Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs Anycubic Photon Mono M5s: 2026 Comparison

What are the key differences between the Mars 5 Ultra and the Photon Mono M5s?

The Mars 5 Ultra focuses on 9K resolution with smart auto-calibration, while the Photon M5s offers 12K and an automatic leveling system. Both sit around the $300 mark but target slightly different users.

Elegoo has positioned the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra as its entry into the ultra-definition segment, featuring an 8520 x 4320 pixel screen (what marketing refers to as "9K"). Anycubic answers with the Photon Mono M5s and its 12K panel, promising even finer detail.

Here's where things get interesting: according to the specs, the Mars 5 Ultra has 18-micron pixels, while typical 12K printers come in around 19x24 microns. In other words, Elegoo has achieved smaller pixels despite lower total resolution. On paper, this should translate to equally fine detail but with lighter files and faster processing times.

The design philosophy is clear: Elegoo prioritizes the balance between print quality and workflow speed, while Anycubic pushes for maximum resolution regardless of the performance trade-off. For 28–32mm miniatures, both should deliver virtually identical results. The real difference will show up on larger prints, where the 12K panel may have an edge on smooth surfaces.

What are the technical specs of each printer?

The Mars 5 Ultra offers a 153.36 x 77.76 x 165mm build volume with speeds up to 150mm/h. The Photon M5s promises similar specs but uses its 12K resolution as its main differentiator.

One spec worth highlighting from Elegoo's announcement is the 92% light uniformity. That means the corners receive nearly the same UV intensity as the center — something critical for large print runs. Also notable is the 60,000-cycle release film lifespan before replacement. If that holds up in real-world use, you're looking at years of heavy printing without touching the FEP.

The LED thermal protection kicking in at 80°C also sounds promising. In theory, it should prevent overheating during marathon print sessions — though it remains to be seen whether it cuts prints short due to overly cautious triggering.

Which printer produces better detail on miniatures?

With an 18-micron XY resolution, the Mars 5 Ultra should match or outperform the M5s on standard 28–32mm miniatures, where the difference between 9K and 12K is imperceptible to the human eye.

This is where the marketing numbers run into physical reality. Yes, 12K sounds better than 9K — but when you're comparing 18-micron pixels to 19x24-micron pixels, the Mars 5 Ultra has a genuine advantage in pixel density. For context: a human hair is roughly 70 microns thick. We're talking about a 1–6 micron difference between these two machines.

For wargaming or D&D miniatures, where the finest details — chains, runes, skin textures — rarely drop below 0.1mm, both printers should deliver indistinguishable results. The real differences will show up in:

• Jewelry and accessories with sub-millimeter engraving
• Dental prototypes where every micron matters
• Large curved surface parts where aliasing is most visible

What users do report in forums is that the difference between 4K and 9K is hard to notice visually, but you get faster print speeds. If this holds up, the Mars 5 Ultra would hit the sweet spot between quality and productivity.

Which One Is Faster in Real-World Use?

The Mars 5 Ultra advertises 150mm/h as its top speed, but in actual use with 1.6-second exposure times per layer, expect more like 60–80mm/h with standard resins.

The 150mm/h figure is the typical marketing number you'll only hit with ultra-fast resins, minimum exposures, and a lot of luck keeping your supports intact. In documented real-world tests, users configure the Mars 5 Ultra with 1.6-second exposures for Elegoo resins compatible with the Mars 5 Ultra, which translates to much more conservative actual speeds.

One interesting finding is that testers confirm the Mars 5 Ultra performs better with Elegoo resin than with Anycubic, requiring slower speeds to get optimal results with the latter. This isn't surprising — manufacturers optimize their machines for their own resins — but it does mean that if you have a stock of Anycubic resins compatible with the Photon M5s, you may be better off sticking with that ecosystem.

Your actual print speed will depend more on your workflow than on the machine itself:

• Layer thickness: 0.05mm for detail vs. 0.1mm for speed
• Support density: 0.2mm tip diameter based on test results
• Resin type: standard vs. rapid vs. tough
• Lift time between layers

Which Has the Better Software Ecosystem and Community?

Elegoo includes 3 months of ChituBox Pro (worth ~€50) and has a more active community on Reddit. Anycubic has its own slicer but less presence in Western forums.

The Mars 5 Ultra comes with a temporary ChituBox Pro license — the de facto standard for resin printing. This gives you access to advanced features like smart auto-orientation and optimized support generation. After 3 months, you can drop back to the free version or pay for a subscription if the Pro features are worth it to you.

On the community side, Elegoo has a clear edge on forums like r/ElegooMars, with thousands of active users sharing profiles and troubleshooting tips. Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra settings for different resins are constantly being updated by the community, while finding reliable configurations for the M5s takes more digging or your own trial and error.

Anycubic offers Photon Workshop as a ChituBox alternative, but let's be honest — most of us end up using ChituBox or Lychee for the greater flexibility and frequent updates. CTB file support is universal, so there's no real lock-in with either ecosystem.

Which Offers Better After-Sales Support in Spain?

Both brands have official distributors in Spain, but Elegoo stands out for faster RMA response times and better parts availability on Amazon. Anycubic has technical support but with more variable response times.

If you buy the Mars 5 Ultra from Mr Resin for €279, you get the added benefit of local support on top of the manufacturer's. For replacement parts like FEP film, LCD screens, or fans, Elegoo keeps better stock on Amazon Spain, while Anycubic parts sometimes mean waiting on shipments from China.

One point in favor of Elegoo is its auto-leveling system which, according to expert reports, eliminates adhesion failures caused by improper bed leveling. Fewer user errors mean fewer returns and headaches. The M5s also features automatic leveling that promises similar results, but without real user feedback it's hard to compare effectiveness.

For the UK and EU market, also consider:

• Elegoo regularly runs promotions during Black Friday and Prime Day
• Mars replacement parts are cross-compatible across generations (FEP films, some LCD screens)
• Anycubic has a distributor network but less presence on local marketplaces
• Both offer a standard 1-year EU warranty

When should you NOT choose the Mars 5 Ultra?

Avoid the Mars 5 Ultra if you already have an optimized workflow with Anycubic resins, need the maximum possible build volume for your budget, or your top priority is 12K+ resolution for specific professional applications.

The Mars 5 Ultra isn't for you if you need a generous build volume. At 153.36 x 77.76 x 165mm it sits around the consumer resin printer average — if you need to print full helmets or large parts in a single run, the Saturn lineup is a better fit.

It also makes little sense if your full resin inventory is already dialed in for Anycubic. While technically compatible, optimal exposure times vary between brands and you'd need to recalibrate your entire stock.

Other scenarios where it's not worth it:

• If you already own a Mars 4 or Mars 4 Ultra that's working well — the upgrade is incremental
• If you need pro-level features like dual Z-rail or a resin sensor
• If your business depends on maximum print speed — look at industrial printers instead
• If air filtration is critical — you'll need the Mars MATE add-on separately (95% VOC reduction)

When should you NOT choose the Photon Mono M5s?

The Photon M5s loses its appeal if you value ecosystem and community support over raw specs, if you're new to resin printing and prefer thorough documentation, or if the competition's 18-micron pixels already meet your detail requirements.

The M5s's main drawback is the lack of real-world user data. While the Mars 5 Ultra already has detailed reviews and an active community sharing print settings, the M5s is still largely a spec-sheet promise. If you're the type of maker who prefers well-trodden paths over being an early adopter, wait a few months.

The M5s also isn't worth it if your main use case is 28-32mm miniatures, where the difference between 9K and 12K is purely theoretical. You'd be paying for resolution you won't actually use, processing heavier files, and sitting through longer slicing times with no visible benefit.

Situations where the M5s isn't the right choice:

• Tight budget — it typically costs more than comparable 9K printers
• Older PC — 12K files demand decent RAM and GPU for smooth slicing
• You mainly print functional parts where 4K is already overkill
• You value the bundled ChituBox Pro license that comes with competing printers

Full comparison table and final verdict

The Mars 5 Ultra delivers better value for money with smaller pixels, a proven ecosystem, and a competitive price point. The M5s bets everything on "12K" marketing without offering clear real-world advantages for the average maker.

My verdict after reviewing both announcements: the Mars 5 Ultra has everything it takes to be the go-to resin printer of 2024 for the average maker. Real 18-micron pixels matter more than a marketing K-count, the auto-leveling promises to eliminate the biggest headache for beginners, and the $279 price point hits the market's sweet spot.

The Photon M5s is banking everything on one number — 12K — that sounds impressive but offers no real-world advantage for 90% of users. If Anycubic prices it anywhere near the Mars 5 Ultra, it'll be hard to justify the purchase beyond wanting the bigger spec sheet.

If you're a professional who genuinely needs every extra micron — jewelry, dental — wait for real-world reviews with measured results before committing. For everyone else, the Mars 5 Ultra looks like the safer bet in the consumer ultra-definition segment.

Mars 5 Ultra vs Photon M5s — Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Anycubic resins in the Mars 5 Ultra?

Yes — all 405nm UV resins are cross-compatible between brands. You will need to dial in your exposure settings, though, since each printer is optimized for its own resin. Start around 2–2.5s per normal layer when running Anycubic resin on the Mars 5.

Do I need to upgrade my PC to handle 9K or 12K files?

For 9K (Mars 5 Ultra), 8GB RAM and a basic dedicated GPU will get the job done. For true 12K you'll want at least 16GB RAM and a capable GPU — otherwise slicing will be painfully slow. 12K files can easily exceed 1GB.

Which printer is easier to level for beginners?

Both claim automatic leveling systems, but Elegoo's auto-calibration has been on the market longer and has consistently positive user feedback. The M5s features automatic leveling too, but without real-world reviews it's impossible to confirm how well it performs.

Is it worth waiting for Black Friday deals?

Elegoo typically runs 20–30% off during Black Friday. If you're not in a rush, November is a great time to buy. As a newer release, the M5s will likely see smaller discounts.

What accessories do I need to get started?

Essential for either printer: nitrile gloves, UV-protective glasses, 99% IPA for cleaning, lint-free paper towels, and an air purifier if you're printing indoors. Elegoo's Mars MATE is optional but highly recommended for odor control.

See you in the next article 😎

ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra

After this comparison, if you're looking for a resin printer that combines blazing-fast print speeds with exceptional precision, the ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra is the perfect choice. Its ease of use lets you focus on creating amazing projects without any technical headaches.

€279.00 View in store →