Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Elegoo Mars 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Elegoo Mars 4 are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers, $339 vs $149. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Elegoo Mars 4 saves you $190 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Elegoo Mars 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $149 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.02 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 6.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
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
Elegoo Mars 4
+$149 entry into Elegoo's quality resin lineup
+7K resolution is still detailed enough for D&D and Warhammer minis
+WiFi monitoring included even at this price
+Elegoo's brand reliability is the best in budget resin
−No tilt release: FEP films will need replacing more often than the Ultra variants
−7K detail is noticeably softer than the 9K and 12K machines on fine surface textures
−Slower at 80mm/hr vs 100mm/hr on the Ultra
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 Mars 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 7K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Elegoo Mars 4?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Mars 4 may be the smarter buy if you need budget.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Elegoo Mars 4?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 to save $190.
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s worth $190 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $190 gets you 14k resolution on a saturn-size plate is the highest resolution in this build volume class.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Elegoo Mars 4?
Build volume (218x123x220mm vs 153x77x165mm) and print speed (150 vs 80 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is best for resin; the Elegoo Mars 4 targets budget.