Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers, $339 vs $199. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat, both score 7.8/10 overall. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s wins in Print Quality, Speed, while the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra takes Value, Beginner Friendliness. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $199 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 153 x 77 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 6.8 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
Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
+9K resolution is a meaningful jump from 7K: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts
+Tilt release means FEP films last longer; $50 less per year in consumables is real money
+Built-in air purifier takes the edge off the smell without requiring an external solution
+WiFi monitoring means you can start a print and check it from another room
−153x77mm plate is tight for anything larger than small character models
−Still needs a wash and cure station: budget $50-80 extra
−Resin workflow is messier and slower to start than FDM
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 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 9K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
They tie at 7.8/10. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s suits resin and miniatures, while the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is aimed at miniatures and resin.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s worth $140 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $140 less. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
Build volume (218x123x220mm vs 153x77x165mm) and print speed (150 vs 100 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is best for resin; the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra targets miniatures.