Best 3D Printing Filament for Under $25 Windows Central 2020

This list is to give you an overview of each material and the best product you can pick up for under $25 in its class. For my money Inland PLA is the very best you can buy for the cheapest price possible. It won't let you down.

Note: This list is made of 1.75mm diameter filaments, as it is the most common width used by home 3D printers. Most of the products here can be found in 3mm diameter as well.

Polylactic Acid (PLA) Filament

PLA is the most commonly used filament for beginners and general use. Made from organic polymers, PLA is a biodegradable, rigid material that has a low melting point. It's used often as a base for models that you want to paint and for objects kept indoors. The downside of PLA is it can become soft in relatively low heat, around 60 Celcius, or 140 Fahrenheit for the U.S. makers, and doesn't do well out in the elements.

My Choice: Inland PLA

Inland PLA is my go-to when I want cheap, reliable PLA for large projects. When you dial it in, it has an almost matte finish that looks beautiful on unfinished models.

$17 at Amazon

Designed for building: MatterHackers build series PLA

MatterHackers' build series is custom made for printing objects you are going to sand or paint. Use it for making cosplay items or painted models.

$20 at MatterHackers

Amazon Branding: AmazonBasics PLA

While not the cheapest of the filaments, AmazonBasics' PLA is surprisingly good quality with the added advantage of a bulk buy option. Buy it in rolls of five, if you can, to reduce the cost per kilo.

$19 at Amazon

Pushing the envelope: Esun Silk PLA

The latest release from eSun, the Silk PLA is one of the prettiest filaments I have ever used. It prints like butter.

$26 at Amazon

A fan favorite: Hatchbox PLA

In my many Facebook groups about 3D printing, Hatchbox is mentioned often as a favorite for people all over. For me, it's hit or miss, but so many people swear by it, so it had to make the list.

$20 at Amazon

The real deal: Polymaker Polylite

When Lulzbot sent me its Mini 2 to review they sent along a roll of Polymaker Polylite to use with it because it claims it's one of the best filaments to use with its printer. I tested it, and the claim is true: it's pretty great.

$25 at MatterHackers

The newcomer: Prusament

Prusa, the creators of one of the best 3D printers available, have made something pretty special here. Prusament has an amazing accuracy that allows for super smooth prints.

$25 at Prusa Research

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS is used in many products around the world and is lauded for its high temperature and environmental resistance. It's also extremely tough once printed and can be wet sanded to a super fine finish if you want to take the time. The biggest drawback of ABS is its noxious fumes. If you're thinking of printing with ABS, make sure you are in a well-ventilated place and use an enclosure if you can.

My choice: AmazonBasics

The same applies to the ABS as the PLA. AmazonBasics is a solid filament choice. Buy it in packs, so you can reduce the price to $16 a roll.

$19 at Amazon

Glow in the dark!: MatterHackers Glow

MatterHackers has an amazing glow in the dark ABS. You'll need to make sure you use a hardened nozzle though.

$25 at MatterHackers

Budget goodness: 3D Solutech

For the price this ABS is great. Just keep it in a dry place as it can get damaged easily.

$17 at Amazon

Party people: Gizmo Dorks

This Fluorescent ABS looks great on a shelf with a blacklight and prints really well. Make sure you keep the temperature even though, since it can lift at the edges.

$21 at Amazon

A little extra: eSUN ABS

eSUN ABS+ has some extra properties that make it easier to print with. It warps less and adheres better, but you'll need a really hot bed, over 100 degrees Celsius, to get it to work.

$21 at Amazon

Sure and steady: Monoprice ABS

Monoprice filament comes standard with any Monoprice printer and is more reliable than most. It's a solid, dependable choice for a filament. They are super cheap too.

$14 at Amazon

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

TPU is the softest of the four filament types and can be used to create rubberized models such as phone cases or tires. It also works very well to create flexible hinges or protective covers when dual printed with another filament type. TPU tends to be more expensive than other materials so not everything is under budget, but these are still your bargain choices.

My choice: Tianse TPU

I often use Tianse filaments on a variety of projects, but I use a lot for TPU. It's affordable and reliable, and that's all you can ask for.

$26 at Amazon

The one that started it all: Ninjatek Ninjaflex

Nijaflex is easily the best of the bunch. It's a little pricey but works well with every printer I've used it on.

$31 at Amazon

It rhymes!: Sunlu TPU

I have only used this once but it was recommended by several people on the Facebook groups. It also has an excellent dimensional accuracy of 0.02mm.

$25 at Amazon

Made by a printer: Tronxy TPU

Tronxy TPU is made by an actual 3D printer manufacturer and so feels well engineered compared to some others. Don't worry: you can use it with any printer.

$22 at Amazon

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PeTG)

PeTG is the happy mix between PLA and ABS. It has the strength and temperature resistance of ABS while being safe to print indoors. It can be a little difficult to get right, but once you do you'll never look back. You may need to use a Micro Swiss Hotend as PeTG needs a very high temperature to print.

My choice: MatterHackers Build

This build series PeTG from MatterHackers is the prettiest darn filament you'll ever see. The translucent colors are just beautiful when printed correctly.

$25 at MatterHackers

Basics: AmazonBasics

AmazonBasics is cheap in bulk and great for the price. It's also a great way to fill out your supply of colors early on.

$20 at Amazon

Here comes the sun: eSUN PeTG

Another beautiful, semi-transparent material, the eSUN PeTG is reliable and strong when printed.

$25 at Amazon

Polyamorous: Polymaker Polylite PeTG

The Polymaker Polylite is always best in class and the PeTG is no exception. Expect stunning results from this filament.

$25 at MatterHackers

Budget again: 3D Solutech

Another clear but colorful choice, the 3D Solutech PeTG is a super cheap option to start you off. You should buy a lot of them to start your collection.

$21 at Amazon

Hatch a 3D print: Hatchbox PeTG

Hatchbox's PeTG is far more consistent than it's other materials and the colors are always vibrant.

$21 at Amazon

There are a lot of choices

If you picked any of these products across the different material types you would have a great shot at making excellent prints. Some will work better than others on different printers so it's always a good idea to try different filaments until you find the right for you.

I've titled the ones I use regularly as My choice because they give me the best results but remember everybody's printers are unique so your mileage may vary.

For my money, the Build series from Matterhackers is an excellent choice across the gamut of different filament types. From ABS to PeTG, the build series just works.

You should also be looking at eSun Silk PLA if you don't plan on painting your models. The glossy finish is just beautiful on unpainted prints. The Moon City by kijai design above is a perfect example of how good the Silk PLA looks.

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