Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs QIDI X-CF Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and QIDI X-CF Pro ($599, 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, Speed. The QIDI X-CF Pro still puts up a fight in Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | QIDI X-CF Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $599 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 300 x 250 x 300 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 21.5 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
QIDI X-CF Pro
+One of the few sub-$600 printers with a genuine 60°C heated enclosure for PA-CF and PPS-CF
+Hardened steel nozzle ships standard — no upgrade needed for carbon fiber out of the box
+HEPA + active carbon filtration — safe for indoor use with engineering filaments
+Linear rails on all axes mean less positional drift on long industrial prints
+Proven track record in light manufacturing since 2021
−60-100mm/s print speed is 6x slower than modern CoreXY machines — long print times
−2021 vintage hardware; newer QIDI models (X-Plus 4, Tech Max) offer more for similar money
−Dual extruder adds mechanical complexity without multi-color usefulness for most users
−21.5kg — not portable, bench-only
−Slicer integration (Simplify3D profiles) trails modern Bambu/Creality ecosystems
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 X-CF Pro if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for carbon-fiber
- Dual Z-axis for precise layer alignment
- High-temp enclosure (up to 60°C chamber)
- Hardened steel nozzle (CF-ready from factory)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the QIDI X-CF Pro?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI X-CF Pro may be the smarter buy if you need engineering.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 or QIDI X-CF Pro?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-CF Pro worth $440 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $440 less. The QIDI X-CF Pro only makes sense if you specifically need engineering.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and QIDI X-CF Pro?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-CF Pro is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.