Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
The Best 3D Printers in the UK (2026)
The right 3D printer depends on what you want to make. This guide explains the big choice (FDM vs resin), what the specs mean, and which printers we rate now.
Quick answer
For most people, an FDM (filament) printer with auto bed levelling and a heated, flexible build plate is the right first choice - versatile, lower-maintenance and good for functional parts and larger models. Choose a resin printer only if your priority is ultra-fine detail like miniatures, and you're happy to deal with the messier workflow.
FDM vs resin - the key decision
FDM melts filament layer by layer: versatile, larger build sizes, low fuss, ideal for parts, prototypes and big models. Resin (LCD/MSLA) cures liquid resin with UV light: stunning fine detail for miniatures and figurines, but every print needs washing in IPA and curing under UV, plus gloves and ventilation. If you don't specifically need miniature-grade detail, FDM is the easier, more flexible choice.
What the specs mean
- Build volume - the largest single print it can make.
- Auto bed levelling - removes the fiddliest part of setup; a big deal for beginners.
- Heated bed + flexible PEI plate - reliable first layers and easy print removal.
- Print speed - higher-speed (CoreXY) machines finish faster; real speeds are lower than headline figures.
- Filament support - PLA is easiest; PETG/TPU need more care; ABS/ASA warp and want an enclosure.
Match the printer to what you'll make
Functional parts, brackets, larger models, everyday printing → FDM. Tabletop miniatures, figurines, highly detailed models → resin, accepting the post-processing. Want both? Many makers keep an FDM for general work and add a small resin printer later for detail. Beginners should start with an FDM that has auto levelling and good slicer/community support.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a resin printer expecting large or functional parts.
- Buying FDM expecting miniature-grade detail.
- Skipping auto bed levelling as a beginner.
- Underestimating resin's wash/cure/ventilation needs.
- Forgetting ongoing filament/resin costs.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Elegoo Mercury XS Bundle With Separate Washing and Curing
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#3 
Elegoo EU-EHJ-3DL-S4U Saturn 4 Ultra Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#4 
Creality Ender 5 Max 3D Printer
A FDM 3d printer (700 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
#5 
FlashForge AD5M Pro 3D Printer High Speed & Precision
A FDM 3d printer (600 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
#6 
Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra 10K Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#7 
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#8 
QIDI Q2 3D Printer
A FDM 3d printer (270 x 270 x 256 mm, 600 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
#9 
Elegoo EU-EHJ-3DL-M5U Mars 5 Ultra 9K Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#10 
QIDI PLUS4 3D Printer
A FDM 3d printer (305 x 305 x 280 mm, 600 mm/s), a versatile choice for everyday printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is owning a 3D printer worth it?
If you enjoy making functional parts, prototypes or detailed models, yes - modern printers are far easier than they used to be. Factor in filament or resin as the main ongoing cost and a short learning curve around slicing.
What is the difference between FDM and resin 3D printers?
FDM melts filament and is versatile, larger and low-maintenance - best for functional parts and bigger models. Resin cures liquid with UV for ultra-fine detail (miniatures) but needs IPA washing, UV curing and ventilation.
What is the best 3D printer for home use?
For most homes, an FDM printer with auto bed levelling and a flexible heated plate - versatile and beginner-friendly. Add a resin printer only if you specifically want miniature-grade detail.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Resin 3D Printer (our score 9.5/10) - A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models..