Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus ($349, 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
It's a dead heat, both score 7.4/10 overall. The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 wins in Value, Print Quality, while the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus takes Speed. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $349 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 300 x 300 x 400 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 14.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
+$159 is the lowest you'll pay for 10K resolution resin printing
+Compact enough to fit on a shelf with the build plate folded
+10K resolution prints minis that genuinely impress non-printers
−134x75mm build plate: barely fits more than two minis at once
−USB-only workflow, no WiFi at any price point in this tier
−Slow: 100mm/hr means longer overnight print sessions
Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus
+300x300x400mm at $349: the price-per-cubic-millimeter is absurd
+Klipper pre-installed with room to tune
+Direct drive handles TPU and flexible materials at this large scale
+Prints armor plates and large props without slicing and gluing
−QC varies batch to batch: some users get great units, some need calibration work
−Artillery's community is thin compared to Creality or Elegoo
−Gets audibly loud pushing 500mm/s; this is a workshop printer, not a bedroom one
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 10K mono LCD
- Laser-cut build plate
- USB
Choose the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- 300x300x400mm build
- Klipper
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
They tie at 7.4/10. The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 suits miniatures and resin, while the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is aimed at large-prints and budget.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 or Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 to save $190.
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus worth $190 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $190 less. The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.