Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Elegoo Neptune 4 Max
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max ($469, 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 Anycubic Photon Mono M5s takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Reliability. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max still puts up a fight in Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Elegoo Neptune 4 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $469 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 420 x 420 x 480 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 22 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 7/10 |
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 Neptune 4 Max
+420x420x480mm with Klipper for $469: the price-to-volume ratio is hard to beat
+Direct drive on a bed this large is unusual and useful for flexible materials
+Klipper gives you full control to tune speed and acceleration for the mass of this bed
+Prints full armor breastplates in a single run
−Open frame at this scale means ABS warping will ruin prints without serious prep
−The sheer footprint means a dedicated table minimum; don't try to share desk space
−Slower effective speeds on a 420mm heated bed: physics wins eventually
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 Max if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for cosplay
- Klipper firmware
- Auto bed leveling
- Direct drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max may be the smarter buy if you need large-prints.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max worth $130 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $130 less. The Elegoo Neptune 4 Max only makes sense if you specifically need large-prints.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Elegoo Neptune 4 Max?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Elegoo Neptune 4 Max is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.