Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers, $339 vs $459. 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 no specific category, while the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra takes none either. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $459 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 11 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 Saturn 4 Ultra
+218x123mm plate fits a full Warhammer squad in one run, not two
+12K resolution holds up just as well as the Mars at 14K for most print sizes
+Tilt release is worth it at this plate size: peel forces on large prints are brutal without it
+Terrain and base tiles look genuinely stunning at this resolution
−Resin consumption goes up fast when you're filling a plate this size
−Post-processing for a full plate run takes 45-60 minutes minimum
−The purifier helps but a plate this big curing kicks up more fumes
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 4 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 4 Ultra?
They tie at 7.8/10. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s suits resin and miniatures, while the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is aimed at resin and miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s to save $120.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra worth $120 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $120 less. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
Build volume (218x123x220mm vs 218x123x220mm) and print speed (150 vs 150 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is best for resin; the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra targets resin.