Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Creality K1
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Creality K1 ($419, 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 K1 takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s saves you $80 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Creality K1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $419 |
| 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 | 12.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
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 K1
+Enclosed CoreXY at 600mm/s without needing to buy the larger K1 Max
+Auto leveling and WiFi are standard, not options
+Toolless nozzle removal: unscrew nothing, pull the hotend out by hand
+Handles ABS well enough that most users don't feel they need active heating
−220mm cube feels cramped next to the K1 Max's 300mm
−Firmware shipped with issues that needed patches before it printed well
−Enclosure is passive, not heated: ABS warping is reduced, not eliminated
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 K1 if you want:
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Auto bed leveling
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Creality K1?
By the numbers, the Creality K1 scores higher (8.6/10). 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 K1?
The Creality K1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality K1 worth $80 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Creality K1 scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $80 gets you enclosed corexy at 600mm/s without needing to buy the larger k1 max.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Creality K1?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Creality K1 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.