Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Prusa Mini+
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Prusa Mini+ ($459, 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 Prusa Mini+ takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $300 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Prusa Mini+ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $459 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 180 x 180 x 180 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 4 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
Prusa Mini+
+Prusa's reputation for reliability is earned — this is their most-owned printer globally
+PrusaSlicer profiles are the gold standard; third-party slicers treat Prusa as the reference
+Open-source means every component is documented, replaceable, and community-supported
+SuperPINDA gives consistently excellent first layers without manual tramming
+4kg makes it genuinely portable — fits in a carry-on with room
−180×180×180mm is small — limits to desk accessories, figurines, and small functional parts
−180mm/s is slow compared to Bambu or Creality CoreXY machines
−Semi-enclosed means ABS warping is still a risk without an aftermarket enclosure
−Prusa charges a premium; the hardware isn't exceptional by 2025 standards
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 Prusa Mini+ if you want:
- A great printer for reliability
- A great printer for beginner
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for desktop
- MINI/E input shaper toolhead (NextruderMINI compatible)
- SuperPINDA probe for first-layer precision
- Prusa Connect remote monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Prusa Mini+?
By the numbers, the Prusa Mini+ 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 Prusa Mini+?
The Prusa Mini+ is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa Mini+ worth $300 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Prusa Mini+ scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $300 gets you prusa's reputation for reliability is earned — this is their most-owned printer globally.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Prusa Mini+?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa Mini+ is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.