Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra vs Elegoo Mars 5
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Two resin printers with a monochrome LCD screen, from the same year and with a nearly identical build plate: the choice is between a finer XY resolution and €115 left in your pocket. It matters to anyone printing miniatures and small tabletop models.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 299 € | ~169–199 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 25.1 × 25.1 × 38.3 cm | 23 × 23 × 43.35 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 4.1 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 153.36 × 87.03 mm | 143.43 × 89.6 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 165 mm | 150 mm |
| Power (W) | 66 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 240 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 105 mm/min | — |
| Declared precision | 17 μm | 35 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 87.03 mm | 89.6 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 17 µm | 35 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 105 mm/h | 70 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Standard FEP | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The system supports standard file formats derived from the main slicing software on the market, offering full compatibility with Anycubic Photon Workshop. The native application provides advanced tools for optimal model orientation, automatic or manual generation of complex supports, and geometric resin compensation to prevent shrinkage issues. Although the printer includes network connectivity features for optional remote monitoring of the work cycle and file transfer via local network, all fundamental configuration and printing operations remain fully accessible offline via the integrated touch screen and USB input. | The device supports the leading slicing programs on the market, including Chitubox and Voxeldance Tango, ensuring high flexibility in print file preparation. Integration with these software tools allows optimal management of resin exposure parameters, support generation, and production time optimization. Since there is no mandatory dependence on proprietary cloud platforms, users retain full local control over their workflows via USB file transfer. This feature ensures maximum project confidentiality and operational continuity even without a stable internet connection, making file management simple, secure, and immediate for any level of experience. |
The differences that matter
- Declared XY resolution 17 µm versus 35 µm → on miniatures the finest details come out sharper with the Mono 4 Ultra.
- Z height 165 mm versus 150 mm → the Mono 4 Ultra takes a part 15 mm taller.
- Price €299 versus around €184 → €115 more buys detail, not room on the plate.
Which one to choose
Choose Photon Mono 4 Ultra if…
You print tabletop miniatures or parts with tiny details, and you do it every week: at the manufacturer's declared 17 µm, against 35 µm on the Mars 5, the smallest details come out sharper. You pay €299, €115 more, and gain no surface: the same plates fit on the build area.
Choose Mars 5 if…
This is your first resin printer, or you print prototypes, supports and bases where the last bit of detail doesn't decide the result. The Mars 5 costs around €184, €115 less, and its 143×90 mm build area takes plates of similar size. You give up the 17 µm: at a declared 35 µm the finest details come out less crisp.
Where to buy
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MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: the purchase links are the same as on the two product sheets and don't influence the verdict. The sheets have the complete data.