Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Creality Hi Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Creality Hi Combo ($399, 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 Hi Combo takes the crown with 7.6/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $230 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Creality Hi Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $399 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 260 x 260 x 300 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 13.31 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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 Hi Combo
+16 colors with 4 CFS modules if you go all-in
+All-metal CoreXY body that feels solid for $399
+300mm Z-axis beats most competitors at this price
+Multi-color CoreXY at $399 is genuinely rare
−CFS feed reliability is inconsistent on color changes
−No adaptive purge, fixed volumes waste filament
−PTFE tube alignment is fiddly and matters a lot
−3.8/5 customer rating hints at QC variance
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 Hi Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for budget
- CoreXY motion system
- Up to 16-color printing (4x CFS)
- Die-cast aluminum unibody
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Creality Hi Combo?
By the numbers, the Creality Hi Combo scores higher (7.6/10). 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 Hi Combo?
The Creality Hi Combo is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Hi Combo worth $230 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Creality Hi Combo scores higher overall (7.6/10 vs 7/10). The extra $230 gets you 16 colors with 4 cfs modules if you go all-in.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Creality Hi Combo?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality Hi Combo is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.