Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus ($349, 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 Anycubic Photon Mono M5s takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Reliability. The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus still puts up a fight in Value and Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $349 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 300 x 300 x 400 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 14.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
+14K resolution for ultra-fine detail
+Anti-warping release reduces failed prints
+Saturn-class build plate
+Great detail on larger models
−Pricier than Elegoo at same size class
−Requires wash & cure post-processing
−Anycubic app less polished
Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus
+Massive build volume at $349
+Klipper pre-installed
+Direct drive
+Great for cosplay
−Mixed QC reviews
−Smaller community
−Can be loud
−No enclosure
Who Should Buy Which?
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
Choose the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- 300x300x400mm build
- Klipper
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s to save $10.
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus worth $10 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $10 less. The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.