Best Filament for Beginners
New to 3D printing? Start with PLA. Here's why, and what to try next once you're comfortable.
Last updated: June 2026
If you're just starting out, the answer is simple: print PLA. It's the cheapest common filament, it sticks to the bed easily, it doesn't need an enclosure or high temperatures, and it forgives the mistakes every beginner makes. Almost every printer ships with a PLA sample for a reason.
Once a few PLA prints go well, the natural next steps are PETG (tougher and more heat-resistant, slightly fussier) and TPU (flexible). There's no need to rush into ABS, nylon or carbon-fibre blends; those want enclosures, hardened nozzles and drying that get in the way while you're still learning.
PLA prints at low temperatures, needs no enclosure, barely warps, and costs the least. It's the most forgiving filament made, which is exactly what you want for your first dozen prints. PLA+ is a tougher version worth a small premium once you print functional parts.
Once PLA feels easy, PETG is the logical upgrade: tougher, more heat-resistant (around 75C), and water-resistant, while still printing without an enclosure. It strings a bit more than PLA and likes a dry spool, but that's a small adjustment.
TPU is rubbery filament for phone cases, grips and gaskets. It prints best on a direct-drive printer at slow speeds. Not strictly a beginner material, but very approachable once PLA and PETG feel routine.
Skip ABS, ASA, nylon and carbon-fibre blends while you're learning. They need enclosures, higher temperatures, hardened nozzles or drying, and that complexity gets in the way of building good habits. Come back to them once PLA and PETG are second nature.