Anycubic Photon Mono 2 vs Flashforge Adventurer 5M
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 ($169, RESIN) and Flashforge Adventurer 5M ($299, FDM) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Flashforge Adventurer 5M takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 saves you $130.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | Flashforge Adventurer 5M |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 143 x 89 x 165 mm | 220 x 220 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg | 11 kg |
| Overall Score | 7/10 | 8.6/10 |
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−6K resolution is outdated next to $149 competitors offering 7K and 9K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
Flashforge Adventurer 5M
+Enclosed with HEPA filter for $299: 80 dollars cheaper than the Pro version with the same key features
+Toolless nozzle swap takes 30 seconds: pull the module out, snap the new one in
+600mm/s inside an enclosure is faster than most open-frame budget machines
+Family and school-safe: hot parts contained, fumes filtered
−220mm cube is smaller than open-frame rivals at this price
−Proprietary nozzle modules: you can't use standard 0.4mm nozzles
−No camera on the base model: add $30-40 for remote monitoring
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 Flashforge Adventurer 5M if you want:
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed
- Auto leveling
- Quick-swap nozzle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 better than the Flashforge Adventurer 5M?
By the numbers, the Flashforge Adventurer 5M scores higher (8.6/10). 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 Flashforge Adventurer 5M?
The Flashforge Adventurer 5M is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Flashforge Adventurer 5M worth $130 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 2?
The Flashforge Adventurer 5M scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7/10). The extra $130 gets you enclosed with hepa filter for $299: 80 dollars cheaper than the pro version with the same key features.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 2 and Flashforge Adventurer 5M?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is RESIN (filament) and the Flashforge Adventurer 5M is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.