Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Qidi Q2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Qidi Q2 ($499, 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 Qidi Q2 takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $330.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Qidi Q2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $499 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 230 x 230 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 16.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 8.6/10 |
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
Qidi Q2
+65C heated chamber handles ABS, nylon, PC, and carbon fiber
+Quick-swap nozzle rivaling Bambu's convenience
+Excellent value at $499 for enclosed CoreXY with chamber heating
+Improved firmware over Q1 Pro with better material profiles
−Qidi ecosystem still smaller than Bambu's
−Build volume slightly smaller than competitors at this price
−Community resources less developed than Bambu/Creality
−Heavier than open-frame printers at 16.5kg
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 Q2 if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed CoreXY with 65C heated chamber
- 350C tri-metal hotend
- WiFi 6 + Ethernet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Qidi Q2?
By the numbers, the Qidi Q2 scores higher (8.6/10). 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 Qidi Q2?
The Qidi Q2 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Qidi Q2 worth $330 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Qidi Q2 scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7/10). The extra $330 gets you 65c heated chamber handles abs, nylon, pc, and carbon fiber.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Qidi Q2?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Qidi Q2 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.