Not sure which Anycubic printer is best for your next project? In this article, I’ll run through the best Anycubic 3D printers, including those I own and have hands-on experience with, to help you decide which suits you best:
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Best Budget Anycubic Resin Printer
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Best Large Anycubic Resin Printer
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Best Anycubic FDM 3D printer
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3DSourced Rating: |
3DSourced Rating: |
3DSourced Rating: |
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
4.6
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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Build Volume:
165 x 143 x 89 mm
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Build Volume:
298 x 164 x 300 mm
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Build Volume:
250 x 220 x 220 mm
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$209
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$959.99
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$339
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Overall, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is the best Anycubic resin 3D printer. It’s ideal for low-cost resin printing, as it’s a consistent and reliable resin printer. For bigger resin prints, the Photon M3 Max is excellent.
The Anycubic Kobra as the best Anycubic FDM 3D printer. I’ve tested both the Kobra and Vyper and the Kobra is better overall. There’s also the brand-new Kobra 2, as well as the Kobra Max for large prints.
Quick Overview
- Anycubic Photon M3: Low-cost, reliable and effective resin printer
- Anycubic Photon M3 Max: Best large Anycubic resin printer
- Anycubic Photon Mono 2: Cheapest resin printer (best for beginners)
- Anycubic Mono M5s: Highest-quality Anycubic resin printer
- Anycubic Kobra 2: Best Anycubic FDM 3D printer
1. Anycubic Mono 2 – Cheapest Anycubic Resin Printer (For Beginners)
- Price: Check latest price at Anycubic here / Amazon here
- Build Volume: 165 x 143 x 89 mm
- Screen resolution: 4K+ LCD
- XY resolution: 34 microns
- Screen size: 6.6″
- Average Printing Speed: 50 mm/hr
- Connectivity: USB
Pros
4K LCD
Easy to use and set up: perfect for beginners
Compact (but 20% larger build volume than the Mono 4K)
Cons
Build quality
Small build volume
The Anycubic Mono 2 is a 4K resin printer ideal for those on a very tight budget. You will be sacrificing a little in terms of build quality, but you’ll get crisp, detailed prints for under $200 with excellent 35-micron XY resolution!
It’s compact, so it’s perfect if you don’t have your own dedicated workshop, though this limits how many minis and small figurines you can print, due to a fairly small 165 x 143 x 89 mm build volume.
I also recommend it if you’re a beginner to resin printing. It’s very easy to set up, so I’m confident you won’t be put off even if you haven’t set up a resin printer before.
If you’re choosing between the Mono 2 and Mono 4K, the main differences are the Mono 2’s 20% larger build volume. It’s also fitted with a laser-engraved build plate to improve layer adhesion, compared to the brushed metal on the Mono 4K.
The Mono 2 has an upgraded matrix light array for more uniform curing than the Mono 4K, and the 4K+ LCD is 4096 x 2560 pixels, compared to the Mono 4K’s 3840 x 2400 pixels, resulting in more detail, especially on smaller models like miniatures. Overall, get the Mono 2 over the Mono 4K – especially if you’re a beginner.
However, if the Mono 2 isn’t big enough for you, go for the Anycubic Photon M3 – it’s only a slight downgrade in XY resolution to 40 microns. For even more build volume, there’s the Photon M3 Plus and Max.
One of the best budget resin 3D printers out right now - ideal for beginners who want a low-cost entry into resin printing. You won't get the same level of quality as in the Elegoo Saturn range, but it's a great starting point.
2. Anycubic Photon M3 – Great General Purpose Resin Printer
- Price: Check latest price at Anycubic here / Amazon here
- Build Volume: 180 x 170 x 102 mm
- Screen resolution: 4K+ LCD
- XY Resolution: 40 microns
- Screen size: 7.6″
- Speed: 50mm/hr
The base Anycubic Photon M3 brings high-quality 4K resin printing at an affordable price. It’s compact and designed for creating decorative pieces such as figurines, tabletop gaming minis, and models on a budget.
The 180 x 170 x 102 mm build volume is large enough for all but the biggest resin projects, and the 40-micron XY resolution means rich detail and features. 4K+ LCD resolution is good, but in recent times has been dwarfed by the affordable 6K and 8K printers that have released.
Though, the M3’s combination of decent size, very competitive quality, and low price make it one of the most popular resin printers in the world.
Optionally, you can upgrade to the Photon M3 Premium. This is the first M3 printer with an 8K LCD, pushing XY resolution to 28.5 microns. The build volume is 219 x 123 x 250 mm, slightly bigger than M3 Plus.
This budget-friendly powerhouse delivers an extra-large 180 x 163 x 102mm build area perfect for printing batches of detailed miniatures.
Experience speedy 50mm/hr print speeds and crisp 40 micron resolution from the impressive 4K LCD screen.
Simple, reliable, and user-friendly, the Photon M3 makes resin printing more accessible than ever.
3. Photon M3 Max – Best Large Resin Printer
- Price: Check latest price at Anycubic here / Amazon here
- Build Volume: 298 x 164 x 300 mm
- Screen resolution: 7K LCD
- XY resolution: 46 micron
- Screen size: 13.6″
- Speed: 60 mm/h
The Anycubic Photon M3 Max has a massive 298 x 164 x 300 mm, positioning it as a large-format printer suitable for small businesses and enthusiasts to keep up with commercial demands and batch production.
The M3 Max ups the resolution to 7K, and while you expect to lose resolution over such a large print area, it still offers 46-micron XY resolution. However, this comes with a drop in print speed down to 60 mm/h.
4. Anycubic Mono M5s – Highest Quality Resin Printer
- Price: Check latest price at Anycubic here / Amazon here
- Build Volume: 200x218x123mm
- Screen resolution: 12K LCD
- XY resolution: 19 x 24 micron
- Screen size: 10.1″
- Average Printing Speed: 70 mm/hr (general resin) / 105 mm/hr (high speed resin)
- Connectivity: USB, WIFI
Pros
12K LCD – the first 12K desktop resin printer
On-build plate failure detection
Fast print speeds at 105mm/hr
Cons
Frequent film replacements
The Photon M5s is a new Anycubic printer, with 12K resolution that promises the highest level of detail and surface finish out of the Mono range.
The printer also offers a fantastic 19 x 24 micron XY resolution capable of printing details on par with the thickness of an individual strand of hair. In some of my other resin printer reviews, I’ve said that even 2K LCD screens produce great quality details, and that the differences between 4K and 8K screens is not enormous until close up. But, this level of quality really does make the difference on the M5s.
The M5s is therefore ideal for batch-producing miniatures and figurines. It’s also one of the fastest resin printers on the market today with a speedy 105 mm/hr.
Other new features include an array of sensors, including some on the build plate itself, that constantly monitor for common failures such as the print peeling off the film, layer separation, and resin running out mid-print. The Photon M5s also gathers up data to pinpoint the cause of these failures, offering up troubleshooting tips to avoid them for future prints.
Additionally, the Photon M5s’s leveling-free feature has the printer automatically adjust the height of the build plate thanks to a mechanical sensor on the cantilever arm. This reduces failures and cuts down on wasted resin.
5. Kobra 2 – Best FDM Pick
- Price: Check latest price at Anycubic here / Amazon here
- Printing Dimensions: 250 x 220 x 220 mm
- Max nozzle temperature: 260℃
- Max heated bed temperature: 110℃
- Filament compatibility: PLA/ABS/PETG/TPU
- Average Printing Speed: 150 mm/s (up to 250mm/s)
- Data Input: Micro SD card
Most recently, the Anycubic Kobra 2 has hit the market, improving the Kobra in almost every way while still keeping that easy-of-use but high-quality printing experience intact.
It features a new auto bed leveling system with auto z-offset adjustment for even better calibration than the original Kobra. Elsewhere, the cooling is upgraded with a chunky blower fan that aids tricky print features like overhangs.
Last but not least, the Anycubic Kobra 2 is five times faster, reaching speeds up to 250 mm/s with little to no loss in print quality, a real novelty in this price range. If you’re looking to save time, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, the Anycubic Kobra 2 brings high-speed printing to the budget category at a price most of us can afford.
It’s significantly better than the original Kobra, and it’s also better than the Anycubic Vyper, which I’ve also tested hands-on for 3DSoured. It’s fine, but the Kobra 2 is better – and the one to buy if you want an Anycubic FDM printer.
Improved, upgraded version of the original Kobra, with much faster print speeds, good auto leveling, and a reliable direct drive extruder.
6. Kobra Plus and Max – For Large FDM Printing
- Price for Kobra Plus: Check latest price at Anycubic here / Amazon here
- Price for Kobra Max: Check latest price at Anycubic here / Amazon here
- Build Volume: 300 x 300 x 350 mm (Plus) / 400 x 400 x 450 mm (Max)
- Max nozzle temperature: 260 °C (Plus) / 260 °C (Max)
- Max heated bed temperature: 100 °C (Plus) / 90 °C (Max)
- Filament compatibility: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG
The Kobra Plus switches to a Bowden extruder that makes flexible printing trickier, and has a carborundum glass bed, and a much roomier 300 x 300 x 350 mm.
Even larger is the Kobra Max, with a massive 400 x 400 x 450 mm build volume. This is for those that want all the convenience of the base Kobra, but for huge printing projects, such as cosplay masks or other large prints.
This user-friendly workhorse delivers an enormous 450 x 400 x 450mm build volume perfect for printing epic cosplay armor, props, and more.
Achieve smooth 50 micron resolution prints thanks to auto bed leveling and a stable dual Z-axis.
Simple 10-minute assembly makes printing fast and easy right out of the box!
FAQs
Which Anycubic 3D printer should I buy?
The best Anycubic FDM printer to buy is the Anycubic Kobra, while the best resin Anycubic printer right now is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2. Both offer solid print quality and performance at a budget-friendly price, and are easy to use for both beginners and experienced makers. The Anycubic Mono M5s is the best resin printer if you’re after the highest quality prints.
Does Anycubic make good 3D printers?
Yes, Anycubic is among the most respected big-name 3D printer manufacturers. They offer high-quality budget-friendly printers known for good build quality and ease-of-use, and feature on many of our ‘best’ lists.
What is the best budget Anycubic 3D printer?
The best budget Anycubic FDM printer is the Anycubic Kobra, a low-cost, sophisticated printer capable of high quality prints packed with desirable features such as automatic bed leveling, a direct drive extruder, and mid-sized build volume.
The best budget Anycubic resin printer is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2, one of the easiest up-and-print models on the market today that produces highly-detailed and feature-rich prints with very little effort.
How active is Anycubic’s user community for tips and troubleshooting?
With over 40k users in the Anycubic Official User Group on Facebook and around 18k on the Anycubic reddit group, the Anycubic user community is extremely active.
Owners regularly share tips and tricks and offer troubleshooting advice for specific problems. These groups cover everything from upgrades and troubleshooting, to sharing successful prints and the optimal settings.
What technical support does Anycubic offer if I have issues?
Anycubic Support Center offers firmware and software downloads, guide videos covering everything from unbox to set by way of part replacement, user manuals, FAQs, warranty details, and free STL model files.
There’s also after-sale service if you encounter defects, failures, and other issues. Owners that have used the service report mixed results, often citing slow response times. However, there are typically no issues replacing faulty products, and Anycubic will quickly send out replacement parts as required.
What software is compatible with Anycubic 3D printers?
Ultimaker Cura, Simplify3D, PrusaSlicer, Slic3r, and Octoprint are all compatible with Anycubic FDM printers. The most commonly used FDM slicers are Cura or PrusaSlicer (or Octoprint for remote management.
Anycubic resin 3D printers are compatible with Anycubic’s Photon Workshop slicer, along with ChiTuBox, and Lychee Slicer. ChiTuBox and Photon Workshop are most commonly used by Anycubic printer owners, and I personally use ChiTuBox.
Can Anycubic 3D printers be upgraded?
Yes, Anycubic FDM 3D printers can be upgraded to improve performance and print quality. The entire Anycubic Kobra family is especially well-suited to upgrades.
The basic Anycubic Kobra is widely seen as the most upgradeable, chiefly because of its popularity and open design.
Typical upgrades include a filament runout sensor, improving the fan duct, spool holder upgrade, dampening feet, a monitoring camera using a Raspberry Pi SBC, and a printer enclosure to make printing filaments like ABS easier.
Articles we recommend:
- Elegoo Saturn vs Anycubic Photon Mono X
- Elegoo vs Anycubic resins
- Anycubic M3 vs Anycubic M3 Plus vs Anycubic M3 Max
- Anycubic Kobra vs Plus vs Max
- Anycubic Kobra review
- Best Elegoo 3D printers
