Anycubic Photon P1 vs Formlabs Form 4
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
The Photon P1 and the Form 4 don't compete on the same ground: the Form 4 costs 6.5 times more. This isn't a head-to-head but a choice of context, between prosumer hobby use and professional work backed by dedicated software.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2026 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~649–699 € | 4349 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 36.6 × 33.8 × 53.9 cm | 39.8 × 36.7 × 55.4 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 13.6 kg | 18.3 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 223 × 126 mm | 200 × 125 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 230 mm | 210 mm |
| Power (W) | 215 W | 480 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | 0.58 mm/min | 100 |
| Declared precision | 16.8 μm | 50 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 126 mm | 125 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 16.8 µm | 50 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| UV power (mW/cm²) | 5 mW/cm² | 16 mW/cm² |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 35 mm/h | 100 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | 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 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: €674 versus €4,349 — the Form 4 costs 6.5 times more
- UV power: 5 mW/cm² on the Photon P1, 16 mW/cm² on the Form 4
- Print speed: 35 mm/h on the Photon P1, 100 mm/h on the Form 4
- XY resolution: 16.8 µm on the Photon P1, 50 µm on the Form 4
Which one to choose
Choose Photon P1 if…
Pick the Photon P1 if you print for hobby or small-batch work and budget matters: at €674 it covers most needs with a 16.8 µm XY resolution, finer than the Form 4's 50 µm.
Choose Form 4 if…
Pick the Form 4 if you work in dentistry, jewelry or professional production where industrial reliability matters: 16 mW/cm² UV power and 100 mm/h print speed (versus 35 mm/h on the Photon P1) cut cycle times, and PreForm with Fleet Control manages multiple machines at once.
Where to buy
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: the purchase links are the same as on the two product sheets and don't influence the verdict. The sheets have the complete data.