PLA vs PETG vs ABS: Which Filament Should You Use?

Choosing filament matters more than most beginners realize. PLA, PETG, and ABS each have sweet spots. Use the wrong material and prints fail or parts break. Here's the honest comparison.

PLA: Start Here PLA is the default for good reason. Prints at low temperatures (190-220C), minimal warping, virtually no smell, works on any printer. The Amazon Basics PLA is consistent and cheap for learning. *(Price when reviewed: ~$19 | Check price)*

The catch? PLA is brittle and heat-sensitive. It'll crack under stress and deform in a hot car. Fine for display pieces and learning, problematic for functional parts.

When to use PLA: Learning, prototyping, display items, anything that won't see stress or heat.

**PETG: The Functional Upgrade** PETG adds strength and flexibility PLA lacks. More heat-resistant, better impact resistance, excellent for functional parts. The OVERTURE PETG delivers reliable results at budget pricing. *(Price when reviewed: ~$14 | Check price)*

Prints at higher temperatures (230-250C) with a heated bed (70-80C). Slightly stringier than PLA, requiring retraction tuning. Most printers handle PETG without modification.

When to use PETG: Functional parts, outdoor items, anything needing flexibility or durability.

**ABS: Industrial Heritage** ABS offers excellent heat resistance and can be post-processed with acetone for smooth finishes. Traditional engineering plastic used in consumer products.

The catch? ABS requires an enclosure and ventilation. Fumes are unpleasant and potentially harmful with prolonged exposure. Warping is severe without proper environmental control. Skip ABS unless you specifically need its properties.

When to use ABS: High-heat applications, parts requiring acetone smoothing, experienced makers with enclosed printers.

The Premium Option: Prusament Prusament PLA offers guaranteed dimensional accuracy. When consistent results matter more than cost, premium filament pays off. *(Price when reviewed: ~$35 | Check price)*

Strength Comparison Layer adhesion (strongest to weakest): PETG > PLA > ABS Impact resistance: PETG > ABS > PLA Heat resistance: ABS > PETG > PLA Ease of printing: PLA > PETG > ABS

Material Selection Guide - Desk organizer: PLA (easy, looks good) - Phone mount for car: PETG (heat-resistant) - Enclosure hinges: PETG (strength + flexibility) - Prototype: PLA (fast iteration, cheap) - Final functional part: PETG (durability) - High-heat application: ABS (only if you have enclosure)

Storage Matters All filaments absorb moisture from air. PETG and ABS are especially hygroscopic. Wet filament causes stringing, poor adhesion, and weak prints.

Store filament in sealed bags with desiccant. Consider a SUNLU Filament Dryer for reviving moisture-affected spools. *(Price when reviewed: ~$50 | Check price)*

Our Recommendation Start with PLA. Master your printer. Graduate to PETG when you need functional parts. Ignore ABS unless you specifically need its properties and have proper ventilation.

Take our quiz to find which materials match your projects.