A friendly beginner’s guide to the best 3D printing filament, covering PLA, PETG, ABS, storage hacks, and our favorite Amazon deals. Happy printing!
Best 3D Printing Filament
The best filaments for 3D printing can not only provide good adhesion and avoid clogging your extruder but also build models with eye-popping colors, sharp details, and strong durability. Filament rolls are available in a virtually limitless array of colors, including rainbow and translucent.
We’ve tested over a hundred 3D printers, including the best multicolor 3D printers on the market today, and burned through cases of filament using both Bowden and direct-drive extruders to help you find the best PLA, PETG, and TPU filaments for 3D printing.
There are many materials—mostly types of plastic—you can get, but three major varieties dominate hobbyist printing:
PLA (Polylactic Acid) Easiest to print, eco-friendly, minimal odor. Great for decorative models, toys, and cosplay props.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) Stronger and more flexible than PLA. Ideal for water-resistant parts and functional prints.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Rubber-like flexibility. Best for phone cases, gaskets, and shock-absorbing parts. Requires a direct-drive extruder for best results.
Best PLA Filaments
PLA is the most popular beginner filament. It runs on any printer, doesn’t need an enclosure, and is made from renewable resources like corn starch. Here are our top picks:
1. OVERTURE PLA Filament
Why we love it: Smooth feeding, reliable color uniformity, printed at up to 220 °C.