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Head-to-head · Best Resin 3d Printers

Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra vs Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Smart feature users wanting high-resolution prints — read the strengths below before deciding.

Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra
Ranked #5 in Best Resin 3d Printers
Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra
3 sources2 derived$329.99as of Aug 1

The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra is a compact resin 3D printer designed for detailed small-format prints, particularly gaming accessories. Reviewers noted its mono light engine delivers better resolution and light energy than standard RGB panels. The printer ships extremely well packed with multiple protective films, though this adds complexity to setup. Users appreciate its support for high-speed resins and its suitability for intricate models. However, some found the assembly process cumbersome due to misaligned protective films and inconsistent power supply accessories. It's best suited for users seeking precision over large build volumes.

Strengths
  • — Features a mono light engine for better resolution and light energy compared to standard RGB-tinted panels
  • — Well-packed with protective films and accessories, ensuring safe shipment and setup
  • — Supports high-speed printing with Anycubic's High Speed Resin, offering faster print times
Watch-outs
  • — Includes excessive protective films that are difficult to align properly during setup
  • — Power cord shipped with European plug; lacks standard three-wire connector in included accessories
  • — Instructions are light on safety aspects and lack clarity for some assembly steps
$329.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Resin 3d Printers
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
4 sources3 derived$299.99as of Aug 1

The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra stands out as a feature-rich resin printer with a 9K monochrome display and 18 µm XY resolution, making it one of the most capable consumer models Elegoo has produced. Reviewers praised its tilt release mechanism and AI camera, though the latter was deemed ineffective due to poor positioning. The printer lacks an air filter and chamber heating, which may disappoint users seeking advanced environmental controls. While it offers Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly interface, the placement of ports and the camera's functionality are notable drawbacks. This printer is ideal for users wanting high-resolution prints with smart features but may not suit those needing advanced environmental controls.

Strengths
  • — Features a 9K monochrome display with 18 x 18 µm XY resolution for high-detail prints
  • — Includes a tilt release mechanism that reduces print stress and improves adhesion
  • — Equipped with an AI camera for real-time monitoring and time-lapse photos
Watch-outs
  • — AI camera is poorly positioned and ineffective for monitoring prints
  • — No air filter or chamber heating included
  • — Power switch and USB port located on the right side rather than front
$299.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra

The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra excels in precision with its mono light engine, offering better resolution than standard RGB panels, unlike the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra or Formlabs Form 4.

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra

The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra boasts a 9K monochrome display and tilt release mechanism, outperforming the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S in resolution and functionality. However, it falls short of the Anycubic Photon P1 in terms of thermal control and dual-material printing capabilities. Its AI camera is poorly positioned compared to the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra's network connectivity features.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAnycubic Photon Mono 4 UltraElegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Build Volume154.22 x 87.04 x 165 mm153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm³
Light SourceMono (single color cells)9K monochrome
UV Wavelength405nm resin, including Anycubic High Speed Resin—
MaterialABS, Aluminum, PolycarbonateMetal
Dimensions15"D x 10"W x 20"H13.78"D x 14.96"W x 22.04"H
Weight4 kg8.8 kg
Display Resolution10K16K
Pixel Size17 x 17 μm18 x 18 µm
Print Speed120mm/h150mm/h
Layer Height0.02-0.15 mm0.01-0.2mm
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