Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Creality K1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Creality K1 ($419, 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 K1 takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $250.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Creality K1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $419 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 12.5 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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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 K1
+Enclosed CoreXY at 600mm/s without needing to buy the larger K1 Max
+Auto leveling and WiFi are standard, not options
+Toolless nozzle removal: unscrew nothing, pull the hotend out by hand
+Handles ABS well enough that most users don't feel they need active heating
−220mm cube feels cramped next to the K1 Max's 300mm
−Firmware shipped with issues that needed patches before it printed well
−Enclosure is passive, not heated: ABS warping is reduced, not eliminated
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 K1 if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Creality K1?
By the numbers, the Creality K1 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 K1?
The Creality K1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality K1 worth $250 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Creality K1 scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7/10). The extra $250 gets you enclosed corexy at 600mm/s without needing to buy the larger k1 max.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Creality K1?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality K1 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.