Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Creality CR-M4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Creality CR-M4 ($599, 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 6/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Creality CR-M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $599 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 450 x 450 x 470 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 38 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 6/10 |
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
Creality CR-M4
+450mm build volume: print a torso, a chest plate, a full helmet in one run
+Dual Z axis keeps a bed this large from sagging mid-print
+Relatively affordable for the volume: comparable machines cost $1,500+
+Direct drive handles flexible and abrasive materials on a large scale
−200mm/s is the slowest print speed on the list by a wide margin: large prints take days
−38kg: this printer lives where you put it, forever
−Open frame on a 450mm machine means ABS warping is brutal without a DIY 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 Creality CR-M4 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for cosplay
- A great printer for professional
- 450x450x470mm build volume
- Auto bed leveling
- Dual Z motors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Creality CR-M4?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality CR-M4 may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Creality CR-M4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 4/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality CR-M4 worth $260 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $260 less. The Creality CR-M4 only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Creality CR-M4?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Creality CR-M4 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.