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 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 Q1 Pro
+60C actively heated chamber for ABS, nylon, and PC
+350C hotend handles every engineering filament
+WiFi 6 with 1080p monitoring and timelapse
+From unboxing to printing in 10 minutes
−Exposed heater poses safety concern (risk of shock)
−Casing materials feel cheap despite premium design
−Firmware needs improvement (custom Klipper fork)
−Limited slicer 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 actively heated chamber for abs, nylon, and pc.
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.