One of the best Anycubic 3D printer options
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The 7 Best Anycubic 3D Printers in 2024

Best overall (FDM)
  • Excellent print quality at faster speeds
  • Top-notch hardware specs
  • PEI sheet has good print adhesion
Best for beginners (FDM)
  • Affordable
  • Bed leveling is remarkably easy
  • Excellent print quality for its price
Best overall (resin)
  • Good print details and clarity
  • Fast print speeds
  • WiFi works great

Anycubic’s success story began with the Mega 3D printer back in 2016. With its affordable features, sleek design, and solid build quality, it quickly became popular.

Since then, Anycubic has expanded its product range and now offers nearly 20 different 3D printers, including the Photon series for resin 3D printing and the new Kobra 2 series for FDM printing.

Regardless of the model series, Anycubic’s printers tend to offer excellent value and a wide range of features. Whether you’re interested in printing small miniatures or a giant Ironman helmet, there’s an Anycubic 3D printer that can do it for you.

In this article, we’ll show you the current best Anycubic 3D printers available. Keep reading to discover which model best fits your 3D printing needs.

SUMMARY
Anycubic 3D PrinterSummaryTypeBuild VolumePriceBest Offer
Kobra 2 ProBest overall (FDM)FDM220 x 220 x 250 mm$299
Kobra 2 NeoBest for beginners (FDM)FDM220 x 220 x 250 mm$199
Kobra 2 MaxLargest print volume (FDM)FDM420 x 420 x 500 mm$549
Photon Mono M5sBest overall (resin)Resin218 x 123 x 200 mm$479
Photon Mono 2Best for beginners (resin)Resin143 x 89 x 165 mm$189
Photon M3 MaxLargest print volume (resin)Resin298 x 164 x 300 mm$869
Photon D2Best DLP printerResin131 x 73 x 165 mm$399
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The Best Anycubic 3D Printer Options in 2024

Best overall (FDM)

The Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro is one of the company’s most advanced and cutting-edge 3D printers. It offers significant improvements over the previous Kobra printers, making it a worthwhile buy.

One of the most noticeable changes is that the Kobra 2 Pro can now print at speeds up to 500 mm/s, with a recommended speed of 300 mm/s. This is almost six times faster than the one it replaces—the original Kobra 3D printer.

Anycubic has added two linear rails to the XY-axis of the Kobra 2 Pro, and two leadscrews to the Z-axis. This ensures that the print quality doesn’t suffer at such high speeds. The printer also has functions for controlling filament flow and compensating for vibrations that help make print surfaces smoother with higher detail.

By eliminating the need to manually set the Z-offset, Anycubic’s LeviQ 2.0 leveling mechanism further improves print quality. Instead, it employs a tool height gauge to automatically adjust the tool height for you, ensuring perfectly flat initial layers.

Unfortunately, the Kobra 2 Pro printer can only print PLA, PETG, and TPU, and some ABS out of the box, because it doesn’t come with a high-temperature all-metal hotend.

Another disadvantage is its non-standard volcano nozzle, which may not be preferred by some users. It limits the compatibility of 3rd party nozzles, meaning you can only get replacements directly from Anycubic.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the Kobra 2 Pro is the best Anycubic 3D printer for people who want to improve their 3D printing setup, as well as for people who are just starting out. For around $300, you get a lot of bang for your buck with its rapid print speeds and outstanding print quality.

Standout Features

  • 500 mm/s maximum print speed
  • 2nd generation automatic bed leveling
  • Powerful 3D printer controller

Technical Details

Build volume 220 x 220 x 250 mm
Printing technology FDM
Maximum nozzle temperature 260 °C
Maximum bed temperature 110 °C
Material support PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
Connectivity USB, WiFi

What We Like

  • Excellent print quality at faster speeds
  • Top-notch hardware specs
  • PEI sheet has good print adhesion

Could Be Better

  • Uses a proprietary nozzle design
  • No all metal hotend
  • Cloud functionaly doesn't add much
Best for beginners (FDM)

The Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo is a cost-effective 3D printer that’s perfect for beginners. Its design and features are similar to other Kobra models but with some limitations to keep things simple and budget-friendly.

The Kobra 2 Neo’s maximum print speed is around 250 mm/s, which is half the speed compared to the Kobra Pro printer. The Neo is still faster than most cheap 3D printers, though.

Anycubic has improved the print quality by adding advanced Marlin features such as Linear Advance and Input Shaping. The Neo 2’s direct drive extruder produces excellent results with various filaments like PLA, ABS, PETG, and flexible filaments.

The Neo 2 also has the LeviQ 2.0 leveling system, which is impressive at its price point. It automatically sets the Z-offset and ensures quality first layers without you having to put in a lot of work.

However, Anycubic has compromised with the knob-style display and Y/Z-axes motion systems. The LCD screen has an outdated appearance, and it would have been nice to have a second lead screw on the Z-axis for increased stability.

It’s difficult to complain about these things with a 3D printer under $200, however. The print quality and ease of use of the Anycubic Neo 2 make it a great choice for people who have never used a 3D printer before or who just need a cheap printer for basic 3D printing jobs.

Standout Features

  • 250 mm/s print speed
  • Integrated direct-drive extruder
  • Linear advance and Input shaping

Technical Details

Build volume 220 x 220 x 250 mm
Printing technology FDM
Maximum nozzle temperature 260 °C
Maximum bed temperature 110 °C
Material support PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
Connectivity MicroSD Card

What We Like

  • Affordable
  • Bed leveling is remarkably easy
  • Excellent print quality for its price
  • Easy assembly and setup process

Could Be Better

  • Plasticky construction
  • The LCD screen feels outdated
  • Single Z-axis lead screw
Largest print volume (FDM)

Cosplayers who print huge models, such as armor or accessories, may want to take note of the Kobra 2 Max. The Kobra 2 Max is Anycubic’s biggest 3D printer, with a mammoth 420 x 420 x 500 mm build area.

In addition, the printer can print at a top speed of 500 mm/s. Coupled with such a large print size, the Kobra 2 Max is great for batch 3D printing and creating big models in a relatively short time.

Supporting the printer’s half-meter-tall frame are two reinforced pull bars on the Z-axis. At the same time, the bed is supported by two linear systems on the Y-axis. All of these parts work together to keep the printer stable and make sure the frame stays aligned throughout the entire 3D printing process.

Once again, the LeviQ 2.0 leveling system makes it easy to get perfect first layers. You don’t have to worry about setting the Z-offset or leveling the bed, as the 3D printer does it for you. It covers 49 points and ensures a smooth first layer for each print.

Just like with many large 3D printers, a big consideration is whether its massive footprint is a good fit for your workspace. If you can find the space for it and don’t mind paying its affordable ~$500 price tag, you are unlikely to be disappointed by the currently largest Anycubic 3D printer.

Standout Features

  • Intelligent Z-offset
  • Gigantuous build volume
  • Vibration compensation & flow control

Technical Details

Build volume 420 x 420 x 500 mm
Printing technology FDM
Maximum nozzle temperature 260 °C
Maximum bed temperature 90 °C
Material support PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
Connectivity USB, WiFi

What We Like

  • Sturdy structure
  • Massive print area
  • Silent TMC 2209 stepper drivers
  • Good printing performance

Could Be Better

  • No larger nozzles in the box
  • Long heating and bed leveling times
Best overall (resin)

The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is an exceptional resin printer that offers a great desktop resin 3D printing experience. With a mid-size build (8-12 inches LCD screen size diagonally) and a print area of 218 x 123 x 200 mm, it can fulfill most resin 3D printing needs.

To improve ease-of-use, the Mono M5s uses a load-cell sensor on the printing plate’s cantilever arm. This sensor correctly measures the force acting on the print bed and helps the machine level itself automatically. The sensor can also tell if a layer has properly split from the resin vat.

The vat film is a new ACF film with lower peeling forces that enable faster printing speeds. The Mono M5s can print at speeds of up to 105 mm/hr with fast resin at a 0.1 mm layer height.

Other features of the printer, such as the new Photon Workshop 3.1 slicer and wireless functionality, are better than ever. The slicer works seamlessly with the M5s, and the WiFi is easy to use after the initial setup.

Overall, the Anycubic Photon M5s is a game-changer in the resin printing market, offering useful features rather than gimmicks. If you have a budget of $500 and are in the market for a mid-size resin printer, consider the M5s as one of the best options available.

Standout Features

  • Automatic bed leveling
  • Resin level detection
  • Self-diagnostic functions

Technical Details

Build volume 218 x 123 x 200 mm
Printing technology Resin
XY resolution X: 19 µm
Y: 24 µm
Bed leveling Automatic
Materials 405 nm resin
Connectivity USB Type-A 2.0, WiFi

What We Like

  • Good print details and clarity
  • Fast print speeds
  • WiFi works great
  • Peel detection can prevent print failures

Could Be Better

  • ACF film has a shorter lifespan
  • Fast printing only with high-speed resin
  • No air filter
Best for beginners (resin)

There are three things at the top that a beginner needs in their first resin printer. It needs to be simple to use. It should be affordable, and lastly, it should deliver good print quality. The Photon Mono 2 from Anycubic checks all of these boxes and more.

Its build size, at 143 x 89 x 165 mm, is reasonable for a small resin printer. It’s enough to 3D print miniatures and other smaller resin models.

The bed leveling on the Mono 2 is as easy as it gets on a budget resin printer, with two adjusting screws on either end. It’s simple for even beginners, and you won’t have many issues getting a good print adhesion and a leveled bed.

The print quality of the Mono 2 is nothing to complain about either. The Photon Workshop 3.0 has great profiles for the printer, and the prints come out with no visible layer lines, and all the finer details are reproduced exactly.

Really, there’s not much wrong with this Anycubic resin printer for its price. However, if we had to pick faults we would have liked a better build quality and wireless connectivity features.

At $189, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 offers great value. You get a modest, affordable resin printer that outputs good quality prints; what more do you want if you’re just dipping your toes in resin printing?

Standout Features

  • Affordable price
  • Scratch resistant screen
  • Upgraded LED light system

Technical Details

Build volume 143 x 89 x 165 mm
Printing technology Resin
XY resolution 34 µm
Bed leveling Manual
Materials 405 nm resin
Connectivity USB Type-A 2.0

What We Like

  • Bed leveling is relatively easy
  • High-quality detailed prints
  • Laser engraved print bed works great

Could Be Better

  • No WiFi
  • Limited build quality
Largest print volume (resin)

The Anycubic Photon M3 Max is a resin 3D printer with an impressive build size of 298 x 164 x 300 mm and a 7K LCD screen. This combination delivers a crisp XY resolution of 0.046 mm, meaning you don’t have to choose between 3D printing large models or printing sharp and crisp details.

One notable feature of the M3 Max is its automatic resin pump, which, although unpolished, is useful once you get the hang of it. The printer also has an easy-to-level bed, a two-part enclosure, and a laser-engraved build plate, all of which improve the print quality and the user experience.

However, the lack of an air filter and a small touchscreen detracts from the overall user experience. It would have also been better if Anycubic had used a larger touchscreen with a more user-friendly interface.

Despite these drawbacks, the Anycubic Photon M3 Max is still a great value at around $900. Its large print volume and print quality make it an excellent choice for those looking for a top-notch Anycubic resin printer at an affordable price.

Standout Features

  • Smart resin filling
  • 84 LED matrix light source
  • Laser engraved platform

Technical Details

Build volume 298 x 164 x 300 mm
Printing technology Resin
XY Resolution 46 µm
Bed leveling Manual
Materials 405 nm resin
Connectivity USB Type-A 2.0

What We Like

  • Large print size
  • Two-piece enclosure
  • Affordable for its print area
  • Screen is protected with additional film

Could Be Better

  • No WiFi, no air filter
  • Small and dated touch screen
  • Side USB port
Best DLP printer

The Photon D2 brings industrial DLP technology to the desktop 3D printing market. It’s one of only a few DLP resin 3D printers on the market right now with a lot of useful features.

One of its main features is the DLP lamp, which has a lifespan of almost 20,000 hours before needing replacement. In contrast, a standard desktop resin printer’s LCD has a lifespan of only about 2,000 hours.

In addition to its longevity, the DLP system has two other advantages. The DLP system doesn’t need as much cooling as the D2, so you don’t hear the fans running all the time. Second, the printer needs just approximately 15W of electricity, which is about a quarter of what LCD printers use.

The print quality of the Photon D2 is commendable as well. Its specifications cannot be compared to a regular LCD printer as the technology used is different. However, the results speak for themselves, and you should have no issues with the print quality of the D2.

The Photon D2 is a bit expensive at $400 for a small resin printer. However, considering its low maintenance and running costs, it is a great investment.

In our opinion, the Anycubic Photon D2 is perfect for anyone who wants a reliable, low-maintenance resin 3D printer for long-term use. It produces great 3D prints and is a great way to get into DLP 3D printing.

Standout Features

  • DLP 3D printing technology
  • 20,000 hour lifespan
  • 15W active power consumption

Technical Details

Build volume 131 x 73 x 165 mm
Printing technology Resin DLP
XY resolution 51 µm
Bed leveling Manual
Materials 405 nm resin
Connectivity USB Type-A 2.0

What We Like

  • Long-lasting lighting system
  • Extremely quiet operation
  • Good print details

Could Be Better

  • Small print size
  • Expensive
  • No wireless connectivity

What to Look for When Buying an Anycubic 3D Printer?

FDM or Resin

As shown in the list, Anycubic offers both, FDM and resin printers. Your choice between the two will depend on your specific needs.

FDM 3D printers are probably better for you if you are new to 3D printing. They’re reasonably inexpensive, simple to use, and don’t need much upkeep. FDM printers are adaptable enough to print models from working prototypes to tiny figurines and toys.

For superior print quality, resin 3D printers are the way to go. In comparison to FDM printers, their 3D prints have significantly more detail. Typically, resin printers are used to 3D print high-quality miniatures, detailed jewelry, and solutions in dentistry.

If print quality is important to you, we recommend the Photon Anycubic resin printer line-up. If you prefer material flexibility and a larger print area, the Kobra FDM series is probably a better option.

Build Volume

The build volume of a printer determines the size of the prints that you can create. If you plan to create large parts or print designs in batches, a large 3D printer is the best choice. If you want to save money and print small designs, choose a small 3D printer instead.

Anycubic offers a variety of printers with different build volumes. For a balanced print area, the Kobra 2 Pro is ideal with its size of 220 x 220 x 250 mm. This size is sufficient for basic 3D models and small-size batch prints.

If you want to go big, the Kobra 2 Max is your best bet right now. It’s massive and gives you a huge build volume of 420 x 420 x 500 mm. It’s enough space to 3D print a full-size helmet in a single piece.

You can find the same flexibility in the Anycubic resin printers. The Photon Mono M5s has a decent-sized print area, while the M3 Max is suitable for larger 3D models.

Material Support

If you’re using an FDM printer, you’ll need to consider the type of filament that the printer supports. Anycubic’s FDM printers work best with PLA, ABS, PETG, and flexible filaments. Basically any material that has a print temperature below 250°C.

Anycubic FDM printers don’t have an all-metal hot end, so they can’t use higher-temperature materials like Nylon, PC, and carbon fiber composites. So, you should carefully think about what you need and make sure the printer can handle the filament you need. Alternatively, you can upgrade the hot end with a third-party replacement at a later point.

Features

Most Anycubic 3D printers have a similar set of features with a bit extra here and there. For instance, the Kobra 2 Pro includes a touchscreen and dual-lead screws, whereas the cheaper Kobra 2 Neo misses out both of those. There are similar omissions in the motion system and connectivity options of the Neo.

The Kobra 2 Max and the 2 Pro, however, share identical features. Aside from their print size, the two printers are practically identical.

In resin printers, there’s often not much distinction other than the print size and resolution. However, the M3 Max’s resin pump and the M5s’s smart features are a breath of fresh air in a rather stagnant resin printer market.

When you’re looking at the features, first consider the basic ones like the extruder type, bed leveling, and extruder. These things greatly influence print quality and user experience.

Price

Anycubic printers are known for their affordability, but the price can still vary depending on the features and capabilities of the printer.

If you are simply looking for a basic 3D printer, the Kobra 2 Neo is a great choice. If you want a more professional quality printer that delivers great prints, the Kobra 2 Pro is the one. As for the Kobra 2 Max, it’s one of the most expensive Anycubic 3D printers due to its large print size.

The same applies to Anycubic resin printers. Generally, the larger the printer, the higher the price. However, the Photon D2 stands out. Because of its DLP technology, it’s more expensive than similar LCD printers of its size.

Before making a purchase, consider your budget, the features you actually need, and choose the printer that provides the best value for your money. With plenty of options available, it’s likely that you’ll find an Anycubic 3D printer that meets your needs.

Is Anycubic a Good 3D Printer Brand?

Anycubic started off as a 3D printing parts supplier. It’s been almost ten years since they started making 3D printers, and each year, Anycubic machines get better.

To put it simply, Anycubic is a trustworthy and well-regarded brand in the world of 3D printing. They have a strong presence in both FDM and Resin printer markets and have a good name in the 3D printing community as well.

Which Anycubic Resin to Buy?

Anycubic has a range of 3D printer resins that cater to different requirements. You can select from a wide range of options depending on the color, strength, flexibility, and intended use of the resin.

Some of the popular Anycubic resins are its Standard Grey Resin+, Water-wash resin+, and ABS-like resin+. It’s important to choose the resin type based on the requirements of your final 3D prints.

Is Anycubic the Same As Creality?

No, Anycubic and Creality are two different 3D printer manufacturers. Both companies produce 3D printers catered to the same market, but they each have their own unique product lines and features.

Anycubic has its signature models like the Kobra and Photon series, while Creality is popular for its Ender 3 and CR-series printers. Each brand has its unique design philosophy and serves a slightly different audience.

On the cheaper side of the spectrum, you won’t see too much difference between using a Creality printer and an Anycubic printer. Once the prices get higher, the difference between the two brands is more pronounced.

Conclusion: Which Anycubic 3D Printer to Get?

Anycubic has a range of 3D printers to offer. From budget-friendly FDM printers, to printers that let you print large models, to those with a faster print speed, to the more niche DLP resin printers.

Looking at all of their features and our own experience with Anycubic 3D printers, we believe the Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro is currently the overall best Anycubic 3D printer. It’s priced well, has great features, a fast printing speed, and delivers print quality that rivals higher-priced competitors.

For those interested in resin printing, the Photon M5s is currently the best Anycubic 3D printer in the resin category. Its self-diagnostic and smart features set it apart from other resin 3D printer options. And the print quality and overall user experience are impeccable as well.

We’d love to hear your opinion as well! What are your experiences with Anycubic 3D printers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Pranav is a skilled content creator specializing in 3D printing, holding a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sinhgad Institute of Technology. His work stands out for blending technical precision with accessible, clear explanations, making complex topics understandable and encouraging exploration and experimentation with innovative techniques.

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