Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Prusa MK4S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Prusa MK4S ($929, 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
It's a dead heat, both score 7.8/10 overall. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s wins in Value, Print Quality, Speed, while the Prusa MK4S takes Beginner Friendliness, Reliability. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Prusa MK4S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $929 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 250 x 210 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 7 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
Prusa MK4S
+Prusa's QC is genuinely better than anyone else's: every printer is test-printed before shipping
+PrusaSlicer is open source and powerful, no subscription, no cloud required
+Customer support answers in hours, not weeks
+Spare parts available for 5+ year old models; no planned obsolescence
−200mm/s max is a third of what CoreXY machines do at half the price
−$929 for an open-frame bed-slinger is a hard sell in 2025
−Bambu's A1 Combo does more for $530 less
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 MK4S if you want:
- A great printer for reliability
- A great printer for open-source
- Open source
- PrusaSlicer
- Nextruder
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Prusa MK4S?
They tie at 7.8/10. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s suits resin and miniatures, while the Prusa MK4S is aimed at reliability and open-source.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Prusa MK4S?
The Prusa MK4S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa MK4S worth $590 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $590 less. The Prusa MK4S only makes sense if you specifically need reliability.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Prusa MK4S?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa MK4S is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.