Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs QIDI X-Max 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and QIDI X-Max 3 ($799, 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 X-Max 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Speed. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s saves you $460 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | QIDI X-Max 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $799 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 325 x 325 x 315 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 25 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 X-Max 3
+Large enclosed build volume
+Active chamber heating
+Handles all engineering materials
+Independent Z motors
−Heavy
−Expensive
−QIDI ecosystem
−Requires dedicated space
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 X-Max 3 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for professional
- Enclosed
- Large CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the QIDI X-Max 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Max 3 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 X-Max 3?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s to save $460.
Is the QIDI X-Max 3 worth $460 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The QIDI X-Max 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $460 gets you large enclosed build volume.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and QIDI X-Max 3?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Max 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.