Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Creality K2 Plus
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Creality K2 Plus ($899, 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
It's a dead heat — both score 7.8/10 overall. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s wins in Value, Print Quality, while the Creality K2 Plus takes Speed. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Creality K2 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $899 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 350 x 350 x 350 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 27 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
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 K2 Plus
+Enormous enclosed build volume
+Multi-color capability
+Active filtration
+Serious workhorse
−Expensive
−Very heavy (27kg)
−CFS system adds cost
−Needs dedicated space
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 K2 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for multi-color
- Enclosed
- 350mm build volume
- CFS multi-color
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Creality K2 Plus?
They tie at 7.8/10. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s suits resin and miniatures, while the Creality K2 Plus is aimed at large-prints and professional.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Creality K2 Plus?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s to save $560.
Is the Creality K2 Plus worth $560 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $560 less. The Creality K2 Plus only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Creality K2 Plus?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Creality K2 Plus is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.