Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs QIDI iBox Mono2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and QIDI iBox Mono2 are both RESIN 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $169 vs $229. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 takes the crown with 7/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | QIDI iBox Mono2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $229 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 120 x 68 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 90 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 6.4/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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
QIDI iBox Mono2
+Enclosed design contains resin fumes better than open printers without relying solely on a purifier
+WiFi standard, unlike some competitors at this price
+QIDI build quality is solid and consistent
+Minimal footprint fits where other resin printers won't
−4K resolution is significantly behind competitors offering 9K at the same price
−120x68mm build volume is one of the smallest in the category
−$229 for 4K when Elegoo Mars 4 gives you 7K for $149 is a tough math problem
−QIDI's resin community is small: problems stay unsolved longer
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 QIDI iBox Mono2 if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for compact
- 4K mono LCD
- Enclosed design
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 scores higher (7/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI iBox Mono2 may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 2 or QIDI iBox Mono2?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 to save $60.
Is the QIDI iBox Mono2 worth $60 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 actually scores higher (7/10) despite costing $60 less. The QIDI iBox Mono2 only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and QIDI iBox Mono2?
Build volume (143x89x165mm vs 120x68x200mm) and print speed (80 vs 90 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is best for budget; the QIDI iBox Mono2 targets resin.