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.
Direct answer
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Anycubic Photon Mono M5s if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for resin and miniatures, and the safer recommendation. Choose Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
Best value
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
Best build volume
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
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.