Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra are both RESIN 3D printers competing in the same price bracket — $339 vs $299. We scored both across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $299 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 218 x 123 x 260 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 |
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 Saturn 3 Ultra
+12K resolution across a large build plate
+Tilt release for longer FEP life
+Batch print entire armies
+Great for busts and terrain
−Heavy resin consumption at full plate
−Post-processing takes longer at this size
−Still needs wash & cure station
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 Saturn 3 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for large-prints
- 12K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra scores higher (8/10). 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 Saturn 3 Ultra?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra to save $40.
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s worth $40 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $40 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 Saturn 3 Ultra?
Build volume (218x123x220mm vs 218x123x260mm) and print speed (150 vs 150 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is best for resin; the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra targets resin.