Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Qidi Q1 Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Qidi Q1 Pro ($449, 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 Qidi Q1 Pro takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $290 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Qidi Q1 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $449 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 245 x 245 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 20.3 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
+Cheapest high-detail resin printer
+10K resolution
+Compact
+Low entry cost
−Very small build plate
−No WiFi
−USB-only
−Slow compared to newer models
Qidi Q1 Pro
+60C actively heated chamber for ABS, nylon, and PC
+350C hotend handles every engineering filament
+WiFi 6 with 1080p monitoring and timelapse
+From unboxing to printing in 10 minutes
−Exposed heater poses safety concern (risk of shock)
−Casing materials feel cheap despite premium design
−Firmware needs improvement (custom Klipper fork)
−Limited slicer material profiles out of the box
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 Qidi Q1 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for precision
- Enclosed CoreXY with 60C heated chamber
- 350C tri-metal hotend
- WiFi 6 + LAN connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Qidi Q1 Pro?
By the numbers, the Qidi Q1 Pro scores higher (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 Qidi Q1 Pro?
The Qidi Q1 Pro is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Qidi Q1 Pro worth $290 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Qidi Q1 Pro scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $290 gets you 60c actively heated chamber for abs, nylon, and pc.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Qidi Q1 Pro?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Qidi Q1 Pro is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.