Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Voxelab Aquila X2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Voxelab Aquila X2 ($179, 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 6.6/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. The Voxelab Aquila X2 still puts up a fight in Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Voxelab Aquila X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $179 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 7.8 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 6.6/10 |
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
Voxelab Aquila X2
+Silent stepper drivers mean it runs without disturbing the room
+Manual leveling teaches you what auto-leveling actually does
+Ender 3-compatible mods are everywhere and cheap
−Manual bed leveling is a chore you'll do every few prints until you upgrade it
−Bowden extruder makes TPU printing a frustrating exercise
−180mm/s is slow in a world where budget printers hit 500mm/s
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 Voxelab Aquila X2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for beginners
- Resume printing
- Filament runout sensor
- Glass build plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Voxelab Aquila X2?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Voxelab Aquila X2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 or Voxelab Aquila X2?
The Voxelab Aquila X2 is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Voxelab Aquila X2 worth $20 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $20 less. The Voxelab Aquila X2 only makes sense if you specifically need budget.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Voxelab Aquila X2?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Voxelab Aquila X2 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.