Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Qidi Q1 Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Qidi Q1 Pro ($449, 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 Qidi Q1 Pro takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s saves you $110 and wins on Print Quality, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Qidi Q1 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $449 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 245 x 245 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 20.3 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 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
Qidi Q1 Pro
+60C chamber heating: ABS, nylon, and PC without warping
+350C hotend handles every engineering filament you'll throw at it
+WiFi 6, 1080p monitoring, timelapse built in
+Printing within 10 minutes of unboxing
−Exposed heater is a genuine safety concern, not just a nitpick
−Casing feels cheaper than the spec sheet suggests
−Klipper fork firmware needs work
−Thin material profiles out of the box
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 Q1 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for precision
- Enclosed CoreXY with 60C heated chamber
- 350C tri-metal hotend
- WiFi 6 + LAN connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Qidi Q1 Pro?
By the numbers, the Qidi Q1 Pro scores higher (8/10). 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 Qidi Q1 Pro?
The Qidi Q1 Pro is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Qidi Q1 Pro worth $110 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Qidi Q1 Pro scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $110 gets you 60c chamber heating: abs, nylon, and pc without warping.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Qidi Q1 Pro?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Qidi Q1 Pro is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.