Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Bambu Lab P1S Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Bambu Lab P1S Combo ($699, 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 P1S Combo takes the crown with 8.8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $540 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Bambu Lab P1S Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $699 |
| 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 | 17.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
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
Bambu Lab P1S Combo
+Enclosed chamber plus AMS multi-material in one box, no separate AMS purchase
+HEPA filter handles ABS fumes; the enclosure keeps chamber temperature stable
+Up to 16 colors by daisy-chaining 4 AMS units
+Bambu's reliability track record is the best in the consumer market
−$699 is a significant step up from the A1 Combo's $399
−The P1S hardware is being superseded by the P2S; check current pricing before buying
−AMS still wastes filament on color transitions; purge blocks help but don't eliminate it
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
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 P1S Combo if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for multi-color
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Multi-material (AMS, up to 16 colors with 4 units)
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Bambu Lab P1S Combo?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher (8.8/10). 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 P1S Combo?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo worth $540 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $540 gets you enclosed chamber plus ams multi-material in one box, no separate ams purchase.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Bambu Lab P1S Combo?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Bambu Lab P1S Combo is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.