Elegoo Resin vs Anycubic: Which one are you taking home for your 3D printing? 🧐

Hands on the resin, makers! Today we're going to settle one of the most talked-about debates in the world of 3D printing: Elegoo vs Anycubic resin. If you're looking for the short answer: in my experience, Elegoo tends to be the king for achieving exquisite detail in miniatures, while Anycubic often takes the crown for strength-to-price ratio on functional parts.

But of course, there's more to it than that. The perfect resin for you depends on what you're going to print, your budget, and even how much you feel like cleaning up afterwards. But don't worry, that's exactly what I'm here for! I've got you covered.

Elegoo vs Anycubic: quick recommendation

I know your time is precious and sometimes you just need a quick guide to get printing right away. As Mr Resin, I've tested an arsenal of resins for 3D printers and I've put together this table so you can get straight to the point.

Think of this as a shortcut to get your bearings before we dive into the detailed analysis.

Elegoo vs Anycubic: quick recommendation

A quick guide to help you decide which brand best suits your main needs.

This table gives you a good initial idea, but the real magic lies in knowing the details of each resin family. So, if you already have a clear starting point, keep reading to discover which is the bottle you truly need.

Analysis of standard resins for everyday use

Here's where the good stuff starts, makers. We're going to put Elegoo and Anycubic's standard resins head to head — the ones most of us use for quick prototypes, figures for painting, and everyday parts. These are the true all-rounders of our workshop.

From my experience, I've gone through litres of both the Elegoo Standard Resin 2.0 and the Anycubic Standard Resin+. So I'm not just going by the label; I'm telling you how they really perform.

Hardness and detail in the ring

The first thing that stands out when curing them is their mechanical behaviour. The main difference between Anycubic's standard resin and Elegoo's is brittleness. Anycubic's tends to be slightly less brittle. This makes it perfect for parts that are going to take a bit of a beating, like wargame figures that you'll be constantly moving and handling.

On the other hand, Elegoo's resin has almost always given me slightly superior definition on sharp edges and very, very fine details. It's my first choice when I print a bust or a miniature where every tiny engraving counts.

It's no surprise that the Elegoo Standard 2.0 has become one of the favourites in the Spanish market. It has dominated sales throughout 2024, with a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Its low viscosity is key: it allows for faster prints and much easier VAT cleaning.

Smell and ease of cleaning

Let's be honest, smell matters, and a lot. Both brands have greatly improved their formulas to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but neither is odourless. In my opinion, the Anycubic Standard Resin+ has a slightly less pungent smell than Elegoo's.

As for cleaning, Elegoo's lower viscosity is an advantage, as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) carries away uncured resin residue more easily. Even so, both clean up beautifully if you follow a good washing protocol.

If you want to dive deeper into the general properties of resins, I recommend taking a look at this complete guide to consumer resins that I put together a while back.

Comparison of special resins by use case

Not everything in life is about printing standard parts, right? There are times when you need something more: bombproof durability, jaw-dropping detail, or simply not wanting to complicate your life with post-processing. This is where Elegoo and Anycubic bring out the heavy artillery with their special resins, and things get really interesting.

I'm going to get stuck in with the three categories you ask me about the most.

Water-washable resins: goodbye, alcohol! 👋

For a lot of people, the main hassle with resin is having to handle isopropyl alcohol to clean their parts. That's why water-washable resins are a real liberation. I've worked extensively with the Elegoo Water Washable and the Anycubic Water-Wash Resin+.

My feeling is that Elegoo's resin is slightly less viscous. This really helps keep the finest details pristine with just a simple rinse of water. On the other hand, Anycubic's, although somewhat thicker, has given me parts that, once cured, are more robust and less brittle.

My recommendation as Mr Resin: if what you're looking for is maximum convenience when cleaning figures and quick prototypes, the Elegoo is wonderful. But if you need those same parts to hold up to a bit more wear and tear, I'd lean towards Anycubic's.

ABS-like resins for parts that can take a serious beating

Now, if your thing is printing functional parts like gears, casings, or anything that's going to take some knocks, ABS-like resins are your best allies. They manage to mimic the toughness of ABS plastic from filament printers, but with the incredible definition of resin.

In this field, the Anycubic ABS-Like Resin+ is my workhorse. It offers a fantastic balance between hardness and a slight flexibility that prevents the part from snapping in two on first impact. The Elegoo ABS-Like Resin, on the other hand, feels a bit more rigid to me, which makes it perfect for precision fits that demand very, very tight tolerances.

And if you need something that's really going to take a beating, like drone components or workshop tools, the Anycubic Tough range is on another level entirely. If you're curious, you can take a look at my full review of the Anycubic Tough Ultra, where I really put it through its paces.

8K and 12K high-definition resins: the pinnacle of detail

When the only goal is achieving an almost obsessive level of detail for competition miniatures or jewelry prototypes, we enter the Champions League of resins. Here, the Elegoo 8K Standard and the Anycubic DLP Craftsman are two heavyweights.

Both have very low viscosity, which allows them to flow perfectly and capture every last pore of a figure's skin. However, in my tests, Elegoo's formula has given me slightly sharper results, with fewer overexposure issues on minuscule details. What I like most about this resin is its consistency. The Anycubic one is spectacularly good, don't get me wrong, but it requires dialing in the print settings a bit more to get the most out of it.

So you can see everything at a glance, here's a quick summary of these specialty resins.

Elegoo vs Anycubic specialty resin comparison table

A practical summary of the properties, advantages, and recommended use cases for the most popular specialty resins from both brands, helping you make a quick decision.

As you can see, the choice isn't so much about which brand is "better" overall, but about which of their specialty resins fits like a glove with what you're trying to achieve. Each one has its moment and its place in the workshop.

Are resins and 3D printers from different brands compatible?

This is the million-dollar question, the one you ask me almost every day. "Hey Mr Resin, can I use Anycubic resin in my brand-new Elegoo Saturn?". The short and straight answer is yes, of course you can. Resin 3D printers are "brand-agnostic"; what matters to them is that the resin you use reacts to the UV light from their screen.

That said, the long answer has its nuances. It's not as simple as opening the bottle, pouring it in, and hitting the print button.

How to make cross-brand combinations work

The real trick to getting an Elegoo resin and an Anycubic 3D printer (or vice versa) to work well together lies in the print settings. Never, and let this be clear, never, use the same settings for one resin as you would for another. Each formula has its own "recipe" of exposure times, and that's where the difference between success and failure lies.

My personal method is always the same:

1. I look for profiles in the community: First thing, I browse forums or Telegram groups. It's almost certain that someone has already run the same experiment and shared their settings.
2. I start with the recommended values: The resin manufacturer (not the 3D printer manufacturer) usually provides a set of starting settings. I use those as my starting point.
3. I run a calibration test: Before launching a 12-hour print, I always print an exposure test like the Cones of Calibration. Trust me, it will save you a lot of headaches.

From personal experience, Anycubic resins are rock solid, super consistent. They've given me reliable results across a wide range of 3D printers from other brands with very few adjustments. With Elegoo resins, especially the low-viscosity ones, I've found you get the most out of them when used with their own newer 3D printers, which feature fast-release technologies.

In the Spanish market, the numbers back up the fact that certain combinations are the most popular. For example, Elegoo resin 3D printers like the Saturn 4 Ultra with its 12K mono LCD screen have sold 28% more than their Anycubic rivals so far in 2024. At Mr Resin we've seen that our Elegoo resins of the ABS-like type can reduce post-processing costs by as much as 22%, a figure that many professional workshops take very seriously. If you're interested in the topic, you can find more data on leading industry reference websites.

To avoid any guesswork, it's essential that you keep your settings under control. If you're looking for a trusted resource, I recommend you take a look at my guide on Elegoo resin settings.

Visual differences in miniatures and functional parts

Theory is all well and good, but where the differences really show is when you have the parts in your hands. Let's set aside the data sheets and focus on what matters: how do these resins actually look and perform in the real world?

I've printed the same models using equivalent resins from Elegoo and Anycubic. On one hand, a miniature packed with fine detail and, on the other, a mechanical part that needs to be precise. Let's see who wins each round.

Under the magnifying glass: miniatures

For minis, the battle is all about the small details. Here I've put the Elegoo 8K Standard and the Anycubic High Speed head to head. Both deliver jaw-dropping results, but each one shines in its own way.

With Elegoo, the sharpness is incredible. The textures of a cloak, the wrinkles on a face, or the engravings on a suit of armor appear with an almost surgical definition. The edges are incredibly clean and crisp. It's my go-to when I want every last rivet to look perfect.

Anycubic, on the other hand, gives me a more "rounded" and solid visual feel. The detail is still excellent, but the finish is ever so slightly softer. This is fantastic for figures you're going to paint using techniques like drybrushing, because the volumes stand out beautifully and the paint adheres wonderfully.

Mr Resin's verdict for miniatures: If you're a detail purist who wants crystal-clear clarity, Elegoo resins in high definition won't let you down. If what you're looking for is a perfect balance between detail and a robust piece that holds up well through gaming and painting sessions, you'll feel right at home with Anycubic.

Precision and durability in functional parts

Now, let's move on to parts that need to actually work. Here, dimensional precision and strength are key. For this test, I've pitted the Elegoo ABS-Like against the Anycubic ABS-Like Resin+.

My tests tell me that Anycubic resin has slightly lower post-curing shrinkage. What does this mean? Greater precision in the final measurements — something crucial for parts that need to fit together perfectly. On top of that, its impact resistance is impressive; ideal for prototypes you know are going to take a knock or two.

For its part, Elegoo resin is a bit more rigid, which is an advantage for parts that must not flex at all. I've also noticed that the "elephant foot" (that expansion in the first layers) is slightly less pronounced, which makes fine-tuning easier and saves you some sanding.

The Elegoo vs Anycubic resin comparison shows us that there's no absolute winner — just a champion for each project. The question is: which battle do you want to win?

My final verdict: Elegoo or Anycubic? When to choose each one

After going over it so many times, it's time to take a stand. Here's my honest, unfiltered opinion, based on the hundreds of bottles I've tested in the workshop. The Elegoo vs Anycubic war isn't about good guys and bad guys — it's about strategy, about knowing which resin you need for each project.

To make it crystal clear, I've put together a quick scenario guide. That way you'll always make the right call!

My personal cheat sheet for every maker 📝

Take note of this. Find which scenario matches yours and you'll know which bottle to throw in the cart next time.

• If you're a miniature painter and you're into wargames: When every micron of detail is crucial for your display figures or for the battlefield, Elegoo is your best bet. Their high-resolution resins (8K, 12K, and 14K) have a lower viscosity than the competition, and it shows. They capture every last surface detail and leave an ultra-smooth finish, perfect for applying complex painting techniques afterwards.

• If you're an engineer or need functional prototypes: For parts that need to take a beating, like gears that won't snap at the first sign of stress or sturdy housings, my recommendation is clear: Anycubic's ABS-like range. Its toughness and flexibility are fantastic, and the strength-to-price ratio is very hard to beat. They're absolute tanks for your prototypes.

• If you're just starting out and don't want hassles: When you first land in the world of resin, what you're looking for is ease of use. In this case, I'd tell you to start with the water-washable resins from either brand. Although, in my experience, Elegoo Water Washable is a little more forgiving; its low viscosity makes washing easier and reduces the risk of residue ruining the details.

Mr Resin's tip: Don't commit to just one brand. The smartest move is to keep a bottle of Anycubic resins in the workshop for heavy-duty parts and another of Elegoo for when you're after maximum definition. That way you'll always have the secret weapon for every project!

The numbers in Spain confirm it. The preference for Elegoo resins for miniatures and wargames is clear, with a market share of 42% in 2024. In fact, at Mr Resin we have recorded 25% more orders in transparent and 14K Elegoo resins.

And while Anycubic is a giant in filament (FDM), in the resin arena, Elegoo's formula — with an average of 30% lower viscosity — has won the hearts of enthusiasts, cutting washing time by up to 40%. If you're curious about both technologies, you can discover more about resin and filament 3D printing.

Frequently asked questions about Elegoo and Anycubic resins

After so much information, it's normal to still have a few questions lingering. But that's what I'm here for! I've compiled the questions you ask me time and time again about the eternal battle: Elegoo vs Anycubic resin. Here are the answers, straight to the point, so you always have them on hand.

Can I mix Elegoo and Anycubic resin?

Technically, you could. That said, my advice as a fellow maker: don't even think about it. I don't recommend it at all, especially if what you're after is reliability in your prints.

Each resin has its own chemical formula (pigments, photoinitiators, monomers...). If you mix them, you'll most likely end up with a weird concoction that doesn't cure properly. This translates into print failures, partial curing, or parts that break just by looking at them. For experimenting to see what happens? Fine, but accept that it's a lottery and the print could go completely wrong.

Which resin is best for beginners?

If you've just landed in this world, what you need is a resin that forgives beginner mistakes. In my experience, both Elegoo Standard Resin and Anycubic Standard Resin+ are two fantastic options to start with.

That said, if I have to pick a side, I tend to recommend Anycubic standard resin a little more for those just starting out. The reason is simple: it has a slightly wider exposure window. In plain terms, this means it's more forgiving if your curing times aren't perfect, and that will save you a lot of headaches at the beginning.

Do I need different profiles for each resin brand?

Yes, yes, and a thousand times yes. Burn this into your memory because it will save you 90% of your problems. Every resin, even within the same brand and type, needs its own print profile. Don't even think about using the settings from an Elegoo ABS-like for an Anycubic standard resin.

The trick that never fails: start with the profiles recommended by the resin manufacturer (not the printer manufacturer!). From there, run a quick calibration test, like the "Cones of Calibration," and adjust the exposure times until it's dialed in perfectly. Never launch a large print without calibrating first!

Is there a big price difference between the two in Spain?

If we look at the cost per kilo, the truth is that both brands play in the same league. They are super competitive and prices tend to be almost identical, especially in the standard ranges. Normally the difference is just a few euros either way.

What you might find is that, every now and then, one of the two launches a stronger promotion, or that for a very specific type of resin, one offers better value for money than the other. My advice: keep an eye on the promos, but don't let a couple of euros make the decision for you if the other resin is clearly better for your project.

Conclusion: Elegoo or Anycubic? The choice is yours!

And that wraps up the head-to-head! As we've seen, there is no absolute winner in the Elegoo vs Anycubic Resin battle. The main difference is that Elegoo tends to shine more in fine detail for miniatures, while Anycubic takes the medal in durability for functional parts.

My final advice is don't commit to just one. Experiment! Try an Anycubic standard resin for your workhorse parts and save an Elegoo 8K for that display figure keeping you up at night. The best part of this hobby is testing, failing, and learning.

Now that you have all the info, what are you waiting for? Head over to the store and get the resin your next project needs. I want to see those prints!