Best 3D Printer Filament Brands

Choosing the right filament is crucial for achieving high-quality prints and ensuring a smooth 3D printing experience.

With numerous brands available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which ones offer the best performance, reliability, and value. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the top 3D printer filament brands, their key features, and what makes them stand out.

Top 20 3D Printer Filament Brands

Phrozen

Best Sold Filament: High-Speed PLA
Phrozen is making waves in the 3D printing industry with its innovative and high-speed PLA filaments. Designed to complement their FDM 3D printers, Phrozen High-Speed PLA is engineered for rapid printing without compromising on quality. With outstanding fluidity, this filament facilitates faster and smoother extrusion, which ensures high-quality prints even at accelerated speeds. Available in a range of vibrant colors, Phrozen’s PLA is an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~55 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~10.2%

• Young's Modulus: ~1200 MPa

• Print Temperature: 190-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 45-60°C

Use Cases: Ideal for rapid prototyping, creative projects, and high-volume printing tasks.

Key Features:

• Fast Printing Speed: Designed to handle high-speed printing while maintaining quality.

• Smooth Extrusion: Ensures consistent print quality with quick cooling.

• Color Variety: Available in 8 bright and exciting colors.

• User-Friendly: Suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

Pros:

• Exceptional print speed and quality

• Wide range of color options

• Affordable and accessible for all skill levels

Cons:

• Limited to PLA material, with fewer specialty filament options

Polymaker

Polymaker is a leading brand in the 3D printing industry, known for its innovative materials and high-performance filaments. Their PolyMax PLA is a top-selling product, offering exceptional strength and impact resistance while maintaining the ease of use associated with PLA.

This filament is engineered with Polymaker’s patented Nano-reinforcement technology, which significantly enhances the toughness of the material, making it an excellent alternative to ABS for demanding applications. PolyMax PLA is also known for its superb surface finish and excellent printability, even on complex models.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~65 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~12-20%

• Young's Modulus: ~2600 MPa

• Print Temperature: 190-230°C

• Bed Temperature: 50-70°C

Use Cases: Ideal for engineering parts, functional prototypes, and any application requiring high impact resistance.

Key Features:

• Innovation: Unique materials like PolySmooth for easy post-processing.

• Quality Control: Strict manufacturing standards ensure high-quality filaments.

• Range: Offers a wide range of materials and colors.

Pros:

• High-quality materials

• Innovative products

• Wide range

Cons:

• Higher price point

Hatchbox

Best Sold Filament: PLA
Hatchbox is a well-established brand in the 3D printing community, known for its reliability and affordability. Their PLA filament is particularly popular, offering consistent quality across various colors and diameters.

Hatchbox PLA is known for its excellent bed adhesion, minimal warping, and vibrant color options, making it a go-to choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. The filament is easy to work with, making it ideal for beginners while still delivering the precision and quality required for more complex projects.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~60 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~6-10%

• Young's Modulus: ~3000 MPa

• Print Temperature: 180-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 20-60°C

Use Cases: Ideal for prototyping, educational projects, and decorative items due to its ease of use and aesthetic finish.

Key Features:

• Consistency: Known for producing filaments with consistent diameter and quality.

• Range of Colors: Extensive color options available.

• Compatibility: Works well with most 3D printers.

Pros:

• Reliable performance

• Affordable pricing

• Wide variety of materials and colors

Cons:

• Limited specialty filament options

eSUN

Best Sold Filament: PLA+
eSUN is widely recognized for offering a broad range of high-quality 3D printing filaments at competitive prices. Their PLA+ filament is a standout product, known for its improved toughness over standard PLA, which reduces brittleness and enhances impact resistance. This filament is also praised for its ease of printing, with minimal warping and excellent bed adhesion, even on unheated beds. eSUN’s PLA+ is an excellent choice for users looking for a durable and reliable filament that can handle more demanding applications while still being beginner-friendly.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~60 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~20%

• Young's Modulus: ~1973 MPa

• Print Temperature: 210-230°C

• Bed Temperature: 0-60°C

Use Cases: Suitable for functional prototypes, tools, and objects requiring greater durability.

Key Features:

• Quality Control: High-quality control standards ensure reliable performance.

• Specialty Filaments: Offers unique materials such as wood, metal-filled, and flexible filaments.

• Affordability: Competitive pricing for high-quality filaments.

Pros:

• Diverse material options

• Good value for money

• Consistent quality

Cons:

• Availability can be inconsistent

MatterHackers

Best Sold Filament: PRO Series Raptor PLA
MatterHackers is known for its premium line of 3D printing filaments, with the PRO Series Raptor PLA standing out for its remarkable strength and durability. This filament is specifically engineered for functional parts and prototypes that require high mechanical performance, rivaling even ABS in some aspects.

Raptor PLA offers excellent layer adhesion and low warping, making it a reliable choice for large prints or parts that need to endure stress and impact. MatterHackers also provides a wide range of materials, including specialty filaments like nylon and metal-filled composites.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~85 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~6%

• Young's Modulus: ~3000 MPa

• Print Temperature: 220-240°C

• Bed Temperature: 60-80°C

Use Cases: Ideal for engineering parts, fixtures, and functional prototypes where high strength is required.

Key Features:

• Professional Grade: High-quality materials suitable for professional applications.

• Wide Range: Offers PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, and more.

• Customer Support: Excellent customer service and support.

Pros:

• High-quality filaments

• Suitable for professional use

• Good customer support

Cons:

• Higher price point

Overture

Best Sold Filament: PLA
Overture is a popular filament brand known for its cost-effective and reliable 3D printing materials. Their PLA filament is widely used due to its consistent performance, good layer adhesion, and minimal warping.

Overture focuses on providing value, offering high-quality filaments at affordable prices. The PLA filament comes vacuum-sealed with desiccants to ensure moisture-free storage, contributing to its reliable performance.

Overture's PLA is a versatile filament, suitable for a wide range of printing applications from hobbyist projects to detailed prototypes.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~55 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~6-10%

• Young's Modulus: ~2100 MPa

• Print Temperature: 190-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 20-60°C

Use Cases: Ideal for general-purpose printing, educational projects, and decorative objects.

Key Features:

• Eco-Friendly: Recyclable spool and packaging.

• Quality Assurance: High consistency in filament diameter.

• Affordable: Great balance between price and quality.

Pros:

• Affordable

• High quality

• Eco-friendly packaging

Cons:

• Limited color options

Sunlu

Best Sold Filament: PLA
Sunlu has carved out a reputation for providing affordable, high-quality filaments with excellent performance characteristics. It is a key player in the 3D printer resin market, providing reliable and consistent prints.

SUNLU offers a wide range of affordable, high-quality 3D printing materials, including PLA, PLA+, PETG, ABS, TPU, and specialty filaments like wood and marble PLA.

They also produce advanced modified PLA and other thermoplastic polyester filaments. With 1KG spools priced between $15-25, SUNLU delivers excellent value without compromising on performance, making them a top choice for budget-conscious makers and enterprises.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~61 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~3.1%

• Young's Modulus: ~3500 MPa

• Print Temperature: 200-210°C

• Bed Temperature: 50-60°C

Use Cases: Perfect for functional parts, tools, and durable prototypes.

Key Features:

• Variety: Wide range of filament types and colors.

• Affordable: Cost-effective options for budget-conscious users.

• Quality Control: Good consistency in filament production.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly

• Wide range of materials

• Consistent quality

Cons:

• Occasional quality control issues

Kingroon

Best Sold Filament: PLA
Kingroon is known for offering affordable 3D printers and filaments without compromising on quality. Their PLA filament is popular among budget-conscious users, providing reliable performance at a lower price point.

Their 10KG PLA Filament bundle is the most sold item as the most affordable price. Kingroon PLA is easy to print with, offering good bed adhesion and minimal warping.

It is available in a range of colors, making it versatile for various projects. The filament is particularly suited for beginners or those who require a dependable filament for everyday printing tasks.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~55 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~6-10%

• Young's Modulus: ~2100 MPa

• Print Temperature: 190-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 60°C

Use Cases: Suitable for general-purpose printing, hobby projects, and educational use.

Key Features:

• Affordability: Competitive pricing for budget-conscious users.

• Consistency: Good diameter and roundness consistency.

• Compatibility: Works well with most 3D printers.

Pros:

• Affordable

• Reliable quality

• Wide compatibility

Cons:

• Limited specialty filaments

ColorFabb

Best Sold Filament: PLA/PHA
ColorFabb is known for producing high-quality, specialty filaments, with their PLA/PHA blend being particularly popular. This blend combines the ease of printing associated with PLA with the enhanced toughness of PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate), resulting in a filament that is less brittle and more durable than standard PLA.

ColorFabb’s PLA/PHA is also known for its excellent color fidelity and smooth finish, making it a preferred choice for designers and artists. The filament is biodegradable and eco-friendly, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable materials in 3D printing.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~50 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~5-15%

• Young's Modulus: ~2600 MPa

• Print Temperature: 195-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 50-60°C

Use Cases: Perfect for detailed models, artistic projects, and applications requiring a higher degree of toughness.

Key Features:

• Specialty Filaments: Unique materials like bronze, copper, and wood-filled filaments.

• Quality: High-quality control ensures consistent performance.

• Range: Offers a variety of colors and materials.

Pros:

• High-quality specialty filaments

• Consistent performance

• Wide range of options

Cons:

• Expensive

1Inland

Best Sold Filament: PLA
Inland, often recognized as a budget-friendly filament brand, provides reliable and consistent materials for 3D printing. Their PLA filament is particularly popular due to its affordability and solid performance.

Inland PLA offers good print quality with strong layer adhesion and minimal warping, making it an excellent choice for users looking to get the most out of their filament budget.

Despite being a more economical option, Inland PLA delivers consistent results, making it suitable for a wide range of printing applications.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~55 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~6-8%

• Young's Modulus: ~2100 MPa

• Print Temperature: 190-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 20-60°C

Use Cases: Ideal for everyday printing, prototypes, and educational projects.

Key Features:

• Affordability: Great value for money.

• Range: Offers a variety of materials and colors.

• Quality: Consistent performance.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly

• Wide range of materials

• Consistent quality

Cons:

• Limited specialty filaments

Prusament

Best Sold Filament: PLA Prusament
Prusament is the filament brand of Prusa Research, a company famous for its high-quality 3D printers. Prusament PLA is recognized for its stringent quality control, with each spool being precisely manufactured and thoroughly tested to ensure dimensional accuracy and color consistency.

The filament is also spooled perfectly, reducing the risk of tangles during printing. Prusament PLA offers excellent print quality with smooth surfaces and sharp details, making it a favorite among users who require the highest level of precision in their prints.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~60 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~5-8%

• Young's Modulus: ~2100 MPa

• Print Temperature: 210-230°C

• Bed Temperature: 50-60°C

Use Cases: Perfect for high-precision models, decorative items, and prototypes that demand exceptional accuracy.

Key Features:

• Quality Control: Each spool comes with a QR code to check the quality specifications.

• Wide Compatibility: Works well with most 3D printers.

• Environmentally Conscious: Focus on eco-friendly packaging.

Pros:

• Exceptional quality

• Detailed manufacturing data

• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• Limited range of materials

Fillamentum

Best Sold Filament: PLA Extrafill
Fillamentum is a premium filament brand known for its high-quality materials and a wide range of vibrant colors. Their PLA Extrafill is a best-seller, recognized for its excellent printability, high gloss finish, and precise diameter tolerance.

This filament is widely used for producing high-detail models, prototypes, and decorative objects. Fillamentum’s commitment to quality ensures that each spool is meticulously produced, providing consistent results and reducing the likelihood of printing issues.

The PLA Extrafill is particularly favored for its aesthetic appeal and smooth surface finish.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~65 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~5%

• Young's Modulus: ~3000 MPa

• Print Temperature: 190-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 50-60°C

Use Cases: Ideal for high-detail prints, architectural models, and decorative items that require a high-quality finish.

Key Features:

• Quality: Consistent diameter and roundness.

• Variety: Wide range of colors and materials.

• Professional Use: Suitable for both hobbyist and professional applications.

Pros:

• High quality

• Wide range of colors

• Reliable performance

Cons:

• Higher cost

Proto-pasta

Best Sold Filament: High-Temperature PLA
Proto-pasta is a specialty filament manufacturer known for its innovative materials, with High-Temperature PLA being one of their standout products.

This filament is designed for applications that require greater heat resistance than standard PLA, offering the ability to anneal prints for even higher thermal performance.

Proto-pasta’s High-Temperature PLA provides excellent print quality, with a smooth finish and strong layer adhesion.

It’s particularly favored for creating functional parts that need to withstand higher temperatures, making it a versatile choice for engineers and makers.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~63 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~4%

• Young's Modulus: ~2700 MPa

• Print Temperature: 190-230°C

• Bed Temperature: 50-70°C

Use Cases: Ideal for heat-resistant parts, automotive components, and functional prototypes.

Key Features:

• Unique Materials: Specialty filaments with unique properties.

• High Quality: Consistent and reliable performance.

• Innovation: Constantly developing new and innovative materials.

Pros:

• High-quality specialty filaments

• Reliable performance

• Innovative products

Cons:

• Expensive

3D Solutech

Best Sold Filament: PLA
3D Solutech is known for offering affordable, quality filaments that cater to a wide range of users. Their PLA filament is a top-seller, favored for its ease of use and consistent quality.

3D Solutech PLA is characterized by its vibrant colors and smooth finish, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced users. The filament prints reliably, with minimal warping and strong layer adhesion, making it suitable for a variety of projects from simple prototypes to decorative objects.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~60 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~6-10%

• Young's Modulus: ~2100 MPa

• Print Temperature: 190-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 20-60°C

Use Cases: Perfect for everyday printing tasks, educational projects, and detailed models.

Key Features:

• Vibrant Colors: Wide range of color options.

• Affordable: Competitive pricing.

• Consistency: Reliable diameter and roundness.

Pros:

• Affordable

• Vibrant colors

• Consistent quality

Cons:

• Limited material options

Gizmo Dorks

Best Sold Filament: ABS
Gizmo Dorks is known for offering a wide range of filaments, with their ABS being particularly popular.

ABS filament from Gizmo Dorks is known for its strength, durability, and heat resistance, making it ideal for functional parts and engineering applications.

The filament is also suitable for post-processing, such as sanding or acetone vapor smoothing, allowing for a smooth, professional finish.

Gizmo Dorks ABS is favored for its reliability in producing strong, functional prints that can withstand higher temperatures and mechanical stress.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~43 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~20-30%

• Young's Modulus: ~2200 MPa

• Print Temperature: 220-260°C

• Bed Temperature: 90-110°C

Use Cases: Perfect for mechanical parts, enclosures, and applications requiring heat resistance and durability.

Key Features:

• Quality: High-quality control standards.

• Range: Wide variety of materials and colors.

• Performance: Reliable and consistent printing.

Pros:

• High-quality filaments

• Wide range of materials

• Reliable performance

Cons:

• Higher cost

Taulman3D

Best Sold Filament: Nylon 645
Taulman3D specializes in high-performance filaments, with Nylon 645 being one of their most popular products.

This nylon filament is known for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance, making it suitable for industrial and engineering applications.

Nylon 645 is also favored for its low friction, making it ideal for parts that require smooth movement or wear resistance.

Taulman3D’s commitment to quality ensures that their filaments provide consistent results, even in demanding environments.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~75 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~300%

• Young's Modulus: ~1200 MPa

• Print Temperature: 240-260°C

• Bed Temperature: 60-90°C

Use Cases: Ideal for gears, bearings, mechanical parts, and components that require high strength and flexibility.

Key Features:

• Engineering Grade: High-strength and durable materials.

• Specialty Filaments: Unique materials like Nylon and PETT.

• Quality: Consistent and reliable performance.

Pros:

• High-strength materials

• Suitable for engineering applications

• Reliable performance

Cons:

• Expensive

SpoolWorks

Best Sold Filament: Edge (PETG)
SpoolWorks is a premium filament brand known for its high-quality materials, with Edge (PETG) being a standout product.

Edge is designed to offer the strength and durability of ABS with the ease of printing of PLA, making it an excellent all-around filament.

This PETG filament is known for its excellent layer adhesion, minimal warping, and resistance to impact and chemicals.

SpoolWorks Edge is ideal for users who need a strong, reliable material that can handle demanding applications without the challenges of printing with ABS.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~50-60 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~20-25%

• Young's Modulus: ~2100 MPa

• Print Temperature: 230-250°C

• Bed Temperature: 60-80°C

Use Cases: Suitable for functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and applications requiring durability and chemical resistance.

Key Features:

• Professional Grade: High-quality materials for advanced applications.

• Compatibility: Designed to work seamlessly with E3D products.

• Quality Control: Consistent diameter and roundness.

Pros:

• High-quality materials

• Suitable for professional use

• Reliable performance

Cons:

• Higher price point

NOVAMAKER

Best Sold Filament: PLA
NOVAMAKER offers budget-friendly filaments with a focus on reliability and performance. Their PLA filament is particularly popular among beginners and hobbyists due to its ease of use, good print quality, and affordability.

NOVAMAKER PLA provides consistent results with strong layer adhesion and minimal warping, making it a dependable choice for a wide range of applications. The filament is available in various colors, providing versatility for different projects.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~55 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~6-10%

• Young's Modulus: ~2100 MPa

• Print Temperature: 190-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 20-60°C

Use Cases: Ideal for general-purpose printing, educational projects, and decorative items.

Key Features:

• Quality: High-quality control ensures consistent performance.

• Variety: Wide range of materials and colors.

• Affordability: Competitive pricing.

Pros:

• High-quality filaments

• Wide range of options

• Affordable

Cons:

• Limited specialty filaments

AMOLEN

Best Sold Filament: Glow-in-the-Dark PLA
AMOLEN is known for its specialty filaments, particularly those with unique visual effects like glow-in-the-dark or color-changing properties.

Their Glow-in-the-Dark PLA is a best-seller, offering a fun and eye-catching material for creative projects. This filament is easy to print with and delivers a smooth finish, making it a popular choice for decorative items, toys, and novelty prints. AMOLEN's focus on specialty filaments makes them a go-to brand for users looking to add a unique touch to their 3D prints.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~55 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~6-10%

• Young's Modulus: ~2100 MPa

• Print Temperature: 190-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 20-60°C

Use Cases: Perfect for decorative projects, toys, and items that require a unique visual effect.

Key Features:

• Unique Materials: Innovative filaments like glow-in-the-dark and color-changing.

• Quality: Consistent and reliable performance.

• Creativity: Great for creative and artistic projects.

Pros:

• Unique and innovative materials

• Reliable performance

• Wide range of specialty filaments

Cons:

• Higher cost for specialty filaments

Polaroid

Best Sold Filament: PLA
Polaroid, a brand known for its innovative imaging products, has expanded into the 3D printing market with a range of user-friendly filaments. Their PLA filament is particularly popular, offering consistent quality and ease of use.

Polaroid PLA is designed to provide good print quality with minimal warping, making it a reliable choice for beginners and casual users. The filament is also available in a variety of colors, allowing for creative freedom in 3D printing projects.

Polaroid’s entry into the filament market reflects its commitment to providing accessible and high-quality products for a broad audience.

Mechanical Properties:

• Tensile Strength: ~60 MPa

• Elongation at Break: ~6-10%

• Young's Modulus: ~2100 MPa

• Print Temperature: 190-220°C

• Bed Temperature: 20-60°C

Use Cases: Suitable for general-purpose printing, educational projects, and creative designs.

Key Features:

• Ease of Use: User-friendly filaments ideal for beginners.

• Quality: Consistent performance with minimal clogging.

• Compatibility: Works well with most 3D printers.

Pros:

• Easy to use

• Reliable quality

• Wide compatibility

Cons:

• Limited specialty options

By focusing on these top filament brands, you can make an informed decision that best suits your 3D printing needs. Whether you prioritize speed, strength, or affordability, these brands offer reliable options that deliver excellent results.

FAQ

• What are the best 3D printer filaments?
• The best 3D printer filaments come from brands like Hatchbox, eSUN, MatterHackers, Prusament, and Overture, known for their quality and consistency.
• Is PETG better than PLA?
• PETG is generally more durable and flexible than PLA, but it can be harder to print with. The choice depends on your specific needs and the type of prints you are making.
• Why is PLA the best filament?
• PLA is often considered the best filament for beginners due to its ease of use, low printing temperature, and good adhesion properties. It is also biodegradable and comes in a wide range of colors.
• What is the strongest 3D plastic filament?
• Nylon and polycarbonate are among the strongest 3D printing filaments, known for their high strength and durability. They are often used for industrial and engineering applications.