Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Elegoo Centauri Carbon ($299, 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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $130.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Elegoo Centauri Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 17.5 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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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
Elegoo Centauri Carbon
+Enclosed CoreXY at $299. Yes, really.
+PLA, PETG, ABS: all print well out of the box
+Pre-assembled, printing within minutes of opening the box
+Carbon-fiber-infused materials are a go
−Firmware needs attention after unboxing
−Heat creep shows up on long prints above 270C
−Elegoo's ecosystem is years behind Bambu's
−17.5kg for a 256mm build volume is heavy
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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling (4 pressure sensors)
- Chamber camera monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon worth $130 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7/10). The extra $130 gets you enclosed corexy at $299. yes, really..
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Elegoo Centauri Carbon?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Centauri Carbon is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.