Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo ($449, 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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s saves you $110 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $449 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.08 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 19.35 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 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
Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo
+First sub-$500 enclosed multi-color CoreXY
+91% first-attempt success rate on multi-color jobs
+RFID auto-identifies filament type and properties
+Excellent TPU printing performance
−Finicky spool holders need improvement
−Loading routine doesn't get hot enough for high-temp filaments
−Cold build plate could use more grip
−Canvas software is functional but visually awkward
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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo if you want:
- A great printer for multi-color
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed CoreXY
- 4-color Canvas multi-color system
- 350C hardened steel nozzle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo scores higher (8/10). 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 Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo worth $110 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $110 gets you first sub-$500 enclosed multi-color corexy.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.