Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE ($218, 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 SE takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $59 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Creality Ender 3 V3 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $218 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 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
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
+Auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth
+Direct drive means you can print TPU without fighting the extruder
+r/ender3 has 200,000 members who've fixed every problem you'll ever have
+Spare parts are everywhere and cheap
−250mm/s max is half what CoreXY printers do at this price in 2024
−Open frame, no WiFi, no camera: this is a no-frills machine
−Firmware updates require a USB stick and patience
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 SE if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher (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 Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE worth $59 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $59 gets you auto-leveling that works on the first try, not the fourth.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Creality Ender 3 V3 SE?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.