Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Bambu Lab P1S Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Bambu Lab P1S Combo ($699, 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 Bambu Lab P1S Combo takes the crown with 8.8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s saves you $360.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Bambu Lab P1S Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $699 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 17.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
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
Bambu Lab P1S Combo
+Enclosed chamber plus AMS multi-material in one box, no separate AMS purchase
+HEPA filter handles ABS fumes; the enclosure keeps chamber temperature stable
+Up to 16 colors by daisy-chaining 4 AMS units
+Bambu's reliability track record is the best in the consumer market
−$699 is a significant step up from the A1 Combo's $399
−The P1S hardware is being superseded by the P2S; check current pricing before buying
−AMS still wastes filament on color transitions; purge blocks help but don't eliminate it
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
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 Bambu Lab P1S Combo if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for multi-color
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Multi-material (AMS, up to 16 colors with 4 units)
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Bambu Lab P1S Combo?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher (8.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Bambu Lab P1S Combo?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S Combo worth $360 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Bambu Lab P1S Combo scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $360 gets you enclosed chamber plus ams multi-material in one box, no separate ams purchase.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Bambu Lab P1S Combo?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Bambu Lab P1S Combo is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.