Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Prusa XL
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Prusa XL ($1999, 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 Anycubic Photon Mono 2 takes the crown with 7/10 vs 6.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness. The Prusa XL still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Prusa XL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $1999 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 360 x 360 x 360 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 25 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 6.8/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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
Prusa XL
+5 independent tool heads means true material switching, not color blending on a single hotend
+360mm cube handles parts that can't be split and glued
+Segmented heated bed powers down unused zones, saving real electricity on large prints
+Open source: the XL will be hackable in 10 years
−$1,999 and you still print at 200mm/s: the speed is hard to accept at this price
−Delivery times have been 2-4 months; plan accordingly
−The footprint requires dedicated space and a reinforced surface
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 XL if you want:
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for multi-color
- Multi-tool (up to 5 heads)
- 360mm build volume
- Segmented heatbed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Prusa XL?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 scores higher (7/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Prusa XL may be the smarter buy if you need professional.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 2 or Prusa XL?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa XL worth $1830 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 actually scores higher (7/10) despite costing $1830 less. The Prusa XL only makes sense if you specifically need professional.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Prusa XL?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa XL is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.