Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs QIDI iBox Mono2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and QIDI iBox Mono2 are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers, $339 vs $229. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 6.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the QIDI iBox Mono2 saves you $110.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | QIDI iBox Mono2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $229 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 120 x 68 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 90 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 6.4/10 |
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
QIDI iBox Mono2
+Enclosed design contains resin fumes better than open printers without relying solely on a purifier
+WiFi standard, unlike some competitors at this price
+QIDI build quality is solid and consistent
+Minimal footprint fits where other resin printers won't
−4K resolution is significantly behind competitors offering 9K at the same price
−120x68mm build volume is one of the smallest in the category
−$229 for 4K when Elegoo Mars 4 gives you 7K for $149 is a tough math problem
−QIDI's resin community is small: problems stay unsolved longer
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 QIDI iBox Mono2 if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for compact
- 4K mono LCD
- Enclosed design
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the QIDI iBox Mono2 may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or QIDI iBox Mono2?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the QIDI iBox Mono2 to save $110.
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s worth $110 more than the QIDI iBox Mono2?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 6.4/10). The extra $110 gets you 14k resolution on a saturn-size plate is the highest resolution in this build volume class.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and QIDI iBox Mono2?
Build volume (218x123x220mm vs 120x68x200mm) and print speed (150 vs 90 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is best for resin; the QIDI iBox Mono2 targets resin.