PLA and PETG are the two materials beginners gravitate toward. PLA is easier to print, PETG is stronger. This comparison cuts through the marketing to show you where each excels and where each fails.
The Raw Numbers
| Property | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temp | 200-210°C | 230-250°C |
| Bed Temp | 20-60°C | 70-80°C |
| Print Speed | 80-120mm/s (safe) | 60-100mm/s (safe) |
| Tensile Strength | 50 MPa | 55 MPa |
| Elongation | 3-5% (brittle) | 5-10% (some flex) |
| Cost per kg | $15-25 | $18-30 |
| Moisture Sensitive | No | Slightly |
| Ease of Printing | Easy | Moderate |
Printing Difficulty - Winner: PLA
PLA is simpler. You can print PLA reliably at 200°C without a heated bed. Fewer variables mean fewer failures.
PETG requires higher temps, a warmed bed (70-80°C minimum), and tighter retraction settings. It strings more easily. It’s more sensitive to cooling conditions.
Real impact: If you’re a beginner with 5 prints under your belt, PLA succeeds with default settings. PETG needs tuning.
Strength and Flexibility - Winner: PETG
PETG bends before it breaks. PLA snaps cleanly. For a printed hinge, PETG survives hundreds of flexes; PLA cracks after dozens.
Tensile strength is similar (PETG slightly higher), but elongation is the difference. PETG can stretch 5-10% before failing. PLA maxes out at 3-5%.
Real impact: Functional parts that flex—tool grips, enclosure clips, mechanical joints—print better in PETG. Rigid decorative parts? Either works.
Temperature Sensitivity - Winner: PLA
PLA softens above 50°C. Leave a PLA part in a hot car and it warps. PLA hinges fail in heated rooms.
PETG withstands up to 70-80°C without significant deformation. It’s more suitable for parts exposed to ambient heat.
Real impact: If your part lives in a normal room, PLA is fine. If it goes near heat (enclosure, automotive), use PETG.
Moisture - Minor Edge: PLA
PLA doesn’t absorb moisture. Store it opened or sealed; it doesn’t matter.
PETG absorbs small amounts of moisture, which degrades print quality slightly. Not a deal-breaker, but you should store it in a sealed bag if printing regularly.
Real impact: Negligible for most users. If you print 24/7, PETG dries faster between spools.
Cost - Minor Edge: PLA
PLA typically costs $15-25/kg. PETG runs $18-30/kg. The difference is $3-10 per print, which is meaningful only if you’re printing lots.
Visual Quality - Tie
Both produce excellent surface finish at equivalent layer heights. PLA can print slightly faster for the same quality, but PETG can achieve similar results at slower speeds. Most final prints look identical.
When to Choose Each
Choose PLA if:
- You’re printing decorative or display models
- You’re new to printing and want minimal troubleshooting
- You need fine detail (can print slower without material limits)
- Your part lives at room temperature
- You want the cheapest material
Choose PETG if:
- You’re printing functional parts (clips, hinges, mounts)
- Your part needs to flex or withstand impact
- Your environment gets warm (60°C+)
- You’re comfortable with slightly more complex settings
- You’re printing something that will be reused repeatedly
Why not both? Many makers keep both spools loaded. PLA for prototypes and decorations, PETG for anything mechanical. The switching cost is just changing spools and nozzle temperature.
Real-World Scenarios
Organizing box with snap-together lid:
- PLA: Lid clips break after 30 open/close cycles
- PETG: Lid clips survive 500+ cycles
Shelving bracket:
- PLA: Looks good, holds light weight, may sag under heavy load
- PETG: Stronger, supports heavier weight without flex
Display figurine:
- PLA: Perfect, looks great, no stress concerns
- PETG: Overkill, same appearance, unnecessary cost
Enclosure for electronics (outdoor):
- PLA: Warps in sun, material degrades over 6-12 months
- PETG: Tolerates heat better, lasts 2+ years
The Honest Take
If you’re just learning to print, start with PLA. It forgives mistakes and builds confidence. Once you understand your printer’s capabilities, move to PETG for actual functional parts.
Don’t get caught in the “which is better” debate. They’re optimized for different jobs. PLA wins at ease; PETG wins at durability. Pick the right tool for the project.