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. Both are scored 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 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 Saturn 3 Ultra
+218x123mm plate holds a full 10-model squad in one run at 12K resolution
+Tilt release on a plate this size dramatically reduces FEP tears
+Terrain, dungeon tiles, and large busts all fit without splitting
+150mm/hr speed is faster than most competitors at this plate size
−A full plate run goes through resin fast: budget for 500ml+ per session
−Post-processing for a full plate takes the better part of an hour
−At $299, you're also spending $80-120 on a wash and cure station before you can print anything
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.