Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo ($449, 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 2 Combo takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $280.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $449 |
| 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 | 0.08 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 19.35 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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
+First enclosed multi-color CoreXY under $500
+91% first-attempt success rate on multi-color jobs
+RFID reads filament type automatically, no manual input
+TPU prints without complaints
−Spool holders are finicky
−Loading routine doesn't get hot enough for high-temp filaments
−Build plate grip is mediocre
−Canvas software works but looks like it was designed fast
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 2 Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed CoreXY
- 4-color Canvas multi-color system
- 350C hardened steel nozzle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo 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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo worth $280 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7/10). The extra $280 gets you first enclosed multi-color corexy under $500.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.