PETG vs PLA: Complete Comparison Guide 2026
Which material should you choose? Compare costs, properties, printability, and applications of PETG and PLA filaments.
Updated: January 2026
Quick answer
PLA is cheaper (~£0.013/g) and easier to print—best for beginners and decorative prints. PETG costs about 25% more (~£0.016/g) but is stronger, heat- and water-resistant—best for functional parts and outdoor use. Use our cost calculator to compare real print costs.
| PLA | PETG | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per gram | ~£0.013/g | ~£0.016/g |
| Nozzle / bed temp | 190–220°C / 0–60°C | 230–250°C / 70–90°C |
| Strength | Moderate, rigid | Higher, less brittle |
| Ease of printing | Easy (beginner-friendly) | Moderate |
| Best uses | Models, prototypes, low-cost prints | Functional parts, outdoor, waterproof |
*Food-contact safety requires food-grade filament and proper post-processing
Table of Contents
PLA Filament
Polylactic Acid - Beginner-friendly, eco-friendly material
PETG Filament
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol - Strong, flexible, water-resistant
Print Settings & Common Issues
| Setting / Issue | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 190-220°C | 230-250°C |
| Bed Temperature | 0-60°C (optional) | 70-90°C (required) |
| Print Speed | 50-100mm/s | 40-60mm/s |
| Cooling Fan | 100% recommended | 20-50% (less cooling) |
| Common Issues | Brittleness, warping (rare) | Stringing, bed adhesion |
| Retraction | 2-5mm | 3-6mm |
Cost Comparison: PETG vs PLA
Use our cost per gram calculator to calculate exact material costs, or visit our pricing hub for comprehensive pricing guides. For complete print cost calculations including material, power, and labor, use our 3D print cost calculator.
PLA Cost
~£0.0128/g
Typical spool: £12.79 per 1000g
Example: A 100g print costs approximately £1.28 in material.
Compare PLA on Amazon →PETG Cost
~£0.016/g
Typical spool: £15.99 per 1000g
Example: A 100g print costs approximately £1.60 in material.
Compare PETG on Amazon →💡 Cost Difference: PETG costs about 25% more than PLA. For a typical 100g print, the difference is only ~£0.32, making PETG affordable for most projects despite the higher cost.
When to Use PLA
✅ PLA is Best For:
- Beginners: Easiest material to print, minimal warping, no heated bed required
- Decorative Items: Models, figurines, art pieces, display items
- Prototypes: Quick iterations and concept testing
- Indoor Use: Items that won't be exposed to heat or moisture
- Eco-Friendly Projects: Biodegradable and made from renewable resources
- Budget-Conscious Projects: Cheapest common filament (~£0.0128/g)
❌ PLA is NOT Suitable For:
- Outdoor applications (degrades in sunlight)
- High-temperature environments
- Waterproof applications
- Functional parts requiring high strength
- Food contact (unless specifically food-grade)
When to Use PETG
✅ PETG is Best For:
- Functional Parts: Mechanical components, brackets, enclosures
- Outdoor Applications: Weather-resistant, UV stable
- Waterproof Items: Containers, planters, outdoor fixtures
- Food-Safe Applications: Kitchen items, food containers (when properly processed)
- Flexible Parts: More flexible than PLA, less brittle
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to many chemicals
- Durable Products: Items that need to last and withstand wear
❌ PETG Challenges:
- More difficult to print than PLA (requires heated bed)
- Stringing can be an issue (requires tuning)
- Slightly more expensive (~£0.016/g vs £0.0128/g)
- Not biodegradable
Print Settings Comparison
PLA Settings
- Nozzle Temp: 190-220°C
- Bed Temp: 0-60°C (optional)
- Print Speed: 50-100mm/s
- Retraction: 2-5mm
- Cooling: 100% fan recommended
PETG Settings
- Nozzle Temp: 220-250°C
- Bed Temp: 70-90°C (required)
- Print Speed: 40-60mm/s
- Retraction: 3-6mm
- Cooling: 20-50% fan (less than PLA)
Which is Better: PETG or PLA?
The answer depends on your project:
Choose PLA if:
You're a beginner, printing decorative items, need the cheapest option, or want biodegradable material. PLA is easier to print and more forgiving.
Choose PETG if:
You need functional parts, waterproof items, outdoor applications, food-contact applications (with proper filament and post-processing), or higher durability. PETG offers better mechanical properties despite being slightly more expensive.
Bottom Line: PLA is better for beginners and decorative items. PETG is better for functional, durable applications. The cost difference (~25%) is minimal for most projects.
Sponsored
Anycubic Kobra X – Early Bird $279 →Shop PLA & PETG Filaments
Compare prices and check availability. Both materials work on most desktop 3D printers.
*Affiliate links may be present. Purchases help support this site.
Calculate Your PETG vs PLA Costs
Use our free calculator to compare material costs, electricity, and total pricing for PETG and PLA prints.
Try Free Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions – PETG vs PLA
Is PETG more expensive than PLA?
Yes. PETG typically costs about 25% more than PLA per gram (e.g. ~£0.016/g vs ~£0.013/g in the UK). For a 100g print the difference is around £0.32. For most projects the extra cost is small; PETG is worth it when you need strength, heat resistance, or water resistance.
Is PETG food safe?
PETG can be food-contact safe with the right filament and post-processing. It's used in food packaging, but layer lines and nozzle contamination are concerns. Proper post-processing (surface smoothing, food-safe sealants) and using food-grade PETG are essential. Always ensure your printer is clean when printing food-contact items.
Which is stronger: PETG or PLA?
PETG is stronger than PLA. PETG has higher tensile strength, better impact resistance, and is more flexible (less brittle). PLA is more rigid and can break more easily under stress. For functional parts and mechanical components, PETG is the better choice.
Is PETG better than PLA?
PETG is better than PLA for functional parts, outdoor applications, and items requiring water resistance. However, PLA is better for beginners, decorative items, and budget-conscious projects. The choice depends on your specific needs—PETG offers superior durability and weather resistance, while PLA is easier to print and more affordable.
Which is easier to print: PETG or PLA?
PLA is significantly easier to print than PETG. PLA doesn't require a heated bed, has minimal warping, and is very forgiving with print settings. PETG requires more precise temperature control, a heated bed (60–80°C), and can be more prone to stringing and adhesion issues.
Can I use PETG and PLA on the same printer?
Yes, you can use both PETG and PLA on the same printer, but you'll need to adjust settings between materials. PETG requires higher temperatures (230–250°C nozzle, 60–80°C bed) compared to PLA (190–220°C nozzle, 0–60°C bed). Always clean the nozzle between material changes to prevent contamination.