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 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 K2 Plus
+350mm enclosed cube: nothing else in the consumer space matches this volume at the price
+Multi-color CFS means you're not limited to single-filament on big jobs
+Active carbon filtration handles ABS fumes at this scale
+Independent dual Z keeps the bed level on a platform this large
−27kg means you set it up once and it stays there
−CFS adds setup complexity that single-color users don't need to pay for
−At $899, this is a commitment; make sure you need 350mm before buying
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.