The Filament Comparison: Cost, Properties & Best Use
| Filament | Avg. Price (1kg) | Cost/gram | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA Most Popular | $15–$25 | $0.015–$0.025 | Easy | Figurines, décor, toys, gifts |
| PETG | $20–$35 | $0.020–$0.035 | Moderate | Functional parts, planters, kitchen items |
| ABS | $18–$28 | $0.018–$0.028 | Hard | High-temp parts, car accessories |
| ASA | $25–$40 | $0.025–$0.040 | Hard | Outdoor products, UV-resistant parts |
| TPU | $22–$40 | $0.022–$0.040 | Moderate | Phone cases, flexible parts, gaskets |
PLA — The Seller's Default Choice
PLA is the best starting filament for most sellers for three reasons: it's the cheapest per gram, the easiest to print (lowest failure rate), and available in the widest variety of colors and specialty finishes (matte, silk, marble, wood, metal).
At $0.022/gram on average, a 45g decorative item costs about $0.99 in filament. With a 3× markup, you'd sell it for ~$3 just to cover material — but realistically with electricity, packaging, and time factored in, a proper price lands at $8–$15, giving you a solid margin.
Best PLA products for Etsy sellers: wall art, miniature figurines, planters (indoor), cable organizers, candle holders, phone stands, wedding décor, seasonal items.
Drawback: PLA is biodegradable and not heat resistant. Don't use it for anything that gets hot (car dashboards, dishwashers) or will be outdoors long-term.
PETG — The Premium Upgrade
PETG costs slightly more than PLA (~$0.028/gram) but is significantly stronger, food-safe, water-resistant, and heat-tolerant up to ~80°C. This lets you sell into product categories where buyers are willing to pay more.
Best PETG products to sell: succulent planters (actually watertight), kitchen gadget holders, soap dishes, bathroom organizers, mechanical parts, tool holders, cable management with outdoor exposure.
The higher material cost is easily recouped because functional PETG items command 30–50% higher prices than purely decorative PLA items on Etsy.
ABS — Skip It (Unless You Need It)
ABS was the standard before PLA existed. It's harder to print (requires an enclosure, warps easily), emits fumes, and offers few advantages over PETG for most seller use cases. Only use ABS if you need high heat resistance (above 80°C) and can't get away with ASA.
ASA — The Outdoor Specialist
ASA is ABS's weather-resistant cousin. UV-stable and durable outdoors, it's ideal for products sold for garden or exterior use: plant markers, outdoor lighting holders, bracket mounts, car exterior accessories. Buyers for these products often pay premium prices precisely because few sellers offer quality outdoor-grade prints.
TPU — The Flexible Profit Opportunity
TPU (flexible filament) is trickier to print but opens a niche market: custom phone cases, grip handles, anti-vibration mounts, shoe insoles, soft toys. Custom phone cases for unusual phone models that mass manufacturers don't cover can be sold for $15–$30 for a part that costs $0.50–$1.00 in material.
Maximizing Profit: The Filament Strategy
- Buy in bulk (3–5 spools): Reduces cost per gram by 15–25% over single spool pricing
- Use PLA for decorative/high-volume products and PETG for functional premium items
- Stock 3–4 core colors in PLA rather than many filament types — reduces inventory complexity
- Offer color customization: Buyers frequently pay $2–$5 extra for a specific color, which is free incremental revenue
- Track your actual cost per gram using our 3D Print Cost Calculator to ensure every product is priced profitably
Which Filament Should You Start With?
Start with PLA in 2–3 neutral colors (black, white, and one accent like gold or terracotta). It's the lowest risk, highest reliability, and lowest cost entry point. Add PETG once you identify functional product lines that justify the premium. Build TPU capability only when you've found a specific niche that converts well.
Always calculate your exact cost per gram before pricing. Use our 3D Printing Cost Calculator — enter your spool price and weight to see your exact per-gram cost and build a pricing model that guarantees profit on every print.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best filament for selling 3D prints on Etsy?
PLA+ is the best starting filament for most Etsy sellers — it's easy to print, food-safe for decorative items, widely available, and costs $20–$25/kg. For functional products, PETG offers better durability and is still beginner-friendly.
Is PLA or PETG better for selling?
PLA is better for decorative items (figurines, art, jewelry) due to its fine detail and color options. PETG is better for functional items (phone stands, organizers, outdoor use) due to its strength and temperature resistance.
How much filament does a typical 3D print use?
A small figurine (~50mm) uses 10–25g of filament, costing $0.25–$0.75 in materials. A larger functional item like a phone stand uses 50–100g ($1.00–$3.00). Slicer software shows exact gram estimates before printing.
What filament colors sell best?
Black, white, and grey sell best for functional/professional items. Bright colors (red, blue, green) sell well for toys and decorative items. Matte and silk finishes command premium pricing on Etsy — add $2–$5 to your base price for specialty filaments.