Best resin 3D printer for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Anycubic Photon Mono M7 is the best budget resin 3D printer for most people, balancing excellent detail with a low price.
For those who need a larger build volume for bigger parts, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is a superb choice.
Resin 3D printers excel at capturing fine details, making them the go-to choice for miniature wargaming figures, character models, and precision engineering prototypes. Unlike filament printers, they cure liquid resin layer by layer, delivering smooth surfaces and sharp edges that need little post-processing. When choosing, focus on build volume (larger lets you print bigger objects or more parts at once), print resolution (XY and Z-axis capability), and any convenience features like auto-leveling or air filtration. Budget is another major factor: entry-level resin printers are now very affordable, but stepping up to a larger format printer costs more and takes up more desk space. We’ve scoured owner forums and expert reviews to narrow down the two best resin printers for 2026, covering different needs without breaking the bank over incidental features.
Anycubic Photon Mono M7
Best budget resin printer
4.5out of 5The Photon Mono M7 delivers exceptional print quality for its price. It’s a reliable workhorse for hobbyists who want crisp miniatures without going over budget. The trade-off is a smaller build plate, so you won’t be printing large objects in one go or batch-printing many parts at once.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Best large-format resin printer
4.7out of 5The Saturn 4 Ultra offers a massive build volume without sacrificing detail. It’s ideal for printing large miniatures, terrain pieces, or functional prototypes. The larger footprint and higher price mean it’s best for serious enthusiasts or small businesses who need to print big or in quantity.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Anycubic Photon Mono M7 | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Hobbyists and miniature painters who want high-quality prints without spending a lot of mo | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Users printing large models, terrain, or multiple small parts in a single run, as well as | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Anycubic Photon Mono M7: Best budget resin printer
Best overallThe Photon Mono M7 delivers exceptional print quality for its price. It’s a reliable workhorse for hobbyists who want crisp miniatures without going over budget. The trade-off is a smaller build plate, so you won’t be printing large objects in one go or batch-printing many parts at once.
Pros
- Excellent detail resolution for miniatures and small parts
- Very affordable price makes it easy to get started
- Simple setup and straightforward operation
- Reliable mono LCD screen with good lifespan
Cons
- Small build volume limits print size
- Limited to resins that perform well with its light source
- No built-in air filtration (fumes require ventilation)
Who it’s for
Hobbyists and miniature painters who want high-quality prints without spending a lot of money.Who should skip it
You need to print large objects, want advanced features like a heated vat, or have a very tight workspace.2. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra: Best large-format resin printer
Runner-upThe Saturn 4 Ultra offers a massive build volume without sacrificing detail. It’s ideal for printing large miniatures, terrain pieces, or functional prototypes. The larger footprint and higher price mean it’s best for serious enthusiasts or small businesses who need to print big or in quantity.
Pros
- Huge build volume for large objects or batch printing
- Consistently high surface finish and fine detail
- Robust build quality with reliable motion system
- Strong community support and software ecosystem
Cons
- Takes up more desk space than smaller printers
- Higher initial cost may stretch a tight budget
- Heavier resin vat can be messy to clean and swap
Who it’s for
Users printing large models, terrain, or multiple small parts in a single run, as well as small-scale production.Who should skip it
You’re on a tight budget, have limited desk space, or only ever print small miniatures one at a time.Best for specific needs
Best for intricate miniatures
If your focus is on 28mm wargaming figures, character busts, or jewelry prototypes, the Anycubic Photon Mono M7 gives you the fine detail you need without overpaying. Its smaller build plate is perfect for one-off prints, and the mono LCD ensures fast layer curing. Pair it with a high-detail resin, and you’ll get crisp edges and smooth surfaces straight off the build plate. Our pick: Anycubic Photon Mono M7.
Best for large-scale terrain and props
For printing dungeon tiles, large sci-fi models, or cosplay accessories, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is the clear winner. Its generous build volume lets you print sizeable pieces in one go, and the quality remains excellent even at big scale. This printer is a powerhouse for anyone running a small terrain business or building ambitious dioramas. Our pick: Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra.
Best for budget-conscious beginners
New to resin printing? The Anycubic Photon Mono M7 is a low-risk entry point that still delivers impressive results. It’s easy to set up, has a simple interface, and won’t empty your wallet. While you’ll outgrow the build volume if you get hooked, it’s a fantastic way to learn the ropes without a big financial commitment. Our pick: Anycubic Photon Mono M7.
Our verdict
For most hobbyists, the Anycubic Photon Mono M7 offers the best balance of price and detail, making it the smart first resin printer. If your projects demand a larger build volume – whether for big terrain pieces or batch-printing multiple miniatures – the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is well worth the step up. Both are proven workhorses that will serve you for years, so choose the one that matches the size of your ambitions.
Frequently asked questions
Is resin 3D printing safe?
Resin is a skin and respiratory irritant and should be handled with nitrile gloves every time you touch it in liquid form. Proper ventilation is important: print in a space with good airflow or use an air purifier with an activated carbon filter. The cured (hardened) resin after washing and UV curing is generally safe to handle, but uncured liquid resin on printed surfaces before the wash cycle is not. Dedicated resin printers have sealed chambers that contain odors reasonably well, but outdoor or garage printing is a common choice for people who print frequently or in large volumes.
Wha’ the difference between MSLA and DLP resin printers?
MSLA (masked stereolithography) printers use an LCD screen as a mask and a UV LED array behind it to cure an entire layer at once. Print time per layer is constant regardless of how many objects are on the build plate: a full tray takes the same time as one figure. DLP (digital light processing) printers use a projector that can warp at the edges of larger build plates. For most consumers, MSLA is the dominant technology and the distinction is largely academic when comparing modern machines from Anycubic or Elegoo. Both produce excellent detail at the consumer level.
How do you wash and cure resin prints?
After printing, the model is still coated in uncured liquid resin. You need to wash it in isopropyl alcohol (90%+) or a dedicated resin wash solution, typically using an ultrasonic washer or a wash station that agitates the liquid around the part. After washing, the part needs UV curing , usually 2–10 minutes under a dedicated UV curing lamp, depending on the resin type and part thickness. All-in-one wash-and-cure stations simplify this process significantly and are worth buying alongside your first resin printer. The wash-and-cure step is the main reason resin printing has a higher workflow overhead than FDM.