When detail is everything — tabletop miniatures, busts, jewelry masters, dental and model-making work — resin (MSLA) printers leave FDM machines behind. Modern 12K screens resolve features a nozzle simply can’t. Here are the best resin printers we tested in 2026, plus what you need to run one safely.
Best resin picks at a glance
| Printer | Best for | Resolution | Build volume | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra | Best overall | 12K | 218×123×220 mm | ~$399 | ★★★★★ |
| Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | Best for beginners | 9K | 153×77×165 mm | ~$259 | ★★★★★ |
| Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro | Best detail | 13K | 223×126×230 mm | ~$429 | ★★★★½ |
| Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K | Best large-format | 16K | 219×123×220 mm | ~$499 | ★★★★½ |
1. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra — Best Overall
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
- Large 12K screen batches many highly detailed minis in one print.
- Fast exposures and reliable release thanks to a tilting/peel mechanism.
- Built-in activated-carbon air purifier reduces fumes.
- Resin printing is messy and needs post-processing.
The Saturn 4 Ultra hits the sweet spot of size, speed, and detail. The large 12K plate lets you fill a build with miniatures and print them all at once, and the tilt-release mechanism makes prints come off cleanly with fewer failures. For most people getting serious about resin, this is the one to buy.
2. Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra — Best for Beginners
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
- Compact, affordable, and easy to set up on a desk.
- Sharp 9K detail that's more than enough for most minis.
- Wi-Fi and auto-leveling simplify the workflow.
- Smaller plate means fewer minis per batch.
If you’re new to resin or short on space, the Mars 5 Ultra is the ideal entry point. It’s cheaper and smaller than the Saturn but still delivers crisp 9K detail, so your first minis look great. Step up to a Saturn later if you find yourself wanting to batch larger jobs.
3. Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro — Best Detail
Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro
- Ultra-high 13K screen for the finest possible detail.
- Fast printing with a high-intensity light source.
- Anycubic's app and slicer are solid.
- Premium price and the usual resin cleanup.
For sculptors and jewelers who want the absolute sharpest output, the Photon Mono M7 Pro’s 13K screen edges out the competition on fine surface detail. It’s a specialist’s pick — overkill for casual gaming minis, but exactly right when you’re printing masters or intricate art pieces.
4. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K — Best Large-Format
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K
- Combines a large plate with a 16K screen for big, ultra-sharp prints.
- Great for large busts and batches of high-detail figures.
- Pricier, and big resin prints use a lot of resin.
When you need both size and extreme detail — large busts, big batches of intricate models — the 16K version of the Saturn 4 Ultra is the top choice. It’s the most expensive pick here, but nothing else combines that build area with that resolution.
What you need to print with resin safely
- Nitrile gloves — uncured resin irritates skin; never touch it bare-handed.
- Ventilation and a respirator — print near a window or in a ventilated room; fumes are unpleasant and best avoided.
- Wash-and-cure station — wash prints in isopropyl alcohol (or use water-washable resin), then UV-cure them.
- Spare FEP/release film — it wears out and occasionally needs replacing.
- A dedicated workspace — resin printing is messy; keep it away from food prep areas.
How to choose a resin 3D printer
- Resolution: 9K is plenty for most miniatures; 12K-16K is for serious detail and larger parts.
- Build volume: Bigger plates batch more minis at once — a huge time saver if you print in volume.
- Release mechanism: Tilt/peel designs (like the Saturn 4 Ultra) reduce print failures versus straight-pull plates.
- Post-processing: Factor a wash-and-cure station into your budget; it’s not optional for good results.
The bottom line
The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is the best resin 3D printer for most people — large, fast, and detailed. New to resin or tight on space? Start with the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra. Chasing the finest possible detail? The Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro leads on resolution.