Best PETG Filament 2026: Top Brands Ranked for Strength, Quality & Value
PETG is the go-to upgrade from PLA for sellers who need stronger, more heat-resistant parts. We ranked the top PETG brands for 2026 by print quality, layer adhesion, and value — plus a cost-per-gram breakdown. Use the cost per gram calculator to plug in your exact spool price, or the PETG calculator for a full cost breakdown.
Quick Picks (2026)
Best overall: Polymaker PolyLite PETG — £20–£26/kg
Best for strength: eSUN PETG — £17–£23/kg
Best budget: Sunlu PETG — £14–£20/kg
Best clarity: Prusament PETG — £26–£32/kg
Best for farm use: Overture PETG — £18–£24/kg
Best silk/colour: Bambu Lab PETG Basic — £24–£30/kg
Full Comparison Table (2026)
| Brand | Price/kg | Cost/g | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polymaker PolyLite PETG | £20–£26 | £0.020–£0.026 | Overall quality | ⭐ 4.7/5 |
| eSUN PETG | £17–£23 | £0.017–£0.023 | Strength + value | ⭐ 4.6/5 |
| Prusament PETG | £26–£32 | £0.026–£0.032 | Precision + clarity | ⭐ 4.7/5 |
| Bambu Lab PETG Basic | £24–£30 | £0.024–£0.030 | Colour accuracy | ⭐ 4.5/5 |
| Overture PETG | £18–£24 | £0.018–£0.024 | Print farms | ⭐ 4.5/5 |
| Hatchbox PETG | £22–£28 | £0.022–£0.028 | Consistent diameter | ⭐ 4.4/5 |
| Sunlu PETG | £14–£20 | £0.014–£0.020 | Budget | ⭐ 4.3/5 |
Prices based on UK market averages (£), March 2026. US prices are typically within 10–15% of GBP figures at current exchange rates — check Amazon US for your local price. Use the cost per gram calculator to enter your exact spool price.
In-Depth Brand Reviews
Polymaker PolyLite PETG
- ±0.03mm diameter tolerance
- Prints 230–250°C, bed 70–85°C
- Minimal stringing with tuned retraction
- Good layer adhesion and impact resistance vs PLA
- Dry storage recommended — PETG is moisture-sensitive
Verdict: Best all-round PETG for sellers and hobbyists.
eSUN PETG
- Slightly lower price point, excellent strength
- Very consistent across batches — good for print farms
- ~40% higher impact resistance than PLA
- Works at 230–240°C with 60–80°C bed
- Slight gloss finish — easy to post-process
Verdict: Best value if you print in volume.
Prusament PETG
- ±0.02mm tolerance — tightest in class
- Made in-house by Prusa; QC verified per spool
- Crystal-clear transparency in natural colour
- Prints 230–250°C, 70–90°C bed
- Premium price justified for precision parts
Verdict: Best for dimensional accuracy and transparency.
Sunlu PETG (budget pick)
- Most affordable per gram
- Batch consistency varies — weigh prints to verify
- Decent for decorative items; not ideal for structural
- Requires dry box storage more than premium brands
Verdict: Best budget choice, acceptable for non-critical prints.
PETG vs PLA — Which Should You Choose?
| Property | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per gram | £0.015–£0.025 | £0.020–£0.032 |
| Print temp | 190–220°C | 230–250°C |
| Bed temp | 0–60°C | 60–85°C |
| Heat resistance | ~55°C | ~80°C |
| Impact resistance | Low | Medium-high |
| Food safety | Not by default | Food-safe grades available |
| Moisture sensitivity | Low | High — needs dry storage |
| Stringing tendency | Low | Higher |
| Best use case | Decorative, low-stress | Functional, outdoor, food-contact |
PETG costs ~28% more per gram than PLA. If you sell PETG items, make sure your cost-per-gram is updated in your calculator — using PLA rates means you're losing money on every print. Use the PETG calculator or free cost calculator with the right material cost.
PETG Print Settings Guide
| Setting | Budget printer | Mid-range | Enclosed/performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print temp | 240–250°C | 235–245°C | 230–240°C |
| Bed temp | 75–85°C | 70–80°C | 65–75°C |
| Print speed | 40–60mm/s | 60–100mm/s | 100–150mm/s |
| Cooling | 30–50% | 40–60% | 20–40% |
| Retraction | 5–7mm (Bowden) / 1–2mm (direct) | 1–3mm | 0.5–1.5mm |
PETG bonds strongly to smooth PEI — use glue stick or Magigoo to prevent bed adhesion damage on expensive surfaces.
FAQ
Is PETG stronger than PLA?
Yes: ~40% higher impact resistance, better heat resistance (~80°C vs ~55°C). Trade-off is higher print temp, more stringing, and moisture sensitivity.
Why does PETG string so much?
PETG is more viscous and sticks to the nozzle. Fix: use the retraction calculator to get starting values, lower print temp by 5°C, enable combing in slicer, and ensure filament is dry.
Does PETG need to be dried before printing?
Yes, more than PLA. PETG absorbs moisture that causes bubbling and weak layer adhesion. Dry at 65°C for 4–6 hours if stored unprotected.
What is the cost per gram of PETG vs PLA?
PETG runs £0.020–£0.032/g vs PLA at £0.015–£0.025/g. Use the cost per gram calculator for your exact spool.
Related calculators
- PETG cost calculator — full cost breakdown for PETG prints
- Cost per gram calculator — enter your exact spool price
- Free 3D print cost calculator — material, electricity, shipping and profit
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