Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Prusa XL
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Prusa XL ($1999, 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 Anycubic Photon Mono M5s takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 6.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Prusa XL still puts up a fight in Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Prusa XL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $1999 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 360 x 360 x 360 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 200 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 25 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 6.8/10 |
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 XL
+5 independent tool heads means true material switching, not color blending on a single hotend
+360mm cube handles parts that can't be split and glued
+Segmented heated bed powers down unused zones, saving real electricity on large prints
+Open source: the XL will be hackable in 10 years
−$1,999 and you still print at 200mm/s: the speed is hard to accept at this price
−Delivery times have been 2-4 months; plan accordingly
−The footprint requires dedicated space and a reinforced surface
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 XL if you want:
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for multi-color
- Multi-tool (up to 5 heads)
- 360mm build volume
- Segmented heatbed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Prusa XL?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Prusa XL may be the smarter buy if you need professional.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Prusa XL?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 5/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Prusa XL worth $1660 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $1660 less. The Prusa XL only makes sense if you specifically need professional.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Prusa XL?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Prusa XL is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.