As a long-time enthusiast of model and miniature painting, even before the rise of 3D resin printers, I’ve dedicated countless hours to printing models of all shapes and sizes. It’s a hobby that offers both relaxation and reward, directly reflecting the effort you invest. Choosing the right printer is the crucial first step, and this guide represents my most extensive compilation to date. Notably, I’ve intentionally excluded DLP printers from this list. While I appreciate their precision and personally adjust antialiasing to refine their sharp pixels, the preference among most miniature painters leans towards smoother surfaces. You can find DLP printers listed separately HERE. Similarly, Large format printers are also omitted, as they cater to more specialized needs. This article focuses squarely on the Best 3d Resin Printers specifically optimized for model and miniature work.
The following list showcases resin printers that I believe are ideally suited for crafting models and miniatures. I have personally owned and rigorously tested each printer featured, ranking them in order of my recommendation. While specific prices are not included due to frequent fluctuations, I have provided convenient price links so you can easily check current costs.
VogMan’s Top 3D Resin Printer Picks for Models & Miniatures
| RANK | PRINTER | XY RES’N | PPI | SIZE | W x D x H | REVIEW | PRICE | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra 9K | 18 µm | 1411.1 | S | 153 x 78 x 165 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | Boasting 8520 x 4320 pixels, the Mars 4 Ultra 9K is a Mars printer elevated to the next level. This incredible machine delivers outstanding fine detail. While the Mars 5 Ultra offers newer features, experienced users may find this their preferred choice for top-tier resin 3D printing. | |
| 2 | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra 9K | 18 µm | 1411.1 | S | 153 x 78 x 165 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FR | With 8520 x 4320 pixels, the Mars 5 Ultra 9K matches the Mars 4 Ultra in print quality but adds a convenient tilt mechanism and auto-plate leveling. It’s an excellent best 3D resin printer option, especially for beginners in the hobby looking for ease of use and superb results. | |
| 3 | Elegoo Mars 4 9K | 18 µm | 1411.1 | S | 153 x 78 x 175 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | The 8520 x 4320 pixel Mars 4 9K is a truly formidable printer, surpassed only by its Ultra counterpart. It’s exceptionally capable of producing very fine prints, making it a strong contender for the best 3D resin printer title in its class. | |
| 4 | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 10K | 17 µm | 1493.0 | S | 153 x 87 x 165 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | Packing 9024 x 5120 pixels, Anycubic enhanced their Mono 2 with a 10K screen, resulting in fantastic print quality. While perhaps not as refined as some others in this category, its impressive print quality and budget-friendly price secure its place as a top recommendation for a best 3D resin printer. | |
| 5 | Phrozen Sonic Mighty Revo 14K | 17 / 24 µm | 1408.7 | M | 223 x 126 x 235 mm | Official Store | With 13320 x 5120 pixels, the Sonic Mighty Revo 14K is arguably Phrozen’s best offering since the Mini 8K. Though a more expensive option, its exceptional build quality and performance truly impressed me, making it a premium choice for the best 3D resin printer. | |
| 6 | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro 14K | 17 / 24 µm | 1410.0 | M | 223 x 126 x 200 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | The 13312 x 5120 pixel Mono M5s Pro 14K delivers excellent detail across a large build plate. This 14K printer truly lives up to expectations, offering professional-grade results and positioning itself as a high-performance best 3D resin printer. | |
| 7 | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 12K | 19 / 24 µm | 1275.6 | M | 219 x 123 x 220 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon IT | Innovatively designed to maximize its 12K screen with 11520 x 5120 pixels, the Saturn 4 Ultra 12K stands out with its smart features and high-resolution printing. It’s a technologically advanced contender for the best 3D resin printer title. | |
| 8 | Creality Halot Mage S 14K | 17 / 24 µm | 1408.8 | M | 223 x 126 x 230 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | A significant upgrade from the Mage Pro, the Halot Mage S 14K, with its 13320 x 5120 pixel screen, impressed me with its superior print quality. It’s a strong all-around performer and a worthy addition to any best 3D resin printer consideration list. | |
| 9 | Elegoo Saturn 3 12K | 19 / 24 µm | 1275.6 | M | 219 x 123 x 250 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | The 11520 x 5120 pixel Saturn 3 12K is a highly impressive printer. While it may lack some of the extra bells and whistles, it delivers beautifully detailed prints, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing print quality in a best 3D resin printer. | |
| 10 | Anycubic Photon Mono M5S 12K | 19 / 24 µm | 1275.6 | M | 218 x 123 x 200 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | With a large build plate and 12K printing power (11520 x 5120 pixels), the Mono M5S 12K rivals the print capability of the Phrozen Mini 8K, while also featuring a self-leveling build plate. It’s a feature-rich option in the search for the best 3D resin printer. | |
| 11 | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra 12K | 19 / 24 µm | 1275.6 | M | 219 x 123 x 260 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | Offering accuracy combined with a larger build plate and 11520 x 5120 pixels, the Saturn 3 Ultra 12K performs on par with the Phrozen Mini 8K, but in a much larger format. This makes it an excellent choice for users needing to print bigger models or more miniatures at once with a best 3D resin printer. | |
| 12 | Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K | 22 µm | 1152.7 | S | 165 x 72 x 180 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | The pioneering 8K printer with 22-micron precision and 7500 x 3240 pixels, the Sonic Mini 8K delivers incredible print quality. It set a new standard for detail in desktop resin printing and remains a benchmark for the best 3D resin printer in the small form factor category. | |
| 13 | Phrozen Sonic Mini 8KS | 22 µm | 1154.5 | S | 165 x 72 x 170 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ES | The 7536 x 3240 pixel Sonic Mini 8KS is a more budget-friendly version of the Mini 8K, but still packs a significant punch in terms of print detail. It offers excellent value for money, making it a compelling option for those seeking a best 3D resin printer without breaking the bank. | |
| 14 | Uniformation GK3 Ultra 16K | 20 x 26 µm | 1210.8 | L | 300 x 160 x 300 mm | Official Store | Sporting an impressive 15120 x 6230 pixels, the GK3 Ultra 16K takes the GK2, enlarges it, and enhances the print quality even further. It is, without a doubt, the best 3D resin printer in the large format category, capable of printing virtually anything with incredible detail. Be sure to check the description of my YouTube video for potential promotion codes from Uniformation. | |
| 15 | Anycubic Mono M7 Pro 14K | 17 / 25 µm | 1410.0 | M | 223 x 126 x 230 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | The Mono M7 Pro 14K, with 13312 x 5120 pixels, presented a promising concept that, in my opinion, didn’t fully materialize. My review unit had a non-functional resin pump, and the heater design raises concerns about potential resin contamination. However, its excellent print quality still warrants recognition as a capable best 3D resin printer. | |
| 16 | UniFormation GKtwo 8K | 29 µm | 855.2 | M | 228 x 128 x 245 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon ES | As the first to incorporate a resin heater and featuring 7680 x 4320 pixels, the GKtwo 8K is a printer I genuinely appreciate. This innovative feature set and solid print performance make it a unique contender for the best 3D resin printer. | |
| 17 | Anycubic Photon M3 Premium 8K | 29 µm | 891.2 | M | 219 x 123 x 250 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | Equipped with ball screw double threaded rods and 7680 x 4320 pixels, the Photon M3 Premium 8K was highly sought after, selling out within days of its launch. Its robust build and print quality place it firmly in the discussion for the best 3D resin printer. | |
| 18 | Phrozen Sonic Mighty 8K | 29 µm | 891.2 | M | 218 x 123 x 235 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | A great mid-range option with a user-friendly UI and 7680 x 4320 pixels, the Sonic Mighty 8K is a strong contender. While slightly pricier than some competitors, its overall performance and ease of use make it a solid choice for a best 3D resin printer. | |
| 19 | Anycubic Photon M3 Plus 6K | 34 µm | 743.2 | M | 197 x 122 x 245 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | Featuring 5760 x 3600 pixels, the Photon M3 Plus 6K offers mid-range print quality with an improved user interface and the first auto resin filler I encountered. Its innovative features and reliable performance secure its place among the best 3D resin printers in its category. | |
| 20 | Elegoo Saturn 2 3D 8K | 29 µm | 891.2 | M | 219 x 123 x 250 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | With 7680 x 4320 pixels, the Saturn 2 3D 8K provides a great combination of price, build quality, and performance. It’s a well-rounded and dependable option for anyone seeking a best 3D resin printer that balances cost and capability. | |
| 21 | Elegoo Mars 5 4K | 35 µm | 725.7 | S | 143 x 89 x 150 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | The 4098 x 2560 pixel Mars 5 4K represents Elegoo’s smart effort to create a user-friendly and affordable resin printer aimed at newcomers. I was thoroughly impressed by its ease of use and print quality, making it a top recommendation as a best 3D resin printer for beginners. | |
| 22 | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 4K | 35 µm | 726.8 | S | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | In my opinion, the 4096 x 2560 pixel Photon Mono 2 4K is the best budget 3D resin printer in the 35-micron category. It’s a fantastic all-rounder, offering excellent performance at an accessible price point. | |
| 23 | Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K | 34 µm | 743.2 | M | 197 x 122 x 245 mm | Official Store Amazon CA | With 5760 x 3600 pixels, the Photon Mono X 6K was quickly superseded by newer models, making it less readily available. However, if you can find one, it remains a worthwhile option, delivering solid performance and quality as a best 3D resin printer consideration. | |
| 23 | HeyGear Ultracraft Reflex RS 8K | 29.7 µm | 884.0 | M | 222 x 122 x 230 mm | Official Store | ||
| 24 | Anycubic Photon M3 4K | 40 µm | 634.7 | S | 164 x 102 x 180 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | Featuring 4096 x 2560 pixels, the purpose of the M3 4K is somewhat unclear, as it occupies a similar space to the Mono 2 but at a slightly higher cost and with marginally inferior print quality. Despite this, it’s still a capable printer and a reasonable choice if you find it at the right price within the best 3D resin printer category. | |
| 25 | Elegoo Mars 3 Pro 4K | 35 µm | 725.7 | S | 143 x 90 x 175 mm | Official Store Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CAAmazon DEAmazon ESAmazon FRAmazon IT | The 4098 x 2560 pixel Mars 3 Pro 4K is simply a great all-around printer, widely loved, including by myself. Its reliability and print quality make it a consistently recommended best 3D resin printer in the entry-level segment. | |
| 26 | Creality Halot One Plus 4K | 40 µm | 635.0 | S | 172 x 102 x 160 mm | Official Store Amazon US | The 4320 x 2560 pixel Halot One Plus 4K has its dedicated fanbase. It’s a visually appealing printer with a user interface that may require a bit of an adjustment period, but it delivers acceptable performance and can be considered when looking for a best 3D resin printer at a competitive price. | |
| The rationale behind my ranking is independent of price. My evaluations are based solely on performance and how impressed I was with each printer. For a detailed explanation of the table headings, please refer to the section at the bottom of the page. |
Yes, I realize this is a long list! My recommendations prioritize quality, closely followed by affordability. This generally means that printers with higher accuracy rank higher than those loaded with unnecessary extras. However, I am also swayed by innovative features, such as those found in the Uniformation GKtwo.
This is my personal list, reflecting my thoughts and opinions – feel free to disagree. However, please remember that I have personally owned and extensively tested each of the printers listed above. I have no hidden agenda. Unlike some YouTubers who are compensated or even receive equity for positive reviews, I receive neither. This independence allows me to offer candid and unbiased assessments.
New to Resin 3D Printing?
If you’re new to resin-based 3D printing, I first encourage you to consider: is resin printing really for you? If you’re confident it is, then assess how much you’re willing to invest initially to test this.
I’ve encountered many individuals who enthusiastically jump into the hobby only to find the odors and mess are not to their liking. Because I dislike seeing wasted money, I tend to advise caution to beginners, recommending starting with a small and inexpensive printer. If you discover you enjoy the hobby, fantastic! There are numerous upgrade paths available. But if it’s not for you, you haven’t made a significant financial loss. In such cases, the Standard range printers listed above are ideal starting points. However, remember my ranking prioritizes performance, which usually correlates with price. For a truly budget-conscious entry, I strongly recommend considering my Budget printer recommendations.
Understanding the Price Links
Prices are incredibly volatile, making it impractical to list them directly. Instead, I provide links to official stores and Amazon. Some of these are affiliate links. Clicking them may earn me a small commission if you make a purchase, but this does not increase your cost and does not influence my printer rankings. I maintain complete impartiality.
Don’t Forget the Resin!
And remember, you’ll need plenty of resin for these 3D printers! Explore my recommended resins! to ensure you’re using the best materials for your prints.
Decoding the Table Headings
To conserve space in the printer table, the headings are abbreviated, which might cause confusion. Below is a guide to the full meaning of each heading.
| RANK | Short for “My Ranking,” this indicates my personal order of preference, with 1 being the top recommendation, 2 the second best, and so on. | |
|---|---|---|
| PRINTER | The printer’s model name, often including the screen’s K-value (e.g., 9K, 12K, etc.). | |
| XY RES’N | Abbreviation for “XY Resolution,” this is the calculated micron value typically advertised. Lower numbers indicate finer detail. To understand the calculation and its practical implications, watch the video below. | |
| PPI | Stands for “Pixels Per Inch.” This value, usually not specified by manufacturers, reflects image clarity. Higher pixel density results in greater image definition. To fully grasp its calculation and significance, watch the video below. | |
| SIZE | Denotes the overall printer size: S (Standard/Small), M (Medium), and L (Large). Larger printers enable creation of larger prints. | |
| W x D x H | Width x Depth x Height, measured in millimeters, specifying the maximum printable area. | |
| REVIEW | Links to my YouTube review of the printer. These reviews offer in-depth insights and are highly recommended. | |
| PRICE | Due to frequent price changes, direct prices aren’t listed. Links to official stores and Amazon are provided instead. Affiliate links are used, potentially earning a small commission on purchases, but at no extra cost to you and without any influence on my rankings. | |
| COMMENTS | A concise summary of my impressions and thoughts on each printer. For a comprehensive evaluation, watching the video review is advised. | |
| * | Note: “tba” is an abbreviation for “To Be Advised,” indicating that the information is expected to be available later. |
