Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Prusa Core One
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Prusa Core One ($1199, 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 Prusa Core One takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s saves you $860 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Prusa Core One |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $1199 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 250 x 220 x 270 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 22.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
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
Prusa Core One
+Prusa reliability is not marketing. It's earned over years.
+55C active chamber heating handles demanding materials
+Fully open-source, no vendor lock-in anywhere
+Kit option at $949 saves 21% if you don't mind the build
−$1,199 assembled is hard to justify against the Bambu alternatives
−Build volume is smaller than what you'd expect at this price
−22.5kg is a lot to move around
−No LiDAR, no AI monitoring
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 Prusa Core One if you want:
- A great printer for precision
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed CoreXY with active chamber heating (55C)
- Nextruder direct drive (10:1 planetary)
- 360-degree cooling duct
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Prusa Core One?
By the numbers, the Prusa Core One scores higher (8.2/10). 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 Prusa Core One?
The Prusa Core One is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa Core One worth $860 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Prusa Core One scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $860 gets you prusa reliability is not marketing. it's earned over years..
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Prusa Core One?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa Core One is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.