What are the two most popular standard resins in 2026?
Elegoo Standard 2.0 and Anycubic Standard V2 are the two best-selling standard resins in 2026 because they're affordable, versatile, and compatible with any 405nm printer. The key difference: Elegoo focuses on hardness and precision, while Anycubic reformulated its V2 for improved toughness and impact resistance.
Both are your classic all-purpose resins — the kind you pour into the vat without overthinking it. They're both 405nm photopolymers designed for LCD, MSLA, and DLP printers, and both brands move enormous volume. If you're new to resin printing, there's a good chance one of these was your very first bottle. You can find both in our full resin catalog, alongside more specialized options.
The big story with the current generation is Anycubic's notable leap forward with its V2. Anycubic Standard V2 builds on the classic formula but, according to the manufacturer, improves toughness with 93% greater elongation at break — a change that meaningfully affects how parts hold up during handling.
What are the mechanical properties of each resin?
The main mechanical difference comes down to toughness. Anycubic Standard V2 offers 80–83 Shore D hardness with 25–30% elongation at break, making it less brittle. Elegoo Standard 2.0 sits around 84 Shore D but with lower elongation, making it slightly stiffer and more prone to snapping on thin sections.
Let's look at the actual numbers. On the Elegoo side, the spec sheet lists 84 Shore D hardness, low shrinkage, and strong detail reproduction — aimed at miniatures, figures, and prototypes. Elegoo also markets the 2.0 as offering greater hardness and toughness for impact-resistant parts, positioning it for functional prototypes and mechanical assemblies.
On the Anycubic side, the improved toughness and impact resistance claims translate to real specs: 80–83 Shore D hardness, 25–30% elongation at break versus ~14% on the V1, and a viscosity of 250–350 mPa·s at 25°C. That jump in elongation is where the real-world difference shows up — parts with clips or thin walls are far less likely to snap during handling.
- Hardness: Elegoo ~84 Shore D · Anycubic 80–83 Shore D. Minimal gap — don't lose sleep over it.
- Elongation at break: this is where it matters. Elegoo stays at the standard ~14%; Anycubic jumps to 25–30%.
- Impact toughness: clear advantage for Anycubic V2.
- Rigidity and precision: slight edge to Elegoo thanks to those extra Shore D points.
A word of caution on Anycubic's "93% more elongation" claim: it's a marketing figure compared to their own V1, not an absolute value that makes it unbreakable. This is still a standard resin — don't expect it to behave like an ABS-like or a true tough resin.
Which resin captures more detail on miniatures?
Both resins capture excellent detail on 28-32mm miniatures. Elegoo Standard 2.0 has a very slight edge on sharp edges due to its higher hardness, while Anycubic V2 matches the detail and adds toughness. For painting, the difference in surface relief is practically imperceptible to the naked eye.
Elegoo puts a lot of emphasis on its "anti-backlight" capability: no excess resin left on the model's surface, ensuring a smooth finish, crisp texture, and fine details. It's marketing, but it reflects a real strength: the 2.0 reproduces thin layers well. For wargaming and collectible figures, it delivers more than enough. Elegoo Standard 2.0 is one of the go-to options for miniature print runs where definition is the priority.
Anycubic, on the other hand, attributes its detail reproduction to low viscosity and fast bubble dissipation, which renders intricate details with smoother surfaces. In practice, with proper exposure calibration, both resins produce clean minis. The real differentiator isn't detail itself — it's that thin parts on Anycubic prints (spears, antennae, fingers) hold up better during support removal thanks to their higher elongation.
Which resin has less odor during printing?
Elegoo Standard 2.0 has less odor. Elegoo specifically formulates it as a low-odor resin without a harsh chemical smell. Anycubic V2 reduced its odor compared to V1, but its own product page admits it has a "noticeable odor." If you print in a small, unventilated space, Elegoo wins this round.
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This is a genuine difference worth pointing out. Elegoo describes its resin as low-odor, with less smell during printing to keep your workspace more comfortable. Anycubic also advertises a low-odor formula, but on its own product page acknowledges that Standard Resin V2 has a noticeable odor.
It's a detail that almost nobody mentions in comparisons. Anycubic did improve over the V1 — that's true and confirmed by their documentation — but that doesn't make it odorless. No photopolymer resin is odorless, and whichever one you choose, ventilating your workspace and wearing nitrile gloves is non-negotiable. That said, if your printer lives in a bedroom or a closed cabinet, Elegoo will make your print sessions a bit more bearable.
And keep in mind — "low odor" doesn't mean "no odor." The first time you open either bottle in a small room, you'll notice it. My setup: window open and a cheap exhaust fan pointed at the printer. Your situation may vary.
What is the price difference per liter?
Both resins fall in the same budget-friendly price range, around €17–20 per kilogram. Anycubic Standard V2 comes in at €17.12 for a 1 kg bottle. The price-per-liter difference between the two brands is marginal, so cost is rarely the deciding factor when choosing between them.
Both resins compete in the budget segment of the market, which is exactly why they're so popular. The Anycubic Standard V2 runs around €17 per kilogram, and the Elegoo is priced similarly. Anycubic also positions it as one of the most affordable resins in their lineup — a solid pick for hobbyists and production use alike.
When the price per liter is this close, the smart move is to decide based on performance, not cents. If you're buying in bulk, browse the full Elegoo resin range and Anycubic resin range — multi-bottle bundles typically offer the best real cost per kilogram.
Which is easier to set up for beginners?
Anycubic Standard V2 is slightly easier for beginners using Anycubic printers, because Photon Workshop comes with pre-configured profiles. Elegoo is equally straightforward on Elegoo printers. Either way, both require an exposure calibration test if you're using them on a different brand of printer.
The ecosystem matters. Anycubic highlights that Photon Workshop includes optimized pre-configured settings for each Anycubic resin, eliminating manual tuning. That out-of-the-box convenience is real if you own a Photon. The V2 is also compatible with a broad 365–405 nm wavelength range and easy to clean, helping beginners get up and running fast.
Elegoo plays the same card with its own hardware: it performs best on Elegoo LCD printers and is compatible with most LCD machines and some DLP printers. The key takeaway for either resin is the same: always validate with an exposure calibration test (Cones of Calibration or AmeraLabs Town). You will need to dial in your exposure times — on modern LCD printers you're typically looking at 2–3 seconds, but every screen is different. Beginners who stick with matching printer and resin brands will have an easier time thanks to those pre-built profiles.
When should you NOT choose a standard resin?
Let's be honest: standard resin isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It's ideal for display pieces, figurines, and visual prototypes — but it's not the best choice if you need functional parts that must handle load-bearing stress, heavy impacts, or repeated flexing. Elegoo's own documentation points this out: parts subject to real mechanical stress should be validated or printed with a tougher resin.
Specific cases where you should consider a different resin family:
- Mechanical parts under real stress: go with an ABS-like or tough resin instead. Elegoo describes their ABS-like resin as tough, impact-resistant, non-brittle, and drillable.
- Models that will be used outdoors or in direct sunlight: standard resins yellow and become brittle with prolonged UV exposure.
- Flexible or living-hinge articulated parts: you'll need a dedicated flexible resin.
- Applications requiring continuous water or moisture contact: no standard resin is designed for that.
Between these two resins, if your project needs any mechanical resilience within the "standard" category, the Anycubic V2's higher elongation makes it the more logical choice. If you're after maximum rigidity and sharp surface detail for display, the Elegoo has that slight edge in hardness.
Comparison table with specs from each manufacturer
Each cell uses data published by each manufacturer for their product. Where a brand does not publish a specific value, we list it as "Not specified" rather than making up a number.
| Property | Elegoo Standard 2.0 | Anycubic Standard V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 405 nm | 365-405 nm |
| Hardness | ~84 Shore D | 80-83 Shore D |
| Elongation at break | Lower (classic standard formula ~14%) | 25-30% |
| Volumetric shrinkage | Low (exact value not specified) | 4.3-5.6% |
| Viscosity | Low (exact value not specified) | 250-350 mPa·s at 25 °C |
| Odor | Low odor, no harsh smell | Reduced vs V1, but still noticeable |
| Typical exposure | ~2.5-3 s on modern LCD printers | 2-3 s depending on printer model |
| Cleaning | IPA or ethanol | IPA ≥95% |
| Compatibility | Most 405 nm LCD/MSLA/DLP printers | Most 405 nm LCD/MSLA/DLP printers |
| Approximate price | Budget range (~$18-22/kg) | ~$18.50/kg |
Elegoo data sourced from their official datasheet and distributors; the 80-83 Shore D hardness and improved impact resistance figures for Anycubic come from their technical documentation.
Tips and gotchas worth knowing
A few things that will save you headaches with either resin:
- Shake the bottle thoroughly before every print. Anycubic's own guide says to shake the liquid resin and check that the bottom of the FEP vat is still clear. Pigment settles over time, and poor mixing will throw off your exposure settings.
- Print temperature matters. Anycubic recommends printing between 20-35 °C to avoid print failures. In cold conditions, the resin thickens and doesn't spread properly in the vat.
- Dry before curing. After washing in IPA, make sure your print is completely dry before UV curing — curing while still wet can leave you with cloudy or milky surfaces.
- Don't over-cure. Anycubic recommends a secondary cure of 3-5 minutes. Over-curing makes prints brittle, which is the exact opposite of what you're going for with the V2.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Anycubic Standard V2 in an Elegoo printer?
Yes. The V2 is compatible with any 405 nm LCD, MSLA, or DLP printer, and is documented as compatible with the Elegoo Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter after dialing in your exposure settings. You'll just need to run a calibration test, since the pre-configured profiles are tuned for Anycubic printers.
Which one is easier to clean?
Both clean up with isopropyl alcohol. Elegoo accepts IPA or ethanol, while Anycubic recommends IPA ≥95%. Neither is water-washable — for that, you'll need a dedicated water-washable resin.
How long does resin last in storage?
Store it in its original bottle, tightly sealed, in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Anycubic's guidance says the same: sealed container, away from sunlight and heat sources. Stored properly, it will last for months without degrading.
Are these suitable for dental or industrial precision models?
For scale models and visual prototypes, yes. For certified industrial or dental applications, no — these are hobbyist-grade standard resins, not biocompatible or engineering-grade materials. If you need real mechanical strength, look at ABS-like or tough resins instead.
Is the V2 worth it over the original Anycubic V1?
Absolutely. The jump in elongation at break means thin parts are far less likely to snap when removing supports, and on top of that it reduces odor and shrinkage. At the same price point, there's no reason to buy the V1 anymore.
Final Recommendation for Your Situation
If I had to pick a side: for the maker printing miniatures to paint who wants sharp edges and maximum rigidity, the Elegoo Standard 2.0 is a safe bet thanks to its hardness and low odor — a real plus in small spaces. For anyone who handles prints a lot, prototypes parts with clips, or needs minis that can survive drops and travel, the Anycubic Standard V2 wins out with that 25–30% elongation that makes it noticeably less brittle. At the same price point, if I'm forced to choose just one resin to pour into the vat and not think twice, I'm going with the Anycubic V2 for that extra toughness margin: you break fewer prints, and in the long run, that's worth more than a few cents per kilo.
See you in the workshop 😎
🔥ELEGOO Standard Resin 2.0🔥
If after reading this comparison you've decided to go with the Elegoo Standard 2.0, you can grab it right here at Mr Resin. It's formulated to deliver prints that match your digital model's exact dimensions with an ultra-smooth finish — no shrinkage to ruin your fine detail.