Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Formlabs Form 4
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Photon Mono 4 and Form 4 are not direct competitors: very different prices (~20.2×). Photon Mono 4 costs less (~€215) and is the entry-level choice; Form 4 offers more capability at a higher price (~€4349). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Photon Mono 4
Anycubic
F2 · Intermediate
|
Form 4
Formlabs
F3 · Advanced
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~180–250 € | 4349 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | — | 39.8 × 36.7 × 55.4 cm |
| Weight (kg) | — | 18.3 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 153.4 × 87 mm | 200 × 125 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 165 mm | 210 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 480 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | 1.17 mm/min | 100 |
| Declared precision | 17 μm | 50 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 87 mm | 125 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 17 µm | 50 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| UV power (mW/cm²) | — | 16 mW/cm² |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 70.2 mm/h | 100 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Standard FEP | — |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The device is fully compatible with the main third-party slicing software options on the market, including widely popular solutions such as Chitubox and Lychee Slicer, alongside the proprietary Anycubic Photon Workshop application. This flexibility allows users to manage advanced exposure parameters, supports, and tolerance compensation without proprietary constraints. File preparation occurs primarily via offline transfer using a USB port, ensuring a stable workflow independent of active network connections. Managing print profiles for various commercial resins is highly intuitive, facilitating the optimization of layer-by-layer curing times for both standard materials and advanced formulations. | The printing process is managed by the proprietary PreForm software, a closed application that automatically optimizes model orientation, support generation, and production time calculations. This software environment is designed to ensure a highly streamlined and standardized workflow, ideal for professional contexts where result predictability is crucial. PreForm integrates seamlessly with the manufacturer's ecosystem, receiving continuous updates that introduce new profiles for proprietary resins. The machine also offers optional access to Fleet Control and the cloud-based Dashboard platform, which are advanced tools that allow users to monitor print queues, manage multiple units in parallel, and track material consumption in real time remotely. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Photon Mono 4 215 € vs Form 4 4349 € — Photon Mono 4 wins (+1923%)
- Work area: Photon Mono 4 153.4×87 mm vs Form 4 200×125 mm — Form 4 wins (+87%)
Which one to choose
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.