Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Resin 3d Printers

Anycubic Photon P1 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

Anycubic Photon P1 and Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra score essentially the same (4.3 vs 4.3). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Anycubic Photon P1
Ranked #2 in Best Resin 3d Printers
Anycubic Photon P1
4 sources$619.99as of Aug 1

The Anycubic Photon P1 is a high-end resin 3D printer featuring a 14K mono LCD, thermally-controlled resin vat, and dual-material printing capability. Reviewers noted its powerful light system, precision build platform, and auto-leveling features. However, it lacks automated resin filling and the dual-material vat does not include heating. The printer is designed for industrial-grade prosumer use with a 223 x 126 x 230 mm build chamber and weighs 13.6kg. It's suited for users seeking advanced resin printing features but may not appeal to those wanting fully automated workflows.

Strengths
  • 14K mono LCD with 16.8 x 24.8 μm resolution and LighTurbo 4.0 engine delivering 5000μW/cm² with ≥2° collimation accuracy
  • Thermally-controlled resin vat capable of maintaining temperatures up to 40°C for optimized resin flow
  • Dual-material printing capability with dedicated kit for simultaneous color/material printing
Watch-outs
  • No automated resin filling system
  • Dual-material vat lacks heater, potentially limiting material options
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Ranked #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

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 P1

The Anycubic Photon P1 offers a 14K mono LCD and thermally-controlled resin vat, outperforming the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra in resolution and temperature control.

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 P1Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Build Volume223 x 126 x 230 mm153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm³
Pixel Size16.8 x 24.8 μm18 x 18 µm
Light SourceLighTurbo 4.09K monochrome
Print Speed25-35 mm/h150mm/h
UV Wavelength405nm
Layer Height0.012-0.15 mm0.01-0.2mm
MaterialAluminumMetal
Dimensions28"D x 14"W x 13"H13.78"D x 14.96"W x 22.04"H
Weight13.6 kg8.8 kg
Display Resolution16.8μm*24.8μm16K
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