Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Bambu Lab X1 Carbon ($1199, 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 X1 Carbon takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $1040 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Bambu Lab X1 Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $1199 |
| 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 | 14.13 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
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 X1 Carbon
+Hardened nozzle for abrasive filaments
+LiDAR for first-layer inspection
+Best-in-class reliability
+Handles every material
−Expensive
−Same build volume as P1S
−Overkill for PLA-only users
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 X1 Carbon if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for carbon-fiber
- A great printer for professional
- Enclosed
- Multi-material (AMS)
- Hardened steel nozzle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon scores higher (8.6/10). 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 X1 Carbon?
The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon worth $1040 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $1040 gets you hardened nozzle for abrasive filaments.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Bambu Lab X1 Carbon?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.