Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Creality K1C
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Creality K1C ($399, 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 K1C takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $240 and wins on Value, Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Creality K1C |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $399 |
| 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 | 13.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
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 K1C
+Carbon fiber and PA support at $399 — no other enclosed CoreXY comes close at this price
+600mm/s with input shaping produces genuinely usable parts, not just benchmark numbers
+All-metal hotend is a free upgrade vs the standard K1
+Active enclosure helps with ABS/ASA warping without a separate enclosure purchase
+Creality's largest installed base means community fixes land fast
−220×220×250mm build volume is tight for large prints
−Creality OS is Klipper-based but not stock Klipper — some community configs don't transfer cleanly
−No multi-color support without third-party add-ons
−Fan noise at full speed is audible
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 K1C if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for value
- Enclosed CoreXY architecture
- Carbon-fiber-capable all-metal hotend (up to 300°C)
- 600mm/s max print speed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Creality K1C?
By the numbers, the Creality K1C scores higher (8.2/10). 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 K1C?
The Creality K1C is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality K1C worth $240 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Creality K1C scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $240 gets you carbon fiber and pa support at $399 — no other enclosed corexy comes close at this price.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Creality K1C?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality K1C is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.