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.
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
+Cheapest high-detail resin printer
+10K resolution
+Compact
+Low entry cost
−Very small build plate
−No WiFi
−USB-only
−Slow compared to newer models
Flashforge Adventurer 5M
+Enclosed with HEPA at $299
+Toolless nozzle swap
+Very fast for an enclosed machine
+Good for families and schools
−Smaller build volume than open-frame rivals
−Proprietary nozzle system
−No camera on base model
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 at $299.
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.