Best Beginner 3D Printer Filament (and the Printer We Use)
If you're new to 3D printing, start with PLA. It prints at low temperatures, barely warps, and forgives a lot. Once you're comfortable, TPU lets you print flexible parts like bumpers, feet, and grips. Whatever you buy, keep it dry. Damp filament is the most common reason a good printer suddenly makes stringy, weak prints.
Quick guide
- PLA / PLA+: décor, organizers, planters, and prototypes.
- TPU: soft feet, gaskets, and phone cases. Print it slowly.
- PETG: tougher and handles more heat for outdoor parts, but it strings more.
Our picks
Our printer
Flashforge AD5X multi-color printer
Multi-color printing at a beginner-friendly price. It's what we test on.
Check price →Must-have
Filament dryer / dry box
Fixes stringing and brittle filament, especially TPU.
Check price →We pick products based on research and hands-on experience. Brands don't pay for placement.