PLA vs PETG
PLA is the easiest filament to print and looks great for decorative work; PETG trades a little print-ease for real strength, heat resistance, and outdoor durability. The rule of thumb: if a part needs to survive heat, sunlight, or mechanical stress, print it in PETG — for everything else, PLA is simpler, cheaper, and more forgiving.
PLA vs PETG: side by side
| Property | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Flexibility | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Heat resistance | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Ease of printing | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Surface finish | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Nozzle temp | 190-220°C | 220-250°C |
| Bed temp | 40-60°C | 70-90°C |
| Enclosure needed | No | No |
| Ventilation needed | No | No |
| Hardened nozzle | No | No |
| Typical price | $22/kg | $25/kg |
Property scores are relative (1-5) for quick comparison. Polylactic Acid vs Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol.
PLA is best for
PETG is best for
Which should you choose?
Choose PLA for decorative models, figurines, prototypes, and indoor parts — and you want the most reliable, beginner-friendly printing with the crispest detail.
Choose PETG for functional and mechanical parts, anything used outdoors or left in a hot car, and food-adjacent containers — and you're willing to tune retraction to control stringing.