Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Prusa XL
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Prusa XL ($1999, 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 Anycubic Photon Mono 4 takes the crown with 7.4/10 vs 6.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness. The Prusa XL still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Prusa XL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $1999 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 360 x 360 x 360 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 25 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 |
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
Prusa XL
+5 independent tool heads means true material switching, not color blending on a single hotend
+360mm cube handles parts that can't be split and glued
+Segmented heated bed powers down unused zones, saving real electricity on large prints
+Open source: the XL will be hackable in 10 years
−$1,999 and you still print at 200mm/s: the speed is hard to accept at this price
−Delivery times have been 2-4 months; plan accordingly
−The footprint requires dedicated space and a reinforced surface
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 XL if you want:
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for multi-color
- Multi-tool (up to 5 heads)
- 360mm build volume
- Segmented heatbed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Prusa XL?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Prusa XL may be the smarter buy if you need professional.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 or Prusa XL?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa XL worth $1840 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $1840 less. The Prusa XL only makes sense if you specifically need professional.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Prusa XL?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa XL is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.