Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Choosing between two Anycubic printers? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159) and Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339) both come from one of the most trusted names in 3D printing, with a $180 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 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $180 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $339 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
+$159 is the lowest you'll pay for 10K resolution resin printing
+Compact enough to fit on a shelf with the build plate folded
+10K resolution prints minis that genuinely impress non-printers
−134x75mm build plate: barely fits more than two minis at once
−USB-only workflow, no WiFi at any price point in this tier
−Slow: 100mm/hr means longer overnight print sessions
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 4 if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 10K mono LCD
- Laser-cut build plate
- USB
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 4 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 4 may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 or Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 to save $180.
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s worth $180 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $180 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 4 and Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
Build volume (134x75x130mm vs 218x123x220mm) and print speed (100 vs 150 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is best for miniatures; the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s targets resin.