Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Bambu Lab A1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Bambu Lab A1 ($299, 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 Bambu Lab A1 takes the crown with 9.2/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $140 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Bambu Lab A1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 9.05 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
+Cheapest high-detail resin printer
+10K resolution
+Compact
+Low entry cost
−Very small build plate
−No WiFi
−USB-only
−Slow compared to newer models
Bambu Lab A1
+Full 256mm build volume
+Bambu polish at $299
+Fast and quiet
+Great without AMS Lite
−Open frame
−No multi-color unless AMS Lite added
−AMS Lite is extra cost
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 Bambu Lab A1 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
- Camera
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Bambu Lab A1?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab A1 scores higher (9.2/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 or Bambu Lab A1?
The Bambu Lab A1 is more beginner-friendly (10/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab A1 worth $140 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Bambu Lab A1 scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $140 gets you full 256mm build volume.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Bambu Lab A1?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Bambu Lab A1 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.