PLA vs PETG
PLA vs PETG: Which Should You Print?
PLA is the open-printer starter. PETG and ABS care more about drafts and a dry spool. This page uses printers we already score.
Updated September 2026 · Scored against our FDM printer guide
Marcus HaleWriter
PLA and PETG printer choices at a glance
Every printer below is already scored in our FDM guide. Roles here are for this question, not a second lab test.
Bambu Lab P1S
$349 typical $399, combo pricing varies
The enclosed pick for PETG and ABS, 9.3/10, about $549 (price checked Sep 2026). Wet PETG looks like a bad printer, so pair it with a dryer when the spool has sat open.
Bambu Lab A1 Mini
$199 typical $219
The open PLA and apartment machine, 9.0/10, about $299 (price checked Sep 2026). It is a poor default for ABS.
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
$179 regular $199
Can run PETG with tuning. Sprite direct drive, 8.0/10, about $199 (price checked Sep 2026). It is not the ABS recommendation.
Original Prusa MK4S
$899
9.1/10 and about $899 (price checked Sep 2026), open and repairable. Add an enclosure before it is an ABS printer. It is a strong PETG machine if you accept that.
Bambu Lab P1S
$349 typical $399, combo pricing varies
Check price on AmazonThe enclosed pick for PETG and ABS, 9.3/10, about $549 (price checked Sep 2026). Wet PETG looks like a bad printer, so pair it with a dryer when the spool has sat open.
The P1S is the sweet spot in Bambu’s lineup: enclosed CoreXY speed, automatic calibration, and optional AMS multi-color without jumping to flagship pricing. It is the appliance experience (send a file, get a part) that made consumer FDM explode.
Who it's for
Makers who want reliable, fast prints and multi-color potential without tinkering every weekend.
Also great: Bambu Lab A1 Mini
Bambu Lab A1 Mini
The open PLA and apartment machine, 9.0/10, about $299 (price checked Sep 2026). It is a poor default for ABS.
Beginners, kids/STEM setups, and anyone with limited bench space.
Best budget pick: Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Can run PETG with tuning. Sprite direct drive, 8.0/10, about $199 (price checked Sep 2026). It is not the ABS recommendation.
Budget buyers and tinkerers who want a known platform with a huge mod scene.
Worth the upgrade: Original Prusa MK4S
Original Prusa MK4S
9.1/10 and about $899 (price checked Sep 2026), open and repairable. Add an enclosure before it is an ABS printer. It is a strong PETG machine if you accept that.
Makers who value repairability, support, and long-term upgrade paths.
Printers for PLA and PETG
Price bands are the published prices in the FDM guide (price checked Sep 2026). Build volume and ease of use come from those scorecards. Enclosed means the printer ships with a closed shell. Prices change often, so check the live price on Amazon. We earn a small commission when you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
| Printer | Price band | Build volume | Enclosed? | Ease | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab P1S | About $549 (price checked Sep 2026) | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | Yes | 9.6/10 | PETG and ABS in a closed shell | Check price on Amazon |
| Bambu Lab A1 Mini | About $299 (price checked Sep 2026) | 180 × 180 × 180 mm | No | 9.5/10 | PLA on an open printer | Check price on Amazon |
| Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | About $199 (price checked Sep 2026) | 220 × 220 × 250 mm | No | 7.9/10 | PETG on a budget, with tuning | Check price on Amazon |
| Original Prusa MK4S | About $899 (price checked Sep 2026) | 250 × 210 × 220 mm | No | 8.7/10 | PETG on a repairable open printer | Check price on Amazon |
PLA and PETG scores compared
Overall is out of 10 and comes from the FDM printer guide. Check Amazon for the live price.
| Printer | Role here | Overall | Price | Review | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab P1S | Our pick | 9.3 | $349 | Scorecard | Check price on Amazon |
| Bambu Lab A1 Mini | Also great | 9.0 | $199 | Scorecard | Check price on Amazon |
| Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | Budget pick | 8.0 | $179 | Scorecard | Check price on Amazon |
| Original Prusa MK4S | Upgrade pick | 9.1 | $899 | Scorecard | Check price on Amazon |
Who should skip these printers
Skip the open A1 Mini for ABS
The A1 Mini is a good PLA printer and a weak default for ABS. ABS is the enclosed P1S job.
Who it's not for
A materials lab sheet. We do not publish strength or temperature numbers for PLA versus PETG.
Frequently asked questions
- Which printer should I use for PETG?
- The enclosed Bambu Lab P1S, at 9.3/10, when drafts are the problem. The Ender 3 V3 SE can run PETG with tuning. Wet PETG looks like a bad printer.
- Is Magigoo for PETG?
- Magigoo Original is a PLA adhesive. It is not the fix for nylon or polypropylene.
Related 3D printer guides
The best 3D printer for PETG, ABS, and engineering filaments
The best 3D printer for PETG, ABS, and engineering filament is enclosed, and the spool has to be dry. Abrasive blends still need a hardened nozzle.
How to Dry Filament (PETG, TPU, PLA)
Dry PETG, TPU, or nylon, and dry filament if the room is humid. A sealed spool of PLA can start without a dryer.
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