PLA vs PETG: which filament to choose
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Choose PLA for models, decorations and prototypes that stay indoors, and PETG for parts that go outside, see heat above 50 °C or take impacts. PLA is easier to print and stiffer. PETG is tougher and bends before it breaks.
Updated: November 2026
What is the difference between PLA and PETG?
PETG handles 12 to 15 °C more heat, takes about twice the impact and copes better outdoors. PLA is almost twice as stiff and easier to print.
| Property | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance (HDT) | 55–57 °C | 69–70 °C |
| Tensile strength | 39 MPa | 48 MPa |
| Impact strength | 26.6 kJ/m² | 52.7 kJ/m² |
| Stiffness (tensile modulus) | 2,680 MPa | 1,460 MPa |
| Outdoors and UV | Not suitable | Fine for normal use |
| Food contact | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Ease of printing | Easy | Moderate |
| Nozzle temperature | 200–220 °C | 230–250 °C |
| Bed temperature | 50–60 °C | 70–85 °C |
| Drying | 50 °C | 65 °C |
| Price per 1 kg in our shop | €19–30 | €19–30 |
Source: Bambu Lab PLA Basic and PETG Basic data sheets (strength, impact, stiffness; ISO 527 and ISO 179, in the print plane), Filament-PM and Bambu Lab (HDT), Devil Design and Filament-PM (print temperatures), Prusa Knowledge Base (UV). Other brands differ slightly. Price: regular price of a 1 kg, 1.75 mm spool in our shop, November 2026.
HDT is the temperature at which a loaded test bar starts to bend. We explain it in more detail in Understand thermal properties like a pro. Both materials cost about the same, so the use decides.
When should you choose PLA?
Choose PLA when the print stays indoors and you care about accuracy and looks.
- Figures, scale models, display models and decorations.
- Prototypes for checking shape and size.
- Boxes, organizers and holders that will not sit near a heat source.
- Straight bars and jigs that must not flex. Here the higher stiffness of PLA helps.
- Your first prints on a new printer. PLA forgives more setup mistakes.
When should you choose PETG?
Choose PETG when the part goes outside, sits somewhere warm or has to take knocks and bending.
- Garden and balcony: clips, hose holders, plant pots.
- Hinges, latches, clamps and tool holders that flex a little and do not snap.
- Parts near a motor, a lamp or in a garage that gets hot in summer.
- Water containers and watering cans.
- See-through parts. PETG also comes in transparent colors.
For a car dashboard or temperatures above 70 °C, even PETG is not enough. Use ASA there.
Are PLA and PETG food safe?
Do not treat a PLA or PETG print as food safe, even if the raw material may be. Dirt and bacteria stay in the grooves between layers, a brass nozzle can contain lead, and colorants may not be approved for food contact.
If you need it, look for a filament with a declaration of compliance under EU Regulation No 10/2011 and print with a stainless steel nozzle. A cookie cutter that touches dry dough for a few seconds is a smaller risk than a mug. Keep PLA out of the dishwasher: it softens at dishwasher temperatures.
What are the most common mistakes?
The ones we see most are PLA used somewhere hot and PETG printed as if it were PLA.
- PLA in a car or on a windowsill. The dashboard of a car parked in the summer sun can get hotter than 60 °C, and PLA warps.
- PETG on a smooth PEI sheet with no release layer. It sticks so hard that removing the print can damage the sheet. Apply a thin layer of glue stick or use a textured sheet.
- PETG with PLA settings. At low temperature and with strong cooling the layers bond poorly. Stick to the maker’s temperatures and use less cooling.
- Wet filament. Both materials absorb moisture. It shows as popping during printing, bubbles and strings between parts. Dry PLA at 50 °C and PETG at 65 °C, for 3 to 8 hours depending on the maker.
- Thinking PETG is stronger in every way. PLA is almost twice as stiff. A part that must not flex may be better in PLA.
- Thinking PLA breaks down in a garden compost heap. It only breaks down in industrial composting. More in Is PLA truly biodegradable?
Which PLA and PETG do customers buy most?
Over the last 12 months our best sellers were Devil Design PETG, Devil Design PLA and Filament-PM PLA.
Devil Design is a Polish maker with a wide range of colors, most with a RAL code. Filament-PM PLA is made in the Czech Republic. See the full range under PLA and PETG. Some colors are on sale until 31 January 2027.
FAQ
Which filament is better for beginners?
PLA. It prints at a lower temperature, warps less and strings less. Move to PETG when you need a part for heat or outdoor use.
Do I need an enclosed printer for PETG?
No. PLA and PETG both print on an open printer. An enclosure matters for materials such as ABS and ASA.
What is the difference between PLA and PLA+?
PLA+ is a modified PLA that is less brittle. There is no standard for it and every maker blends it differently, so check the data sheet. It handles heat about as well as regular PLA.
Can PLA and PETG run through a Bambu Lab AMS?
Yes, the AMS supports both materials. Whether a spool fits depends on its diameter and width. Verified filaments are on our list of Bambu Lab AMS compatible filaments. If you are not sure, write to us or call +421 915 509 416.
Sources: Bambu Lab PLA Basic and PETG Basic data sheets (version 2.0), Filament-PM PLA and PETG, Devil Design PLA and PET-G, Prusa Knowledge Base (PLA, PETG), Bambu Lab (AMS), Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.