Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Creality Ender 3 V3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Creality Ender 3 V3 ($289, 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 Creality Ender 3 V3 takes the crown with 8.4/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s still puts up a fight in Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Creality Ender 3 V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $289 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 8.6 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
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 Ender 3 V3
+CoreXZ architecture at $289 is genuinely absurd value
+Klipper comes pre-installed, no flashing required
+600mm/s keeps up with machines twice the price
+Upgrade path is wide open: Klipper means the community has covered everything
−No WiFi means you're walking to the printer with a USB stick
−No enclosure: ABS will warp, ABS will warp, ABS will warp
−Creality's own software is clunky; Bambu Studio is just better
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 Ender 3 V3 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- CoreXZ
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Creality Ender 3 V3?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 3 V3 scores higher (8.4/10). 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 Creality Ender 3 V3?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s worth $50 more than the Creality Ender 3 V3?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 actually scores higher (8.4/10) despite costing $50 less. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Creality Ender 3 V3?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Creality Ender 3 V3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.