light source eliminates the uneven exposure common in budget msla printers.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Creality Halot-Mage Pro?
Build volume (143x89x165mm vs 228x128x230mm) and print speed (80 vs 120 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is best for budget; the Creality Halot-Mage Pro targets resin.