Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus ($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 Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus takes the crown with 8.6/10 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 Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 300 x 300 x 330 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 9.7 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
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
Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus
+$299 for 300×300×330mm and 600mm/s — no other printer at this price gets close on volume and speed simultaneously
+CoreXZ keeps the gantry lightweight for reliable high-speed moves
+Direct-drive Sprite extruder handles flexible filaments without a bowden gap
+Klipper-based firmware means real input shaping, not marketing figures
+PEI sheet gives excellent adhesion and clean part release
−Open-frame means ABS and ASA warping without an aftermarket enclosure
−CoreXZ means Y-axis moves the bed — large heavy prints can shift if acceleration is too high
−600mm/s is achievable but real-world quality prints run at 200-300mm/s
−Support quality from Creality varies; community forums are more reliable
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 Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-format
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginner
- CoreXZ motion system (vs CoreXY on the K1C)
- 300×300×330mm large build volume
- 600mm/s max print speed with input shaping
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus 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 Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus worth $140 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $140 gets you $299 for 300×300×330mm and 600mm/s — no other printer at this price gets close on volume and speed simultaneously.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality Ender 3 V3 Plus is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.