Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Anycubic printers? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169) and Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $170 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 Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $170 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $339 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono 2
+6K resolution still delivers usable miniature detail for most tabletop purposes
+Compact and portable: stores on a shelf when not in use
+Photon Workshop slicer is decent for an entry-level tool
+Anycubic's brand reliability is solid at this tier
−No tilt release means FEP replacements add up quickly
−No WiFi: USB-only workflow
−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K
−Discontinued: no firmware updates coming
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 Photon Mono 2 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 6K mono LCD
- USB
- Anycubic Photon Workshop slicer
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 Photon Mono 2 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 Photon Mono 2 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 2 or Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 to save $170.
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s worth $170 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7/10). The extra $170 gets you 14k resolution on a saturn-size plate is the highest resolution in this build volume class.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
Build volume (143x89x165mm vs 218x123x220mm) and print speed (80 vs 150 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is best for budget; the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s targets resin.