Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Prusa Mini+
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Prusa Mini+ ($459, 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 Mini+ takes the crown with 8.2/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s saves you $120 and wins on Print Quality, Speed.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Prusa Mini+ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $459 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 180 x 180 x 180 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 180 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 4 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 Mini+
+Prusa's reputation for reliability is earned — this is their most-owned printer globally
+PrusaSlicer profiles are the gold standard; third-party slicers treat Prusa as the reference
+Open-source means every component is documented, replaceable, and community-supported
+SuperPINDA gives consistently excellent first layers without manual tramming
+4kg makes it genuinely portable — fits in a carry-on with room
−180×180×180mm is small — limits to desk accessories, figurines, and small functional parts
−180mm/s is slow compared to Bambu or Creality CoreXY machines
−Semi-enclosed means ABS warping is still a risk without an aftermarket enclosure
−Prusa charges a premium; the hardware isn't exceptional by 2025 standards
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 Mini+ if you want:
- A great printer for reliability
- A great printer for beginner
- A great printer for value
- A great printer for desktop
- MINI/E input shaper toolhead (NextruderMINI compatible)
- SuperPINDA probe for first-layer precision
- Prusa Connect remote monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Prusa Mini+?
By the numbers, the Prusa Mini+ 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 Mini+?
The Prusa Mini+ is more beginner-friendly (9/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa Mini+ worth $120 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Prusa Mini+ scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $120 gets you prusa's reputation for reliability is earned — this is their most-owned printer globally.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Prusa Mini+?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa Mini+ is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.