Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Creality K2 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Creality K2 Plus ($899, 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 K2 Plus takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $730 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Creality K2 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $899 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 350 x 350 x 350 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 27 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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 K2 Plus
+350mm enclosed cube: nothing else in the consumer space matches this volume at the price
+Multi-color CFS means you're not limited to single-filament on big jobs
+Active carbon filtration handles ABS fumes at this scale
+Independent dual Z keeps the bed level on a platform this large
−27kg means you set it up once and it stays there
−CFS adds setup complexity that single-color users don't need to pay for
−At $899, this is a commitment; make sure you need 350mm before buying
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 K2 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for multi-color
- Enclosed
- 350mm build volume
- CFS multi-color
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Creality K2 Plus?
By the numbers, the Creality K2 Plus scores higher (7.8/10). 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 K2 Plus?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 to save $730.
Is the Creality K2 Plus worth $730 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Creality K2 Plus scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7/10). The extra $730 gets you 350mm enclosed cube: nothing else in the consumer space matches this volume at the price.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Creality K2 Plus?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality K2 Plus is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.