Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Creality Ender 5 S1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399, 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
It's a dead heat, both score 7.4/10 overall. The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 wins in Value, Print Quality, while the Creality Ender 5 S1 takes Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Creality Ender 5 S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $399 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 220 x 220 x 280 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 10.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.4/10 |
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
Creality Ender 5 S1
+Cube frame is mechanically stiffer than bed-slinger designs: first layers are more consistent
+Sprite direct drive handles TPU and flexible filaments properly
+220x220x280mm Z-height is the standout dimension for tall prints
+Stock experience is genuinely good without requiring calibration
−250mm/s is embarrassingly slow in 2024: this is not a speed machine
−No WiFi means manual file management every time
−$399 is a lot when the Bambu A1 Mini does more for $199
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 Creality Ender 5 S1 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for reliability
- Cube frame
- Direct drive
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
They tie at 7.4/10. The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 suits miniatures and resin, while the Creality Ender 5 S1 is aimed at beginners and reliability.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 or Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 worth $240 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $240 less. The Creality Ender 5 S1 only makes sense if you specifically need beginners.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Creality Ender 5 S1?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Creality Ender 5 S1 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.