Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Creality K1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Creality K1 ($419, 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 K1 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 $260 and wins on Value, Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Creality K1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $419 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 12.5 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 K1
+Enclosed CoreXY at 600mm/s without needing to buy the larger K1 Max
+Auto leveling and WiFi are standard, not options
+Toolless nozzle removal: unscrew nothing, pull the hotend out by hand
+Handles ABS well enough that most users don't feel they need active heating
−220mm cube feels cramped next to the K1 Max's 300mm
−Firmware shipped with issues that needed patches before it printed well
−Enclosure is passive, not heated: ABS warping is reduced, not eliminated
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 K1 if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Creality K1?
By the numbers, the Creality K1 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 K1?
The Creality K1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality K1 worth $260 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Creality K1 scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $260 gets you enclosed corexy at 600mm/s without needing to buy the larger k1 max.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Creality K1?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality K1 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.