Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Bambu Lab P2S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Bambu Lab P2S ($549, 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 P2S takes the crown with 9.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s saves you $210.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Bambu Lab P2S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $549 |
| 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 | 14.9 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
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 P2S
+Quick-swap nozzle: no tools, no waiting for cool-down, no thread damage from hot-tightening
+1080p AI camera pauses the print when it detects layer failures, not just notifies you
+AMS 2 Pro dries filament while printing so you don't need a separate drybox for standard materials
+5-inch touchscreen is large enough to actually use without squinting at a 2-inch screen
−No LiDAR sensor: that capability is still exclusive to the X-series
−P1S owners have no trade-in path; the upgrade cost is the full $549
−Multi-color purges still waste filament; purge blocks help but don't fix the root issue
−The $799 Combo version gets close enough to the H2D's price that a comparison is warranted
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 P2S if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for engineering
- Enclosed CoreXY
- AMS 2 Pro compatible
- 5-inch touchscreen
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Bambu Lab P2S?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P2S scores higher (9.2/10). 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 P2S?
The Bambu Lab P2S is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P2S worth $210 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Bambu Lab P2S scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $210 gets you quick-swap nozzle: no tools, no waiting for cool-down, no thread damage from hot-tightening.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Bambu Lab P2S?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Bambu Lab P2S is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.