Anycubic · 3D Printers
Anycubic Photon Mono 4 review: 10K resin detail for $159
A basic 7-inch 10K resin printer with 17 µm pixels and a laser-engraved plate, $159. Fine detail and easy levelling; no app, no camera, light enough to slide around.
Very good
Best for Budget miniature makers trying resin for the first time
List price$159
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Preview review. Compiled from manufacturer specifications and published information. We will update the scores after hands-on testing.
Our verdict
The Photon Mono 4 puts its money into fundamentals: a 10K screen with 17 × 17 µm pixels, a laser-engraved plate and simple four-point levelling. Reviewers found setup easy and detail fine for miniatures. It has no app support, no camera or heated vat, and is so light its feet slide on smooth desks. At $159 it is a cheap, capable first resin printer.
What we like
- 10K mono LCD with 17 × 17 µm pixels
- Laser-engraved build plate and four-point levelling
- Easy setup and simple interface
- Resumes after a power cut
- Only $159
What could be better
- No Anycubic app or Wi-Fi
- No camera, heated vat or tilt release
- Light: plastic feet slide on smooth surfaces
- Some operating noise
- Small 153 × 87 × 165 mm build volume
Score breakdown
Overall = 35% Print speed + 25% Print quality + 20% Setup and ease of use + 20% Value. How we test
What is it?
The Photon Mono 4 is Anycubic’s entry-level resin printer. It has a 7-inch 10K monochrome screen with 17 µm pixels, a laser-engraved build plate and four-point levelling, and leaves out extras such as Wi-Fi, a camera and a heated vat.
It costs $159 on the US store (list $219), or $228 with the Wash & Cure 3 station.
What reviewers found
- FauxHammer called it a decent entry-level printer that suits most hobby use, though it felt somewhat misjudged next to the Mono 4 Ultra; a reasonable buy if the price is right.
- JC Printfarm describes it as deliberately basic, aimed at budget miniature makers who value fine pixel pitch over automation.
- Other reviewers found setup easy and levelling straightforward, and it can resume after a power cut. Downsides: no app support, some noise, and plastic feet that slide because the printer is so light.
Who should not buy it
- Anyone printing in a cold room: a heated vat (Saturn 4 Ultra 16K, M7 Pro) prevents failures.
- Anyone who wants remote monitoring.
vs rivals
- vs ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra (~$293): tilt release, AI camera and self-levelling for about $130 more. See Photon Mono 4 vs Mars 5 Ultra.
- vs Photon Mono M7 Pro ($459): bigger, faster, heated vat.
Final thoughts
For $159, the Photon Mono 4 delivers the detail that matters for miniatures. Put rubber pads under the feet and keep the room warm.
Sources
Full specifications
| Type | MSLA resin |
|---|---|
| Screen | 7-inch 10K mono LCD, 17 × 17 µm |
| Build volume | 153.4 × 87 × 165 mm |
| Levelling | Four-point |
| Price | $159 · with Wash & Cure 3 $228 |
| Released | 2024 |
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Anycubic Photon Mono 4
List price $159. Prices change often, so check the current deal.
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