PETG vs ABS
How PETG and ABS compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
Short answer
Choose PETG for most functional parts: it is tough, handles moderate heat and weather, and prints without an enclosure or fumes to worry about. Choose ABS when parts must stay rigid above about 80 °C, or when you want to smooth them with acetone.
- PETG is easier to print and better outdoors; ABS is more heat resistant.
- ABS typically prints about 10 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- ABS typically prints about 20 °C hotter on the bed.
- ABS is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 73 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 276 PETG filaments in 2,348 colours, and 151 ABS filaments in 1,021 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PETG | ABS | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | ||
| Stiffness | ||
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | ||
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | Needs an enclosure, Needs ventilation |
| PETG | ABS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polyethylene terephthalate glycol | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene |
| Filaments listed | 276 | 151 |
| Brands | 103 | 72 |
| Colours | 2,348 | 1,021 |
| Nozzle temperature | 220–250 °C | 230–260 °C |
| Bed temperature | 70–90 °C | 90–110 °C |
| Density | 1.27 g/cm³ | 1.04 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 327 m | about 400 m |
| Max drying temperature | 65 °C | 80 °C |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
65 brands make both PETG and ABS; these have the most of each.
PETG vs ABS questions
Is PETG or ABS stronger?
They are both tough, in different ways. PETG has excellent layer strength and impact resistance; ABS handles higher temperatures and is easier to sand and glue. For everyday functional parts, PETG is usually the simpler choice.
Which is more heat resistant, PETG or ABS?
ABS. It stays rigid to around 95–100 °C, compared with around 70–80 °C for PETG, so it suits parts near motors, lights or in hot cars.
Which is easier to print?
PETG. It warps very little and needs no enclosure, while ABS needs an enclosure to stop warping and good ventilation for the fumes.
Which is better outdoors?
PETG. ABS yellows and becomes brittle in sunlight. For the most demanding outdoor parts, use ASA, which prints like ABS but is UV stable.
Can PETG be smoothed like ABS?
Not with acetone. ABS smooths in acetone vapour; PETG does not react the same way, so sanding and painting are the usual options.