Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Creality Ender 5 S1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399, 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 Value, Print Quality, Speed. The Creality Ender 5 S1 still puts up a fight in Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Creality Ender 5 S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $399 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 220 x 220 x 280 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 10.2 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
Creality Ender 5 S1
+Rigid cube frame means great print quality
+Sprite direct drive extruder
+Handles tall prints well
+Good stock experience
−Not fast by modern standards
−Open frame
−No WiFi
−Pricier than Bambu A1 Mini for less
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 5 S1 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for reliability
- Cube frame
- Direct drive
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Creality Ender 5 S1 may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 worth $60 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $60 less. The Creality Ender 5 S1 only makes sense if you specifically need beginners.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Creality Ender 5 S1?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Creality Ender 5 S1 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.