Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers, $169 vs $299. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $130.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 10.5 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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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 Saturn 3 Ultra
+218x123mm plate holds a full 10-model squad in one run at 12K resolution
+Tilt release on a plate this size dramatically reduces FEP tears
+Terrain, dungeon tiles, and large busts all fit without splitting
+150mm/hr speed is faster than most competitors at this plate size
−A full plate run goes through resin fast: budget for 500ml+ per session
−Post-processing for a full plate takes the better part of an hour
−At $299, you're also spending $80-120 on a wash and cure station before you can print anything
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 Saturn 3 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for large-prints
- 12K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra 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 Saturn 3 Ultra?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 to save $130.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra worth $130 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7/10). The extra $130 gets you 218x123mm plate holds a full 10-model squad in one run at 12k resolution.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
Build volume (143x89x165mm vs 218x123x260mm) and print speed (80 vs 150 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is best for budget; the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra targets resin.