PLA vs PETG
How PLA and PETG compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
Short answer
Choose PLA for models, prototypes and anything decorative: it is the easiest filament to print and gives the crispest detail. Choose PETG for functional parts that need to take knocks, heat or weather; it is tougher and lasts outdoors, and still prints without an enclosure.
- PLA is easier to print and stiffer; PETG is tougher, more heat resistant, better outdoors and more flexible.
- PETG typically prints about 25 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PETG typically prints about 20 °C hotter on the bed.
- PLA is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 8 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 880 PLA filaments in 8,714 colours, and 276 PETG filaments in 2,348 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PLA | PETG | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | No enclosure or special setup needed |
| PLA | PETG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polylactic acid | Polyethylene terephthalate glycol |
| Filaments listed | 880 | 276 |
| Brands | 145 | 103 |
| Colours | 8,714 | 2,348 |
| Nozzle temperature | 190–230 °C | 220–250 °C |
| Bed temperature | 50–70 °C | 70–90 °C |
| Density | 1.24 g/cm³ | 1.27 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 335 m | about 327 m |
| Max drying temperature | 55 °C | 65 °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
95 brands make both PLA and PETG; these have the most of each.
- Spectrum 36 PLA · 18 PETG
- SUNLU 33 PLA · 8 PETG
- Protopasta 29 PLA · 9 PETG
- Eryone 30 PLA · 2 PETG
- eSUN 3D 26 PLA · 6 PETG
- Polymaker 24 PLA · 4 PETG
- ROSA3D Filaments 18 PLA · 10 PETG
- Add-North 17 PLA · 9 PETG
- Amolen 24 PLA · 1 PETG
- Bambu Lab 19 PLA · 5 PETG
- FormFutura 17 PLA · 7 PETG
- Fiberlogy 13 PLA · 9 PETG
PLA vs PETG questions
Is PETG stronger than PLA?
PETG is tougher, PLA is stiffer. PLA can hold a higher static load but snaps suddenly when overloaded; PETG bends first and survives impacts, drops and repeated stress, which matters more for most functional parts.
Is PETG harder to print than PLA?
A little. PETG prints hotter, strings more and can stick too well to smooth beds, but it needs no enclosure and works on almost any printer. Drying the filament and tuning retraction solves most problems.
Which is better outdoors, PLA or PETG?
Is PETG more expensive than PLA?
Usually only slightly. Most brands price PETG at or just above their PLA, so cost is rarely the deciding factor.
Can I print PETG with my PLA settings?
No. PETG needs a hotter nozzle (around 220–250 °C instead of 190–230 °C), a hotter bed and less part cooling. Use your slicer's PETG profile as a starting point.
Which is better for beginners?
PLA. It is more forgiving, so it is the best way to learn your printer before moving on to PETG.