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 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 5 S1
+Cube frame is mechanically stiffer than bed-slinger designs: first layers are more consistent
+Sprite direct drive handles TPU and flexible filaments properly
+220x220x280mm Z-height is the standout dimension for tall prints
+Stock experience is genuinely good without requiring calibration
−250mm/s is embarrassingly slow in 2024: this is not a speed machine
−No WiFi means manual file management every time
−$399 is a lot when the Bambu A1 Mini does more for $199
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.