Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra are both RESIN 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $159 vs $199. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $40 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $199 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 6.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
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
Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
+9K resolution is a meaningful jump from 7K: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts
+Tilt release means FEP films last longer; $50 less per year in consumables is real money
+Built-in air purifier takes the edge off the smell without requiring an external solution
+WiFi monitoring means you can start a print and check it from another room
−153x77mm plate is tight for anything larger than small character models
−Still needs a wash and cure station: budget $50-80 extra
−Resin workflow is messier and slower to start than FDM
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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 9K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra scores higher (7.8/10). 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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra worth $40 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $40 gets you 9k resolution is a meaningful jump from 7k: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Build volume (134x75x130mm vs 153x77x165mm) and print speed (100 vs 100 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is best for miniatures; the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra targets miniatures.