Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Elegoo Mars 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Elegoo Mars 4 are both RESIN 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $169 vs $149. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 4 takes the crown with 7.2/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Elegoo Mars 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $149 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.02 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 6.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 7.2/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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 Mars 4
+$149 entry into Elegoo's quality resin lineup
+7K resolution is still detailed enough for D&D and Warhammer minis
+WiFi monitoring included even at this price
+Elegoo's brand reliability is the best in budget resin
−No tilt release: FEP films will need replacing more often than the Ultra variants
−7K detail is noticeably softer than the 9K and 12K machines on fine surface textures
−Slower at 80mm/hr vs 100mm/hr on the Ultra
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 Mars 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 7K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Elegoo Mars 4?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 scores higher (7.2/10). 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 Mars 4?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 to save $20.
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 worth $20 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Elegoo Mars 4 actually scores higher (7.2/10) despite costing $20 less. The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 only makes sense if you specifically need budget.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Elegoo Mars 4?
Build volume (143x89x165mm vs 153x77x165mm) and print speed (80 vs 80 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is best for budget; the Elegoo Mars 4 targets budget.