Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s ($339, RESIN) and QIDI X-Smart 3 ($349, 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-Smart 3 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 $10 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $349 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 9.5 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 X-Smart 3
+Fully enclosed CoreXY in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers
+35C chamber heating helps layer adhesion on ABS and PETG without a full 60C setup
+QIDI's slicer is better than Creality's for enclosed use cases
+600mm/s speed in a machine this small is impressive
−175mm cube is the real ceiling: anything larger needs to be split and assembled
−QIDI's community is a fraction of Bambu's or Creality's size
−35C chamber heating is modest: the X-Plus 3's 60C chamber is meaningfully better for engineering materials
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-Smart 3 if you want:
- A great printer for compact
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Chamber heating (35C)
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Smart 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-Smart 3?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $10 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $10 gets you fully enclosed corexy in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Smart 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.