Best Resin 3D Printer 2026: Complete US Guide
Find the best resin printer for miniatures, jewelry, and detailed models. Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159) leads for value. Full US pricing and safety tips.
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Take Our QuizResin printers deliver detail that FDM simply cannot match. If you're printing miniatures, jewelry, dental models, or anything where surface finish matters, resin is the answer. Here's what to consider.
Budget Excellence: Anycubic Photon Mono 4 The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 offers 10K resolution with simplified 4-point leveling. *(Price when reviewed: ~$159 | Check price)* The upgraded LighTurbo Matrix light source delivers consistent exposure across the build plate. At this price, you're getting detail that would have cost $500 just a few years ago.
Build volume is 153x87x165mm - plenty for miniatures, jewelry, and small functional parts.
Mid-Range Sweet Spot: Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra adds WiFi connectivity, auto-leveling, and a built-in camera. *(Price when reviewed: ~$219 | Check price)* The ACF release liner enables 150mm/h print speeds - roughly 3x faster than standard resin printers.
If you're printing frequently, the time savings add up. WiFi control means you can start prints from your phone.
The Safety Reality Resin printing requires precautions FDM doesn't: - Always wear nitrile gloves when handling uncured resin - Work in a ventilated area or use an enclosure with carbon filter - Keep a dedicated washing station with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) - UV cure prints before handling - Never pour uncured resin down drains
Modern water-washable resins reduce the cleanup hassle but still require gloves and ventilation.
Running Costs Resin costs $25-50 per liter. A typical miniature uses 5-15ml of resin ($0.15-0.75). You'll also need IPA for cleaning ($15-20 per gallon) and nitrile gloves. Factor in a wash and cure station ($50-100) unless you want to use sunlight.
**Who Should Buy Resin** - Miniature painters and tabletop gamers - Jewelry makers and dental professionals - Anyone needing extremely fine detail - Makers with dedicated workspace and ventilation
Who Should Stick with FDM - Beginners learning 3D printing - Anyone printing functional parts - Makers without ventilated workspace - Anyone uncomfortable with chemical handling
Our Recommendations For beginners: Anycubic Photon Mono 4 at $159 - best value entry point For serious hobbyists: Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra at $219 - WiFi and speed improvements justify the premium
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Start the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best resin 3D printer for beginners?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159) offers excellent detail and value. The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra ($219) has WiFi and faster printing. Both are beginner-friendly with large communities.
Is resin printing safe at home?
Yes, with precautions: use in a ventilated area or enclosed space, wear nitrile gloves, and avoid skin contact. Modern water-washable resins are safer than traditional ones.
How much detail can resin printers achieve?
Resin printers achieve 0.01-0.05mm layer heights (FDM is typically 0.1-0.2mm). Perfect for miniatures, jewelry, dental models, and intricate designs where detail matters most.
What are the downsides of resin printing?
Messier than FDM - requires gloves, cleaning, and curing. Resin costs $25-50/L vs $15-25/kg for filament. Build volumes are smaller. Parts are more brittle than FDM.
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