Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Elegoo Mars 5
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Two MSLA resin printers with mono LCD screens, the same stated print speed and the same standard FEP: they do the same job. Detail decides, against a price gap of about €30.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~180–250 € | ~169–199 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | — | 23 × 23 × 43.35 cm |
| Weight (kg) | — | 5.2 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 153.4 × 87 mm | 143.43 × 89.6 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 165 mm | 150 mm |
| Maximum speed | 1.17 mm/min | — |
| Declared precision | 17 μm | 35 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 87 mm | 89.6 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 17 µm | 35 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 70.2 mm/h | 70 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Standard FEP | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The device is fully compatible with the main third-party slicing software options on the market, including widely popular solutions such as Chitubox and Lychee Slicer, alongside the proprietary Anycubic Photon Workshop application. This flexibility allows users to manage advanced exposure parameters, supports, and tolerance compensation without proprietary constraints. File preparation occurs primarily via offline transfer using a USB port, ensuring a stable workflow independent of active network connections. Managing print profiles for various commercial resins is highly intuitive, facilitating the optimization of layer-by-layer curing times for both standard materials and advanced formulations. | 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
- XY resolution 17 µm against 35 µm (stated values) → small details on miniatures come out truer on the Photon Mono 4
- Usable height 165 mm against 150 mm → a 16 cm part only fits in the Photon
Which one to choose
Choose Photon Mono 4 if…
you print miniatures or small parts where fine detail matters and edges and surfaces need to be crisp. You spend about €215 instead of €184. Slicers: Chitubox, Lychee or Photon Workshop, files via USB.
Choose Mars 5 if…
you want to start with resin for as little as possible, about €184, and your models don't need the finest detail. You give up the finer resolution and a bit of usable height. Chitubox and Voxeldance Tango, files via USB.
Where to buy
Paid link: the price for you does not change. Methodology
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