Anycubic Kobra 2 Max vs Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Anycubic printers? The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max ($399) and Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $60 gap between them. Here's how they compare across every category that matters.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability. The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max still puts up a fight in Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Kobra 2 Max | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $339 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 420 x 420 x 500 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 20.5 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Kobra 2 Max
+420x420x500mm for $399 is the largest bed you'll find at this budget
+Direct drive at this scale handles flexible filament when needed
+WiFi means you're not walking over with a USB stick for every job
−Open frame on a 420mm heated bed means serious adhesion prep is mandatory
−Full bed heating at this size takes 10+ minutes to reach temp
−Discontinued: Anycubic no longer supports this model
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
+14K resolution on a Saturn-size plate is the highest resolution in this build volume class
+Anti-warping release mechanism measurably reduces failed prints on larger models
+218x123mm plate handles busts, terrain, and multi-model runs
+Anycubic's community has solid troubleshooting documentation
−Pricier than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra at comparable specs
−Discontinued: Anycubic support and firmware updates are ending
−App is functional but rougher than Elegoo's
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for cosplay
- A great printer for budget
- 420x420x500mm build
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Choose the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for detail
- 14K mono LCD
- Anti-warping release
- Dual cooling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max better than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Kobra 2 Max or Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max worth $60 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $60 less. The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Kobra 2 Max and Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
Technology: the Anycubic Kobra 2 Max is FDM (filament) and the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.