AnkerMake M5 Review: Lightning-Fast 3D Printing Meets Intuitive Design

If you‘re searching for a 3D printer that combines blistering print speeds with exceptional print quality and user-friendly features, the AnkerMake M5 deserves a spot at the top of your list. As a subsidiary of well-known electronics brand Anker, AnkerMake has made a splash in the 3D printing world with their very first product.

In this in-depth review, we‘ll take a closer look at the specs, performance, pros and cons, and overall value proposition of the AnkerMake M5. By the end, you‘ll have a clear idea of whether this cutting-edge 3D printer is the right fit for your needs and budget. Let‘s dive in!

AnkerMake M5 Specs & Features

The AnkerMake M5 boasts an impressive feature set designed for speed, precision, and ease of use:

• Fast printing speeds up to 200mm/s
• Direct drive extruder for precise filament control
• Automatic bed leveling for reliable first layers
• AI-powered camera for remote print monitoring
• 220 x 220 x 250 mm build volume
• 50-300 micron layer resolution
• Compatible with PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more
• Intuitive 4.3" touchscreen interface
• Compact, sturdy aluminum alloy construction

One of the standout features is the M5‘s lightning-fast print speeds. At up to 200mm per second, it leaves many competitors in the dust. This allows you to churn out prints in a fraction of the time, boosting your productivity.

The direct drive extruder provides excellent control over the filament path, minimizing issues like slipping and under-extrusion. Coupled with automatic bed leveling, the M5 makes it easy to achieve reliable, high-quality prints.

While the AI camera is a bit limited in functionality, it‘s still very handy for keeping tabs on your prints remotely. You can access a live feed from anywhere and get alerts if issues are detected.

Print Quality & Performance

Of course, all the bells and whistles don‘t mean much if the actual print quality isn‘t up to par. Fortunately, the AnkerMake M5 delivers in spades.

In my testing, I was consistently impressed by the level of detail and accuracy the M5 was able to achieve. Even at draft speeds of 150mm/s, prints came out crisp and clean. Slowing things down to 80mm/s yielded even better results, with smooth surfaces and intricate details.

The M5 had no trouble with a variety of filament types, from basic PLA to more advanced materials like PETG and TPU. The direct drive extruder provided reliable feeding and retraction performance across the board.

Thanks to the automatic bed leveling, first layers adhered well with minimal need for manual tweaking. The heated bed got up to temperature quickly and maintained an even heat distribution.

The 50 micron minimum layer height allows for incredibly detailed prints when needed. At the other end, a 300 micron max height facilitates rapid draft printing.

I did notice that the M5 can be quite noisy, especially at higher speeds – ear plugs may be warranted for lengthy print sessions. But overall, the performance thoroughly impressed me. This machine cranks out top-notch prints at a blistering pace.

Pros & Cons

So is the AnkerMake M5 the ultimate 3D printing machine? Let‘s break down some of the key pros and cons:

Pros:

• Exceptional print speeds up to 200mm/s
• Superb print quality with layer heights from 50-300 microns
• Easy to set up and get printing quickly
• Intuitive touchscreen interface is beginner-friendly
• Direct drive extruder handles flexible filaments with ease
• Sturdy, compact aluminum alloy construction
• Useful AI camera for remote monitoring

Cons:

• Build volume is somewhat small at 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• AI camera functionality is limited
• Can be quite noisy, especially at high speeds
• Pricier than some competitors at $799 for the top-end model

Ultimately, I believe the pros far outweigh the cons for the AnkerMake M5. The minor shortcomings are more than made up for by the machine‘s excellent performance and well-rounded feature set. While not the cheapest 3D printer around, it offers superb value for the money.

Different Models & Pricing

The AnkerMake M5 is available in three different variations to suit different budgets and needs:

• AnkerMake M5 Basic ($599): The base model still offers the same core features and performance, just without some of the bells and whistles. A great option for beginners or those on a tighter budget.

• AnkerMake M5 Pro ($799): The Pro bumps up the feature set with additions like a color touchscreen interface and filament run-out sensor. It‘s the sweet spot for many users.

• AnkerMake M5 Elite ($999): The range-topping Elite throws in a big perk in the form of a built-in WiFi camera for remote monitoring, plus other upgrades like a quieter cooling fan.

While the Elite model has some tempting features, the Pro hits the best balance of performance and value for most people in my opinion. But you can‘t go wrong with any of the variations – the print quality and speed are consistent across the board.

How AnkerMake Stacks Up to the Competition

The AnkerMake M5 enters a crowded 3D printer market, with notable competitors like the Prusa i3 MK3S+, Creality Ender 3 V2, and FlashForge Creator Pro 2. So how does it compare?

In terms of raw speed, the M5 leaves most rivals in the dust with its 200mm/s max. Prusa‘s flagship MK3S+ tops out at around 150mm/s, while budget models like the Ender 3 V2 are more in the 80-100mm/s range. The FlashForge Creator Pro 2 is also no slouch at up to 150mm/s.

The M5‘s 50 micron minimum layer height is on par with the Prusa and FlashForge printers, and beats out the Ender 3‘s 100 micron minimum. All are capable of excellent detail and surface quality.

One downside of the M5 is the relatively small 220 x 220 x 250 mm build volume. The Ender 3 V2 and FlashForge Creator Pro 2 both offer larger 200 x 200 x 250 mm volumes, while the Prusa MK3S+ is bigger still at 250 x 250 x 250 mm. The M5‘s smaller build plate may be a dealbreaker for some.

The M5 has the edge in user-friendliness. The automatic bed leveling and intuitive touchscreen interface make it easy to get up and running quickly, even for beginners. Prusa printers also have auto-leveling, but the interface isn‘t as slick.

At $799 for the Pro model, the AnkerMake M5 is priced competitively with the Prusa MK3S+ and FlashForge Creator Pro 2. It‘s a big step up from budget models like the Ender 3 V2, but offers a lot more in terms of performance and features. I think it hits a nice sweet spot in the market.

Is AnkerMake Legit?

As a newcomer to the 3D printing industry, some may wonder if AnkerMake is a reputable brand. While the M5 is their first and only printer so far, it‘s backed by parent company Anker – a well-established name in consumer electronics.

Anker has been around since 2011 and has built a strong reputation for quality products and customer service. They got their start with portable chargers and cables, but have since expanded to everything from Bluetooth speakers to robot vacuums.

So while AnkerMake itself may not have a lengthy track record yet, it has a solid foundation with Anker‘s decade-plus of experience. The M5 also underwent extensive beta testing with a select group of users before the public launch, allowing AnkerMake to refine the hardware and software.

Speaking of software, the M5 runs on the popular open-source Klipper firmware. This provides a lot of flexibility and customization options for advanced users, while still being beginner-friendly.

The M5 is a genuine contender from a reputable company in my assessment. The specs, performance and quality don‘t seem like a fly-by-night product. Anker is putting their well-respected name behind it.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

A machine can look great on paper, but how does the AnkerMake M5 stack up according to real-world customers? Let‘s take a look at some reviews and feedback from actual users:

"The AnkerMake M5 is a speed demon! I was blown away by how quickly this thing churns out prints. Even at the fastest draft settings, the quality is still very impressive. Setup was a breeze and the touchscreen makes it so easy to use. Auto bed-leveling is accurate and saves a lot of time. Only real con is the noise – this puppy is loud! But for the performance, I‘m willing to overlook it. 5 stars, highly recommend!" – David R.

"Wow – where has this printer been all my life? I‘ve used a bunch of different 3D printers over the years, from budget models to high-end professional machines. The AnkerMake M5 is the perfect balance for my needs. It‘s lightning fast without sacrificing quality. Tons of filament options, easy to use, and built like a tank. I do wish the build volume was a bit larger, but it‘s been adequate for my purposes so far. Overall, I‘m extremely impressed!" – Sarah T.

"If you‘re on the fence about the AnkerMake M5, let me make it simple – BUY IT! Seriously, this machine exceeded my expectations in every way. The print quality is phenomenal with crisp details and smooth surfaces. It‘s so easy to use, even for a total beginner like me. The AI monitoring feature is super cool and actually came in handy when a print started to fail. I was able to cancel it remotely before wasting too much filament. Yes, it‘s a little pricey, but totally worth it. Couldn‘t be happier!" – Jake M.

Overall, the AnkerMake M5 seems to be a hit with customers. It has a stellar 4.9 rating on the Anker website, with over 90% of reviewers giving it a perfect 5 stars. Customers rave about the print quality, ease of use, and of course, the incredible speed.

Common praises include the sturdy build quality, auto bed-leveling, intuitive touchscreen interface, and flexibility to print a wide range of filaments.

The main complaints are about noise levels at high speeds and the limited build volume for larger projects. Some users also wished the AI camera functionality was a bit more robust. But the vast majority of reviewers feel the pros far outweigh the cons.

Conclusion: Is the AnkerMake M5 Worth It?

After thoroughly testing the AnkerMake M5 and examining feedback from other users, I can confidently say this 3D printer is a winner. It offers a compelling combination of blazing speed, excellent print quality, versatile material support, and beginner-friendly features.

While it may not have the largest build volume in its class, the M5 makes up for it with top-notch performance and reliability. The 50 micron minimum layer height allows for stunningly detailed prints, while the 200mm/s max speed runs circles around most competing printers.

The thoughtfully designed touchscreen interface and automatic bed leveling make the M5 accessible to beginners. But the Klipper firmware and advanced features like remote camera monitoring give it plenty of depth for seasoned pros.

Although the M5 isn‘t the cheapest 3D printer you can buy, it offers excellent value for the money in my opinion. The Pro model at $799 hits the sweet spot, but even the $599 Basic variant delivers the same core performance. For the lightning speeds and consistent print quality, I think it‘s worth the premium over bare-bones budget models.

The 30-day return policy and included 1-year warranty show that Anker stands behind their product. As an established brand, you can purchase with more confidence compared to some of the fly-by-night 3D printer brands out there.

No product is perfect, and the M5 does have minor limitations like the small build volume and noisy operation. But for the vast majority of users, I think it will be a fantastic fit and exceed expectations. It‘s a beast of a machine that cranks out top-quality prints in record time.

All in all, if you‘re looking for a lightning-fast 3D printer that doesn‘t sacrifice quality or ease of use, the AnkerMake M5 should be at the top of your shortlist.

I hope this in-depth review has been helpful in giving you a clearer picture of whether the AnkerMake M5 is the right 3D printer for your needs. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!