Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Creality K1C
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Creality K1C ($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 K1C takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $230.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Creality K1C |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $399 |
| 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 | 13.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 8.2/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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 K1C
+Carbon fiber and PA support at $399 — no other enclosed CoreXY comes close at this price
+600mm/s with input shaping produces genuinely usable parts, not just benchmark numbers
+All-metal hotend is a free upgrade vs the standard K1
+Active enclosure helps with ABS/ASA warping without a separate enclosure purchase
+Creality's largest installed base means community fixes land fast
−220×220×250mm build volume is tight for large prints
−Creality OS is Klipper-based but not stock Klipper — some community configs don't transfer cleanly
−No multi-color support without third-party add-ons
−Fan noise at full speed is audible
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 K1C if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for value
- Enclosed CoreXY architecture
- Carbon-fiber-capable all-metal hotend (up to 300°C)
- 600mm/s max print speed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Creality K1C?
By the numbers, the Creality K1C scores higher (8.2/10). 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 K1C?
The Creality K1C is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality K1C worth $230 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Creality K1C scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7/10). The extra $230 gets you carbon fiber and pa support at $399 — no other enclosed corexy comes close at this price.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Creality K1C?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality K1C is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.