Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Prusa Core One
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Prusa Core One ($1199, 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 Prusa Core One takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $1030 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Prusa Core One |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $1199 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 250 x 220 x 270 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 22.5 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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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
Prusa Core One
+Prusa reliability is not marketing. It's earned over years.
+55C active chamber heating handles demanding materials
+Fully open-source, no vendor lock-in anywhere
+Kit option at $949 saves 21% if you don't mind the build
−$1,199 assembled is hard to justify against the Bambu alternatives
−Build volume is smaller than what you'd expect at this price
−22.5kg is a lot to move around
−No LiDAR, no AI monitoring
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 Prusa Core One if you want:
- A great printer for precision
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed CoreXY with active chamber heating (55C)
- Nextruder direct drive (10:1 planetary)
- 360-degree cooling duct
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Prusa Core One?
By the numbers, the Prusa Core One 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 Prusa Core One?
The Prusa Core One is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa Core One worth $1030 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Prusa Core One scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7/10). The extra $1030 gets you prusa reliability is not marketing. it's earned over years..
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Prusa Core One?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa Core One is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.