Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Qidi Q2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and Qidi Q2 ($499, 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 Q2 takes the crown with 8.6/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s saves you $160 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Qidi Q2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $499 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 230 x 230 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 16.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
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 Q2
+65C heated chamber handles ABS, nylon, PC, and carbon fiber
+Quick-swap nozzle rivaling Bambu's convenience
+Excellent value at $499 for enclosed CoreXY with chamber heating
+Improved firmware over Q1 Pro with better material profiles
−Qidi ecosystem still smaller than Bambu's
−Build volume slightly smaller than competitors at this price
−Community resources less developed than Bambu/Creality
−Heavier than open-frame printers at 16.5kg
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 Q2 if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for speed
- Enclosed CoreXY with 65C heated chamber
- 350C tri-metal hotend
- WiFi 6 + Ethernet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Qidi Q2?
By the numbers, the Qidi Q2 scores higher (8.6/10). 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 Q2?
The Qidi Q2 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Qidi Q2 worth $160 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The Qidi Q2 scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $160 gets you 65c heated chamber handles abs, nylon, pc, and carbon fiber.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Qidi Q2?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the Qidi Q2 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.