6 Best Resin 3D Printers (October 2026)
The best resin 3D printers include the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra for regular miniature makers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 for small project beginners, and the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K for larger figure projects.
On this page (8 sections)
- How we chose the best resin 3D printers
- Which resin printer fits your projects?
- How much build space and resolution do you need?
- Which convenience features are worth prioritizing?
- What workspace and supplies should you prepare?
- How should you start and finish your first prints?
- What care habits prevent avoidable failures?
- Which best resin 3D printer pick should you buy?
The best resin 3D printer for most hobbyists is the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra, thanks to its balance of fine detail, tilt release and print monitoring. Choose the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 for small projects with manual leveling, or the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K for larger figures.
Start with the models you want to make, then choose the machine that fits them. A higher screen number won't help if the model, supports or cleanup equipment exceed your available space.
If you're still choosing a process, read whether resin 3D printers are good for beginners. For tabletop figures, our best 3D printers for miniatures guide connects printer choices with that specific hobby.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for setup simplicity seekersCheck it - 5
Best for established slicer usersCheck it - 6
Check itAnycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro 14K
Best for frequent resin workflows
How we chose the best resin 3D printers
We prioritized useful detail, project fit and practical setup help. CleverAisle compared the printers' specifications and features for miniature makers, figure builders and beginners preparing a resin workspace.
Small XY pixels help reproduce fine features, but the rest of the workflow matters too. A printer with heating or automatic leveling can be a better match when temperature or plate setup is your main obstacle.
The order reflects each printer's overall fit for this search. A lower-ranked model can still be your best choice when its build area, software support or resin handling features solve a specific need.
| Product | Best for | Screen | XY resolution | Print speed | Our score |
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| Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | regular miniature makers | 7-inch 9K mono LCD | 18 μm | Up to 150 mm/h | 7.9 |
| Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | small project beginners | 7-inch 10K mono LCD | 17 x 17 μm | 7.7 | |
| Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K | larger figure projects | 16K LCD | 14 x 19 μm | 7.2 | |
| Elegoo Mars 5 | setup simplicity seekers | 4K mono LCD | 7.1 | ||
| Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S | established slicer users | 7.1-inch 8K mono LCD | 22 μm | 7.0 | |
| Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro 14K | frequent resin workflows | 14K mono LCD | 16.8 x 24.8 μm | Up to 170 mm/h with high-speed resin at 0.1 mm layers | 6.7 |
Which resin printer fits your projects?
Choose the Mars 5 Ultra for balanced hobby use, then move to another pick when you have a clear reason. Larger figures, a preferred slicer or automatic filling are stronger reasons to switch than a screen label alone.
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra: best resin 3D printer for regular hobby use
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
- 7-inch 9K mono LCD
- 18 μm XY resolution
- Tilt release
- AI camera and residue detection
A balanced choice for hobbyists printing detailed small models regularly. Tilt release, a camera and sensor alerts support a workflow with fewer manual checks.
Pros
- Fine XY pixel spacing
- Fast and slow print modes
- Wi-Fi cluster printing
Cons
- Camera detection varies with conditions
- Monitoring doesn't replace print preparation
The Mars 5 Ultra suits miniature makers who expect to print regularly and want help spotting problems. Its 7-inch 9K screen and 18 μm XY resolution make fine-detail work its main strength.
Tilt release separates each layer from the release film, with fast and slow modes available. ELEGOO claims speeds up to 150 mm/h, but actual job time depends on resin, settings and model height.
Its AI camera adds monitoring, while a mechanical sensor supports residue detection and alarms for resin shortages or leveling failures. ELEGOO notes that camera detection varies with the environment, model and resin.
Those features are useful when you're learning to recognize a failed job. They don't correct weak supports or a badly oriented model, so build preparation still deserves your attention.
Wi-Fi cluster printing also lets you control several Mars 5 Ultra printers from one device. That's a reason to consider this model if you may later expand a repeatable hobby workflow.
Buy it for a balance of detail and assistance. Skip it if you need the larger build area offered by the Saturn, or if your main priority is automatic resin filling.
Anycubic Photon Mono 4: small projects with manual leveling
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
- 7-inch 10K mono LCD
- 17 x 17 μm pixels
- 153.4 x 87 x 165 mm build volume
- Four-point leveling
Choose this compact printer for small detailed projects if you're comfortable leveling the plate yourself. Photon Workshop provides a clear starting point for preparing compatible files.
Pros
- Fine pixel spacing for small details
- Laser-engraved build platform
- Power-loss print resume
Cons
- Anycubic app service isn't supported
- Initial four-point leveling required
The Mono 4 suits beginners who want small detailed models and are willing to learn plate leveling. Its 153.4 x 87 x 165 mm build volume gives you a clear size limit for planning figures and supported parts.
The 7-inch 10K screen has 17 x 17 μm pixels. Its LighTurbo matrix light source and laser-engraved platform support the exposure and adhesion stages of the printing process.
Initial setup uses four-point leveling. Follow the sequence carefully, tighten the screws as directed and recheck leveling when adhesion problems suggest the plate needs attention.
Power-loss resume provides a way to continue after an interruption. Inspect a resumed job before committing to more post-processing, since resuming motion doesn't by itself confirm a flawless part.
Anycubic app service isn't supported, so skip this model if app access is central to your plans. Anycubic recommends Photon Workshop, which exports the required .pm4n files.
Buy it when compact project size and fine pixels matter more than setup automation. Before ordering, open a representative model in the slicer and confirm that the model, tilt and supports all fit.
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K: larger figures and fuller batches
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K
- 16K LCD
- 14 x 19 μm XY resolution
- 8.33 x 4.66 x 8.66 in print size
- Heated resin tank
The larger build area suits figures and batches that exceed the Mono 4 or Sonic Mini 8K S's space. Resin heating and automatic leveling support repeat use.
Pros
- More build space than the Mono 4 and Sonic Mini 8K S
- Automatic resin heating
- Illuminated camera and Wi-Fi transfer
Cons
- 35.4 lb weight
- Larger prints need more cleanup and curing space
The Saturn 4 Ultra 16K is the pick for models that exceed the Mono 4 or Sonic Mini's build area. Its 8.33 x 4.66 x 8.66-inch print space also provides more room to arrange small parts together.
The 16K screen has 14 x 19 μm XY resolution. That combination suits buyers who need both fine features and more room, rather than a larger machine for its own sake.
Its tank starts heating when resin temperature drops below 25°C. This is useful in a cool workspace, where resin temperature can otherwise become another variable to manage.
Automatic leveling, a startup self-check and Wi-Fi transfer reduce routine setup tasks. An illuminated AI camera supports monitoring and time-lapse recording, while sensors check resin levels, foreign objects and plate leveling.
Buy it for larger projects you already have in mind. Skip it if you mainly make a few small pieces and would struggle to handle a heavier machine or larger cleanup batches.
At 35.4 lb, it needs a stable, permanent spot. Check that your washing containers and curing area can accommodate the parts you plan to make, not just the printer itself.
Elegoo Mars 5: fewer manual setup tasks
Elegoo Mars 5
- 4K mono LCD
- One-click automatic leveling
- One-click self-check
- Residue and resin shortage alerts
A fit for beginners who want leveling and startup checks handled by the printer. Choose it for setup assistance rather than the highest screen pixel count.
Pros
- Automatic leveling
- Startup self-check
- Residue and resin shortage detection
Cons
- Lowest screen pixel count in this group
- Setup assistance doesn't handle supports or exposure
The Mars 5 suits a beginner who wants help with plate setup before chasing the finest possible detail. One-click automatic leveling and a self-check reduce the number of manual startup tasks.
Residue detection and alarms for resin shortages or leveling failures provide further checks. These features are most useful alongside a routine of inspecting the vat and confirming the print file before each job.
Its 4K mono LCD uses a COB light source. The screen has the lowest pixel count in this group, so detail-focused miniature makers should weigh it against the higher-resolution choices.
An LED temperature above 80°C triggers a printing stop and alarm. This protects against LED overheating, but it doesn't control resin exposure or replace workspace ventilation.
Buy it when leveling assistance is your main priority. Skip it if your projects center on tiny facial features, fine textures and small lettering that make finer XY pixel spacing worth prioritizing.
Automatic leveling also doesn't choose exposure settings or place supports for you. Expect to learn those parts of the process even when the printer handles plate alignment.
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S: keep your preferred slicer
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
- 8K mono LCD
- 22 μm XY resolution
- 16.5 x 7.2 x 17 cm print volume
- Supports Lychee, Chitubox and Tango
A useful match for hobbyists who want to prepare models in Lychee, Chitubox or Tango. Its narrow build area favors individual figures and carefully arranged small parts.
Pros
- Choice of compatible slicers
- 8K monochrome screen
- Longer build area than the Mono 4
Cons
- Narrower build area than the Mono 4
- Coarser pixel spacing than the Mars 5 Ultra and Mono 4
The Sonic Mini 8K S suits hobbyists who already prefer Lychee, Chitubox or Tango. Supported slicer choice lets you prepare models in a familiar interface rather than changing your whole preparation routine.
Its 7.1-inch 8K mono screen has 22 μm XY resolution. The build volume is 16.5 x 7.2 x 17 cm, which favors individual figures and carefully arranged smaller pieces.
Compared with the Mono 4, its build area is longer and slightly taller but narrower. A long accessory may fit well, while a broad base can become the part that limits your layout.
Check the complete supported model rather than measuring only the figure. Angling a part changes its footprint, and support rafts can use space you expected to leave free.
Buy it for slicer choice and projects that fit its shape. Skip it if wide models or broad batches matter more, or if the finer pixel spacing of the leading picks is your priority.
For help with software, workspace and first-project choices, see our beginner 3D printer buying guide. Familiar software helps, but you'll still need a profile suited to the printer and resin.
Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro 14K: assistance for repeat jobs
Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro 14K
- 14K mono LCD
- Dynamic temperature-controlled vat
- Resin auto-fill and recycling
- Automatic leveling
Choose it when automatic filling, resin recycling and temperature control address tasks you expect to repeat often. Its assisted workflow is a stronger buying reason than its headline speed.
Pros
- Resin auto-fill and one-key recycling
- Temperature-controlled vat
- Build plate installation and failed-print detection
Cons
- Maximum speed requires specific resin and layer settings
- 33.3 lb weight
The M7 Pro suits frequent users who want automatic filling, resin recycling and temperature control. Those features target repeated handling tasks rather than simply adding another screen upgrade.
Its 14K screen has 16.8 x 24.8 μm XY resolution. The different values on each axis show why the headline pixel count shouldn't be your only measure of detail.
Anycubic claims up to 170 mm/h with high-speed resin at 0.1 mm layers, or up to 130 mm/h with standard resin. Judge that faster figure against the layer height and resin you actually intend to use.
Automatic leveling and checks for resin level, residue, failed prints and build plate installation add setup assistance. Release film life management also gives you a maintenance prompt to include in your routine.
Buy it when its resin handling features solve repeated chores. Skip it if you expect occasional small jobs and would rather keep the handling system simpler.
At 33.3 lb, it deserves a stable workspace with room to service the resin system. Follow the cleaning instructions for that system when changing materials, rather than assuming automatic recycling handles a resin change.
How much build space and resolution do you need?
Choose build space around a real supported model, then compare pixel spacing within that size class. This avoids buying either a machine that's too small or unused capacity that adds to your handling needs.
Measure the model after orientation
A model's original dimensions are only a starting point. Tilting it can increase its height or width, while the raft and supports add to the space required.
Download a representative file and prepare it in a slicer before choosing a printer. Include your largest planned base, accessory or figure section rather than using only a tiny sample model.
Splitting a large figure into parts can make a smaller printer workable. Allow for cleanup, alignment and visible joints before deciding that every large project can be divided easily.
For batches, arrange several supported models on a virtual plate. Resin printers expose a layer across the screen, so filling unused plate space can be efficient, although resin flow and release settings still affect timing.
Compare XY pixels with layer height
XY resolution describes detail across the plate, while layer height controls the vertical steps. Neither setting alone determines how clean a finished model will look.
Smaller XY pixels can help with narrow grooves, texture and tiny lettering. Exposure that's too strong can still soften those details, while weak supports can distort an otherwise detailed model.
Thinner layers create more layers for the same model height. Use them when the surface needs that refinement, rather than automatically applying the smallest setting to every base or large plain part.
Choose resin for the finished part
Choose resin according to how the part will be used, not just how quickly it prints. A display figure, a thin weapon and a frequently handled game piece place different demands on the material.
Check compatibility and the resin maker's handling, temperature and curing instructions. Don't assume that a printer's highest speed applies to every material or that ordinary resin is suitable for food contact.
Which convenience features are worth prioritizing?
Prioritize features that address your likely bottleneck. Automatic leveling helps with plate setup, temperature control helps manage cool resin, and cameras provide another way to observe a job.
Automatic leveling helps at the plate
Automatic leveling reduces a mechanical setup task, which can be useful when you're new. It doesn't repair poor supports, compensate for an unsuitable exposure profile or remove cured debris from the vat.
Manual leveling is a reasonable choice if you're comfortable following a careful sequence. Learn the printer's procedure instead of repeatedly adjusting screws whenever any type of failure occurs.
Heating helps in a cool workspace
Resin temperature affects how the material flows and cures. A heated vat can make a cool workspace easier to manage, but the resin's own recommended conditions still guide your setup.
Avoid guessing with improvised heat sources near resin or cleaning solvents. Use the printer's controls and approved procedures, and let the material reach the appropriate conditions before starting.
Cameras help you observe, not prepare
A camera is useful for checking progress, especially during longer jobs. It cannot make an unsupported island printable or clean up a failed layer stuck to the film.
Automatic filling is most relevant when frequent jobs make resin replenishment a recurring task. For occasional printing, it may be less useful than spending time learning reliable orientation and exposure settings.
What workspace and supplies should you prepare?
Prepare the full print, wash and cure workflow before buying resin. A printer needs a suitable work area, and the wet handling stages need room of their own.
Use a stable surface with a protective tray or mat. Keep the area away from food preparation, children and pets, and plan ventilation according to the printer, resin and cleaning-agent instructions.
Make space to lift the cover, remove the plate and carry a dripping part to the cleaning container. The machine's footprint alone doesn't describe the bench space you'll use.
Have the following ready before the first pour:
- Compatible resin and a suitable slicer.
- Resin-resistant gloves, commonly nitrile, and eye protection.
- Lidded cleaning containers or a suitable washing system.
- The cleaning agent specified for your resin.
- A compatible UV curing method.
- Filters, spill supplies and labeled waste containers.
Cleaning solvents can introduce additional ventilation and fire precautions. Store them as directed, keep containers closed when not in use and keep them away from ignition sources.
An enclosure or printer cover doesn't by itself establish adequate ventilation. Plan exposure control for pouring, washing and cleanup as well as the print itself.
If this workflow doesn't fit your home, compare resin and FDM 3D printers before choosing a machine. Our guide to what you can make with a 3D printer can also help you decide which process fits your projects.
How should you start and finish your first prints?
Start with a small calibration print and a simple model, then build toward crowded plates or large hollow figures. This makes failures easier to understand and limits material waste.
Prepare the printer and exposure profile
Follow the setup instructions, including leveling or the printer's automatic procedure. Inspect the vat film and plate, then confirm that the slicer has the correct machine dimensions and output format.
Use the resin maker's recommended settings as your starting point. Keep notes on resin, room conditions, layer height and exposure so you can make a useful comparison after changing one setting.
Run an exposure calibration before committing to a detailed full plate. Avoid changing exposure, supports and orientation together, since that makes it harder to identify what helped.
Check supports before starting
Inspect the sliced model for islands, which are sections that begin without a connection to an earlier layer. Automatic supports are a starting point that still needs review.
Angle broad surfaces to reduce large flat cross-sections where appropriate. Keep support marks away from faces and other visible detail when the model's shape allows it.
Hollow models require properly placed drain and vent holes, plus internal cleaning and curing. Begin with solid small models until you understand how to prevent trapped uncured resin.
Clean, dry and cure in order
Let excess resin drain back as directed before moving the plate. Keep wet tools and parts within the protected handling area so resin doesn't spread to door handles or clean supplies.
Wash with the material's specified cleaning method, then let the part dry before post-curing. Follow the resin's guidance for support removal and curing time, since materials and part shapes differ.
A first and second wash container can help keep the final rinse cleaner. Replace contaminated cleaning fluid when it stops cleaning effectively, and store the waste securely for proper disposal.
For the broader ownership budget, include supplies and consumables alongside the machine in your 3D printer cost plan.
What care habits prevent avoidable failures?
Inspect the vat, film and plate after a failed print before starting another job. Cured fragments left behind can damage the release film or interfere with the next print.
Filter recovered resin when debris may be present. Use resin-compatible filters and the printer's approved cleaning method rather than scraping the film with a sharp tool.
Release film is a consumable, so check for damage and follow the replacement procedure when needed. Don't run another job if you suspect a puncture or leak.
Keep resin off the screen, connectors and moving parts. Clean spills promptly using the approved procedure, with power disconnected when the instructions require it.
Keep these common mistakes out of your routine:
- Choosing by screen label alone: compare pixel spacing, build area and workflow.
- Using maximum speed immediately: establish a reliable resin profile first.
- Overfilling the vat: respect its fill limit and account for plate movement.
- Ignoring a failed layer: inspect for cured debris before restarting.
- Skipping drying before curing: follow the complete material process.
- Pouring wash waste down a drain: use local disposal guidance for contaminated liquids.
Keep leftover resin protected from light in a compatible, labeled container. Follow its storage instructions, and don't return suspect material to a clean bottle.
Which best resin 3D printer pick should you buy?
Choose the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra when regular miniature and model work calls for a balanced mix of detail and monitoring. Choose the Mono 4 when small projects and manual leveling suit your routine.
Move to the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K when a prepared model or batch genuinely needs its larger area. Its heating is another useful reason to choose it for a cool workspace.
Pick the Mars 5 when leveling assistance is your main concern. Choose the Sonic Mini 8K S to keep a preferred slicer, or the M7 Pro when frequent resin handling makes automatic filling and recycling worthwhile.
Before ordering the best resin 3D printer for your projects, prepare one real model in the slicer and map out where you'll wash and cure it. Those steps reveal practical limits that a screen number can't.
If you're still choosing your first machine, use our best 3D printers for beginners guide to compare the wider options before committing to a resin workflow.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best resin 3D printer for most hobbyists?
The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is the best fit for most hobbyists in this group because it combines fine pixel spacing, tilt release and print monitoring. Choose the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K when larger models drive your decision, or the Mono 4 if you prefer a compact printer with manual leveling.
Is a higher-resolution resin printer always better?
No. Compare XY pixel spacing and build dimensions before judging a printer by its screen label.
A larger screen can spread more pixels across a wider area, while exposure, supports and resin affect the finished surface.
Choose enough detail for your models without giving up the build space you need.
What else do you need for resin 3D printing?
You'll need compatible resin, slicing software, suitable gloves, eye protection, cleaning supplies and a way to post-cure finished prints. Prepare ventilation, spill containment and waste storage before your first job.
Follow the printer, resin and cleaning-agent instructions, including their guidance on handling, protective equipment and disposal.
Should a beginner choose a resin or FDM printer?
Choose resin for small models with fine surface detail when you can support the cleaning, curing and handling routine. Choose FDM if larger practical parts and avoiding liquid resin matter more.
Our resin vs FDM printer comparison explains how each process fits different projects and home workspaces.
Does water-washable resin make cleanup simpler?
Water-washable resin changes the cleaning method, but the dirty wash water still needs proper handling. Don't pour resin-contaminated water down a drain, and don't assume the material is safe to touch before curing.
Follow that resin's cleaning, protective equipment, post-curing and disposal instructions.
