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.
Direct answer
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Anycubic Photon Mono M5s if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for resin and miniatures, and the safer recommendation. Choose Anycubic Photon Mono 4 only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
Best value
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
Best build volume
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
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.