Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Creality K1 Max
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Creality K1 Max ($599, 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 Max takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $430 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Creality K1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $599 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 300 x 300 x 300 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 18 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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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 K1 Max
+300mm cube enclosed: print a Mandalorian helmet without splitting it
+600mm/s speed means the size doesn't slow you down as much as you'd expect
+AI camera catches spaghetti before it ruins a 6-hour print
+Creality's community already has calibration guides for everything
−Gets loud pushing near 600mm/s, noticeable in a quiet room
−Early firmware had issues; patch it before you do anything else
−38cm footprint needs a proper desk, not a side table
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 Max if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for cosplay
- Large build volume
- AI camera
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Creality K1 Max?
By the numbers, the Creality K1 Max 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 K1 Max?
The Creality K1 Max is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality K1 Max worth $430 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Creality K1 Max scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7/10). The extra $430 gets you 300mm cube enclosed: print a mandalorian helmet without splitting it.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Creality K1 Max?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality K1 Max is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.