Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro ($259, 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 Neptune 4 Pro takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $90.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $259 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono 2
+Budget resin entry point from a known brand
+6K sufficient for most miniatures
+Small and portable
+Well-supported by Photon Workshop
−6K below current 9K/12K standard
−No WiFi
−No tilt release
−Very small build plate
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
+Linear rails at this price
+Klipper pre-installed
+500mm/s speed
+Solid build quality
−Mixed early firmware reviews
−Community smaller than Creality/Bambu
−No WiFi
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 Neptune 4 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro 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 Neptune 4 Pro?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro worth $90 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7/10). The extra $90 gets you linear rails at this price.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.