The three workhorse filaments every maker meets. We compare PETG, PLA and ASA head-to-head with the brands people actually search for — and where to buy them cheaper from Chinese platforms.
If you only ever buy three filaments, make them these. PLA is the forgiving default, PETG is the durable everyday upgrade, and ASA is the outdoor/UV specialist. Here is how they actually differ in 2026.
| Property | PLA | PETG | ASA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Very easy | Easy–medium | Medium (needs enclosure) |
| Heat resistance | 50–60 °C | 70–80 °C | 90–100 °C |
| UV / outdoor | Poor | Moderate | Excellent |
| Impact strength | Brittle | Tough | Tough |
| Best for | Display, prototypes | Functional & wet parts | Outdoor & automotive |
Overture PETG eSUN PETG Prusament PETG Polymaker PolyLite PETG Bambu Lab PETG Hatchbox PETG SUNLU PETG Bambu Lab ASA Polymaker ASA Ultimaker
Overture leads on PETG value — tolerances that rival Tier-1 at half the price, vacuum-sealed and reliable on Bambu printers. eSUN is the dependable fallback with huge availability. Prusament PETG is the consistency benchmark; Polymaker PolyLite PETG and Bambu Lab PETG round out the premium, while Hatchbox and SUNLU cover the budget end.
For display and prototypes, Polymaker Panchroma, eSUN PLA+, Overture and Bambu Lab PLA Basic remain the safe, searchable picks — see our high-speed PLA guide.
Bambu Lab ASA and Polymaker ASA are the consumer favourites for outdoor signs, garden parts and automotive clips. Ultimaker ASA is the pro-grade choice for enclosed machines. All need an enclosure to avoid warping and fumes.
The same Overture, eSUN, Prusament, Polymaker, Bambu Lab, Hatchbox and SUNLU rolls are listed on Taobao, 1688 and Pinduoduo well below US/EU retail. For PETG and ASA — materials you might keep on the shelf long-term — the per-kg saving adds up. Our materials comparison and buying guide cover payment, forwarding and drying.