Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Elegoo Neptune 4
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Elegoo Neptune 4 ($199, 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 Neptune 4 takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Elegoo Neptune 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $199 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 225 x 225 x 265 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
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 Neptune 4
+Klipper at $199
+500mm/s capable
+Direct drive handles TPU
+Great value vs Ender 3
−No WiFi on base model
−Smaller community than Bambu/Creality
−Firmware can need tweaking
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 Neptune 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- A great printer for beginners
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Neptune 4 scores higher (8.2/10). 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 Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s worth $140 more than the Elegoo Neptune 4?
The Elegoo Neptune 4 actually scores higher (8.2/10) 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 Neptune 4?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Neptune 4 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.