PLA vs PETG: Which Filament Should You Choose?

The Two Most Popular Filaments

PLA and PETG together account for over 80% of all desktop 3D printing. But choosing between them depends on what you're making.

Strength and Durability

PETG wins here. It's more impact resistant, more flexible, and doesn't shatter like PLA can. If your part needs to survive drops or mechanical stress, go PETG.

PLA is stiffer, which is an advantage for dimensional accuracy but a disadvantage under impact.

Print Quality

PLA produces cleaner prints with sharper details. It flows better through the nozzle and handles bridging and overhangs more predictably.

PETG tends to string more and can be trickier to dial in. But once tuned, it produces excellent results.

Temperature Resistance

PLA starts softening around 55-60°C. Leave a PLA part in a car on a summer day and it will deform.

PETG handles up to 80°C, making it suitable for parts that face moderate heat.

Food Safety

PETG is generally considered food-safe (the material itself is what water bottles are made from). PLA is food-safe in theory but the layer lines in 3D prints harbor bacteria.

Cost Comparison

PLA: €15-25/kg. PETG: €20-30/kg. The price gap is shrinking as PETG becomes more popular.

Use our material comparison tool to see exactly how this price difference affects your per-print costs.

When to Use Each

Choose PLA when: printing decorative items, prototypes, miniatures, or anything that won't face heat or physical stress.

Choose PETG when: making functional parts, outdoor items, food containers, or parts that need to flex without breaking.