Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Flashforge Adventurer 5M
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, 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 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $140 and wins on Value, Print Quality.
Direct answer
Flashforge Adventurer 5M is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Flashforge Adventurer 5M if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for enclosed and beginners, 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
Flashforge Adventurer 5M
Best value
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
Best build volume
Flashforge Adventurer 5M
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Flashforge Adventurer 5M |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 220 x 220 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 11 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
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
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 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 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 4 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 4 may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 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 $140 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Flashforge Adventurer 5M scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $140 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 4 and Flashforge Adventurer 5M?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Flashforge Adventurer 5M is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.