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. We scored both 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 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 Mars 4
+Cheapest Elegoo Mars with WiFi
+7K resolution still excellent for minis
+Small footprint
+Known brand reliability
−No tilt release (higher FEP wear)
−Slower than Ultra variants
−7K less sharp than 9K/12K siblings
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 for ultra-fine detail.
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.