Anycubic Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer vs Elegoo Mars 4 MSLA 3D Printer
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer and Mars 4 MSLA 3D Printer are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3.1×). Mars 4 MSLA 3D Printer costs less (~€220) and is the entry-level choice; Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer offers more capability at a higher price (~€674). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer
Anycubic
F2 · Intermediate
|
Mars 4 MSLA 3D Printer
Elegoo
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2026 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~649–699 € | ~180–260 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 36.6 × 33.8 × 53.9 cm | 22.7 × 22.7 × 43.85 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 13.6 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 223 × 126 mm | 153.36 × 77.76 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 230 mm | 175 mm |
| Power (W) | 215 W | — |
| Maximum speed | 0.58 mm/min | — |
| Declared precision | 16.8 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 126 mm | 77.76 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 16.8 µm | 18 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| UV power (mW/cm²) | 5 mW/cm² | — |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 35 mm/h | 70 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Standard FEP | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Model preparation for the Photon P1 is primarily handled by Anycubic Photon Workshop, a proprietary slicing software that has evolved significantly, offering an intuitive interface alongside advanced mesh repair and support tools. The printer still maintains an open nature, being fully compatible with popular third-party slicers widely appreciated by the community, such as Chitubox, Lychee Slicer, and Tango. Network connectivity via Wi-Fi and a LAN port, alongside the traditional USB port, allows for seamless remote control, integrating perfectly with the Anycubic mobile app. This flexibility grants users the freedom to choose their preferred software workflow, always ensuring the maximum output quality of the printed file. | The operation of the machine is primarily managed via third-party slicing software widely utilized within the resin 3D printing industry. The system natively supports file formats generated by programs such as ChiTuBox and Voxeldance Tango, offering the user the flexibility to choose their preferred interface for model preparation, support generation, and exposure parameter optimization. There is no native Wi-Fi connectivity or dedicated cloud management in this standard version; therefore, the transfer of print-ready files occurs traditionally via a USB port located on the machine body, ensuring a stable, independent, and completely offline workflow. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer 674 € vs Mars 4 MSLA 3D Printer 220 € — Mars 4 MSLA 3D Printer wins (+206%)
- Work area: Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer 223×126 mm vs Mars 4 MSLA 3D Printer 153.36×77.76 mm — Photon P1 MSLA 3D Printer wins (+136%)
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.