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. We scored both 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 for ultra-fine detail
+Anti-warping release reduces failed prints
+Saturn-class build plate
+Great detail on larger models
−Pricier than Elegoo at same size class
−Requires wash & cure post-processing
−Anycubic app less polished
QIDI iBox Mono2
+Compact enclosed design reduces odor spread
+WiFi standard
+QIDI build quality
+Minimal desk footprint
−4K resolution dated
−Smaller build volume
−QIDI resin community less established
−Pricier than alternatives at this spec
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 for ultra-fine detail.
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.