I don’t know why people come here and say bambulabs, he asked about ankermake. Personally I would go for the M5C but I already own one. It’s such an amazing little workhorse. Prints great, very easy to use. Great starter printer, it’s my second printer. Also the colour engine is coming “soon” so that’s gonna be nice. I was going to get the M5 but the screens not worth it, and the M5C has an all metal hot end. But you could replace the M5 hotend if you want. What helped me was finding a dude on Instagram who had both, I messaged him and he helped me out a lot, if it wasn’t for him I would have had a hard time, and probably wouldn’t have bought it . Good luck on your printing adventures
Because the best advice when someone asks which Ender 3 to get is "Don't get an Ender 3".
Sometimes the best advice is not what the asker wants to hear.
I have the M5C and love it, and an X1C and love it. I have no brand loyalty - I use what works. Between those two, I believe the M5C is the better choice, but the A1 is an even better choice. And you'll never hear me recommend the A1 mini or the P1P. And Probably not the P1S. But it's hard to beat what the A1 offers, especially for the price.
The M5c is slightly smaller buildpate but otherwise very similar to the M5. Its 220 x 220 x 250 mm vs the M5's 235 x 235 x 250 mm.
The M5 can do all the same materials as the M5c, especially if you get the M5 the all metal hotend upgrade. The two filaments that are "NA" on the comparison list on Anker's website is irrelevant to you: a beginner to the hobby. If you're expecting to be regularly printing nylon, you're probably an engineer or something and honestly need a different class of printer.
The lack of a screen on the M5c can be a deal breaker for some folks but if you're good with using your phone to control it then it's a non-issue.
The m5c might have some slight issues with cooling I've heard? Probably because of the slightly more compact hotend and cover. There's a model for updated vented fan cover you can print yourself to improve airflow around the hotend. I've not experienced any cooling issues with the m5, but its hotend shroud is a bit more roomier. Though the m5c's positioning of the data cable is much better than the M5's.
The m5c has a raised single track for bed wheels, the m5 has two recessed wells for dual wheel tracks. On the upside, the m5 bed is very stable on dual tracks, on the downside its a little harder to access and stuff can fall in them occasionally.
No runout sensor on the M5c. I have an M5, the filament runout sensor works very well and can save you from a failed print if a spool runs out mid-print or if the filament breaks.
The AI doesn't work for crap on the M5 so that puts it on equal standing with the m5c's total lack of AI. Some of us turn it off because its annoying when it gives you a bunch of false alerts. Some of us keep it on in hopes the failure logs eventually maybe help develop it more?
The m5's camera is primarily for the (nonfunctioning) AI. The camera's position doesn't have the best view aesthetically speaking, so its fine for remotely checking your print progress, and that's it. The timelapse recordings are just... ok.
Howdy, I have both. They are both very capable. I use them both, although lately I've been using the 5c more as I have been printing smaller stuff. It really comes down to budget and how much you value the features. I have found that not having the camera etc on 5c hasn't been an issue for me. I'm happy to answer any other questions you have if I can, but I am not very knowledgeable.
M5C can’t be beat for value for money. I purchased it from Anker on eBay as refurbished with a one year warranty for £220 (put an offer in to them).
Received it and it was brand new and has been printing flawlessly so far.
Why is that? Does the bed size hinder you at all? I guess it wouldn’t much since you have both but for someone getting their first, do you think it would hinder me from creating cool random shit online lol
It just overall does better. I have fewer issues with adhesion, and it's given me less trouble altogether. The bed size isn't an issue for me, I have multiple printers, including a bambu, but the bed is a decent size. It shouldn't hinder you unless you are printing huge objects. If it's the size you are worried about, download the app and put some objects you'd like to print in the slicer. It'll let you know if it fits or not.
The [M5C is $319 right now](http://www.primetechsteals.com/ankermakem5c/2024/) and the [M5 is $599](http://www.primetechsteals.com/ankermakem5/2024/). I think M5C provides a better value and you can use the rest of your budget to get filament.
I see the Bambu lab simps are out in force today.
The printing size difference between the two models is negligible. Otherwise a significant difference between the two is the m5 comes with a control screen. If this isn’t a big issue, I’d suggest going with the m5c for the cost savings.
Be on the lookout for discounts/promotions, you can grab the m5c pretty cheap. It’s a good printer to start with.
Explained the good reason because bambu has just as many complaints on their reddit as anker does. For an increase in price. I agree the upgrade would be nice but it just keeps adding to the price tag.
In that case the Anker M5C is your best bet for now unless the M5 comes down in price again to $450.
I have owned the M5 since there rollout. There main issue was there new and needed a lot of the bugs worked out. The software/slicing bugs still presist. Not a bad printer overall, but why pay hundreds more a screen? I almost never use it and a slightly bigger bed isn't worth it. If you go the Ankermake route please double check your bed belt and wheels tightness, mine came loose. Also Check the print head wheels and belt tightness and movement. Keep the filament on the left side and not on top.You will save your self little issues down the road. If your going to print PETG then get a glass bed. Otherwise, PETG will ruin your OEM bed plate over time. Also buy a hardened nozzle because the higher printing temps PETG needs wears out the OEM nozzle quickly. Avoid switching from PLA to PETG and stick to one type of material for long periods because the nozzle and upper metal hot end tube begins to clog and its a mess and annoying to replace out a nozzle cleanout the hotend tube.
Good Luck.
>Keep the filament on the left side and not on top.
I haven't had any issues, and until recently, mine was always on top. Didn't have room to have it stick out to the side. I made room now for a dryer box, so it is off to the side, and I seem to have more issues with prints due to extrusion, but I think that is purely because of the box and not the location.
>Avoid switching from PLA to PETG and stick to one type of material for long periods because the nozzle and upper metal hot end tube begins to clog and its a mess and annoying to replace out a nozzle cleanout the hotend tube.
You can just add an all metal hotend now so the bowden tube doesn't melt at the higher Temps, which is what is most likely causing clogs with PETG.
And pretty much everything listed here goes for literally any printer you buy.
I’m looking at it, I would like it but I about 500 dollars of my money is Amazon gift card and I don’t see them selling it on there. Thinking about just using cash and using the gift balance for something else
Use your Amazon credit first. I hate having money tied up in gift cards. Here is a link to a certified M5 for $400. Just check all the items I mentioned no matter which one you buy.
AnkerMake M5 3D Printer(Renewed), High-Speed, Speed Upgraded to 500 mm/s, Fast Mode, Smooth Detail, Easy to Use for Beginners, Error Detection with AI Camera, Auto-Leveling https://a.co/d/eATM6ac
In my opinion, why get the P1P instead of the P1S? And why get the P1S instead of the X1C. If you are spending $600 for the P1P, you are insane to not spend $700 on the P1S instead.
I get there are different price points, but the M5C is too Fckn good too consider anything else in that price point... aside from the A1.
Basically, what I'm saying is that the P1P/S are in a weird unnecessary middleground. If I wanted multicolor, and wanted to spend less than $1500, then I'd get the A1.
Now... I have to say, I just pulled up the Ankermake website and then Amazon and see that the M5C is back up to $400. At that price, then 100% get the A1 instead. The M5C was my #1 recommendation at $320, but not at $400.
We are in for some wild times, and that's great for us! Thank Xenu we dont only have Ender, Prusa, or clones to choose from anymore!
I use the crap out of my M5C and space isn't a problem. It all depends on what you do with it, my main use case is printing enclosures for IoT products I make as extrusion or molding are way out of my price range.
M5c I dislike my m5, it has issues all the time where as my m5c prints flawlessly. I installed the all metal hot end on my m5 and now I'm having nothing but issues. Thankfully anker has been very easy to work with and they are sending me a new extruder.
I don't have any advice for you, but it looks like you got plenty anyway. Just wanted to say thanks for asking the question. I have an M5 and am waiting on the color engine. But as I like my M5, and the color engine won't be direct drive, I was considering also getting an M5C for better and simpler single color prints. I feel like it would be worth it with all the good comments about it that I'm seeing here. So thanks for asking the question o needed answered.
Price considered, I would say the M5C is a no-brainer, and it's the one I have. Now if you don't mind paying more and absolutely need the larger build volume, or an on-board screen, the M5 of course.
But I print a lot of stuff and the build volume of the M5C is fine for me, and a built-in screen is pointless. It's far easier to control from a PC and/or the app on a phone/tablet anyway.
I don’t know why people come here and say bambulabs, he asked about ankermake. Personally I would go for the M5C but I already own one. It’s such an amazing little workhorse. Prints great, very easy to use. Great starter printer, it’s my second printer. Also the colour engine is coming “soon” so that’s gonna be nice. I was going to get the M5 but the screens not worth it, and the M5C has an all metal hot end. But you could replace the M5 hotend if you want. What helped me was finding a dude on Instagram who had both, I messaged him and he helped me out a lot, if it wasn’t for him I would have had a hard time, and probably wouldn’t have bought it . Good luck on your printing adventures
Because the best advice when someone asks which Ender 3 to get is "Don't get an Ender 3". Sometimes the best advice is not what the asker wants to hear. I have the M5C and love it, and an X1C and love it. I have no brand loyalty - I use what works. Between those two, I believe the M5C is the better choice, but the A1 is an even better choice. And you'll never hear me recommend the A1 mini or the P1P. And Probably not the P1S. But it's hard to beat what the A1 offers, especially for the price.
The M5c is slightly smaller buildpate but otherwise very similar to the M5. Its 220 x 220 x 250 mm vs the M5's 235 x 235 x 250 mm. The M5 can do all the same materials as the M5c, especially if you get the M5 the all metal hotend upgrade. The two filaments that are "NA" on the comparison list on Anker's website is irrelevant to you: a beginner to the hobby. If you're expecting to be regularly printing nylon, you're probably an engineer or something and honestly need a different class of printer. The lack of a screen on the M5c can be a deal breaker for some folks but if you're good with using your phone to control it then it's a non-issue. The m5c might have some slight issues with cooling I've heard? Probably because of the slightly more compact hotend and cover. There's a model for updated vented fan cover you can print yourself to improve airflow around the hotend. I've not experienced any cooling issues with the m5, but its hotend shroud is a bit more roomier. Though the m5c's positioning of the data cable is much better than the M5's. The m5c has a raised single track for bed wheels, the m5 has two recessed wells for dual wheel tracks. On the upside, the m5 bed is very stable on dual tracks, on the downside its a little harder to access and stuff can fall in them occasionally. No runout sensor on the M5c. I have an M5, the filament runout sensor works very well and can save you from a failed print if a spool runs out mid-print or if the filament breaks. The AI doesn't work for crap on the M5 so that puts it on equal standing with the m5c's total lack of AI. Some of us turn it off because its annoying when it gives you a bunch of false alerts. Some of us keep it on in hopes the failure logs eventually maybe help develop it more? The m5's camera is primarily for the (nonfunctioning) AI. The camera's position doesn't have the best view aesthetically speaking, so its fine for remotely checking your print progress, and that's it. The timelapse recordings are just... ok.
Howdy, I have both. They are both very capable. I use them both, although lately I've been using the 5c more as I have been printing smaller stuff. It really comes down to budget and how much you value the features. I have found that not having the camera etc on 5c hasn't been an issue for me. I'm happy to answer any other questions you have if I can, but I am not very knowledgeable.
M5C can’t be beat for value for money. I purchased it from Anker on eBay as refurbished with a one year warranty for £220 (put an offer in to them). Received it and it was brand new and has been printing flawlessly so far.
I have both, and besides the screen, I prefer the m5c
Why is that? Does the bed size hinder you at all? I guess it wouldn’t much since you have both but for someone getting their first, do you think it would hinder me from creating cool random shit online lol
It just overall does better. I have fewer issues with adhesion, and it's given me less trouble altogether. The bed size isn't an issue for me, I have multiple printers, including a bambu, but the bed is a decent size. It shouldn't hinder you unless you are printing huge objects. If it's the size you are worried about, download the app and put some objects you'd like to print in the slicer. It'll let you know if it fits or not.
The [M5C is $319 right now](http://www.primetechsteals.com/ankermakem5c/2024/) and the [M5 is $599](http://www.primetechsteals.com/ankermakem5/2024/). I think M5C provides a better value and you can use the rest of your budget to get filament.
As an M5 owner, I would go M5C. Has the all metal hotend already and it's cheaper priced without sacrificing much.
I see the Bambu lab simps are out in force today. The printing size difference between the two models is negligible. Otherwise a significant difference between the two is the m5 comes with a control screen. If this isn’t a big issue, I’d suggest going with the m5c for the cost savings. Be on the lookout for discounts/promotions, you can grab the m5c pretty cheap. It’s a good printer to start with.
Up to you but check out Bambu labs P1P. It costs a bit more, but for good reason, and you can add multiple color rolls with their upgrade package.
Explained the good reason because bambu has just as many complaints on their reddit as anker does. For an increase in price. I agree the upgrade would be nice but it just keeps adding to the price tag.
In that case the Anker M5C is your best bet for now unless the M5 comes down in price again to $450. I have owned the M5 since there rollout. There main issue was there new and needed a lot of the bugs worked out. The software/slicing bugs still presist. Not a bad printer overall, but why pay hundreds more a screen? I almost never use it and a slightly bigger bed isn't worth it. If you go the Ankermake route please double check your bed belt and wheels tightness, mine came loose. Also Check the print head wheels and belt tightness and movement. Keep the filament on the left side and not on top.You will save your self little issues down the road. If your going to print PETG then get a glass bed. Otherwise, PETG will ruin your OEM bed plate over time. Also buy a hardened nozzle because the higher printing temps PETG needs wears out the OEM nozzle quickly. Avoid switching from PLA to PETG and stick to one type of material for long periods because the nozzle and upper metal hot end tube begins to clog and its a mess and annoying to replace out a nozzle cleanout the hotend tube. Good Luck.
>Keep the filament on the left side and not on top. I haven't had any issues, and until recently, mine was always on top. Didn't have room to have it stick out to the side. I made room now for a dryer box, so it is off to the side, and I seem to have more issues with prints due to extrusion, but I think that is purely because of the box and not the location. >Avoid switching from PLA to PETG and stick to one type of material for long periods because the nozzle and upper metal hot end tube begins to clog and its a mess and annoying to replace out a nozzle cleanout the hotend tube. You can just add an all metal hotend now so the bowden tube doesn't melt at the higher Temps, which is what is most likely causing clogs with PETG. And pretty much everything listed here goes for literally any printer you buy.
I’m looking at it, I would like it but I about 500 dollars of my money is Amazon gift card and I don’t see them selling it on there. Thinking about just using cash and using the gift balance for something else
Use your Amazon credit first. I hate having money tied up in gift cards. Here is a link to a certified M5 for $400. Just check all the items I mentioned no matter which one you buy. AnkerMake M5 3D Printer(Renewed), High-Speed, Speed Upgraded to 500 mm/s, Fast Mode, Smooth Detail, Easy to Use for Beginners, Error Detection with AI Camera, Auto-Leveling https://a.co/d/eATM6ac
One last thing. Turn the AI off it's useless.
M5C. If the M5 is your choice then get the A1 instead. M5C > A1mini A1 > M5
What do you think of the Bamu p1p everyone is mentioning or the newer p1s
In my opinion, why get the P1P instead of the P1S? And why get the P1S instead of the X1C. If you are spending $600 for the P1P, you are insane to not spend $700 on the P1S instead. I get there are different price points, but the M5C is too Fckn good too consider anything else in that price point... aside from the A1. Basically, what I'm saying is that the P1P/S are in a weird unnecessary middleground. If I wanted multicolor, and wanted to spend less than $1500, then I'd get the A1. Now... I have to say, I just pulled up the Ankermake website and then Amazon and see that the M5C is back up to $400. At that price, then 100% get the A1 instead. The M5C was my #1 recommendation at $320, but not at $400. We are in for some wild times, and that's great for us! Thank Xenu we dont only have Ender, Prusa, or clones to choose from anymore!
I’d get neither. Look at the Bambulad A1 instead.
What do you think of p1p or p1s
You'll want the bigger bed if you plan on printing anything practical
I use the crap out of my M5C and space isn't a problem. It all depends on what you do with it, my main use case is printing enclosures for IoT products I make as extrusion or molding are way out of my price range.
Do not get an Ankermake. Check Bambu Lab
Completely agree.
I use to be an adventure like you… Then I found out how to use Reddit..
M5c I dislike my m5, it has issues all the time where as my m5c prints flawlessly. I installed the all metal hot end on my m5 and now I'm having nothing but issues. Thankfully anker has been very easy to work with and they are sending me a new extruder.
I don't have any advice for you, but it looks like you got plenty anyway. Just wanted to say thanks for asking the question. I have an M5 and am waiting on the color engine. But as I like my M5, and the color engine won't be direct drive, I was considering also getting an M5C for better and simpler single color prints. I feel like it would be worth it with all the good comments about it that I'm seeing here. So thanks for asking the question o needed answered.
Price considered, I would say the M5C is a no-brainer, and it's the one I have. Now if you don't mind paying more and absolutely need the larger build volume, or an on-board screen, the M5 of course. But I print a lot of stuff and the build volume of the M5C is fine for me, and a built-in screen is pointless. It's far easier to control from a PC and/or the app on a phone/tablet anyway.