PLA filaments are a popular printing material for 3D printers. PLA stands for Polylactic Acid and is also known as thermoplastic polyester. PLA has become a top choice for making 3D printed parts and accessories for various reasons.
To begin with, it lies at a lower price point as compared to other 3D printing materials. Moreover, it prints at a relatively low temperature with little to no fumes.
The best cheap PLA filament would be Hatchbox PLA but there are many other good options as well!
If you are in a hurry and don’t have the time to skim through the entire article, have a glimpse of seven of the best cheap PLA filaments for 3D printing
- HATCHBOX PLA 3D Printer Filament <<Best Overall Cheap PLA Filament
- 3D Solutech Real White 3D Printer PLA Filament
- MIKA3D PLA Filament Pack of 24 Different Colors
- 3D Solutech See Through PLA Filament
- PRILINE PLA 3D Printer Filament <<Toughest PLA Filament
- 3D BEST-Q PLA 3D Printer Filament
- Reprapper PLA Filament for 3D Printer
My 7 Reviews of the Best Cheap PLA Filament Options
PLA filaments are primarily derived from renewable sources, making them an eco-friendly material. They are made of corn starch, sugarcane, or other plant-based items instead of a synthetic substrate. PLA filaments are also easy to use, making it a suitable option for people who have just started using a 3D printer.
Despite being low-priced than other 3D printing materials, top-quality PLA filaments don’t feature absolutely cheap price tags. For students and non-professional hobbyists, they can prove to be quite expensive.
We have researched, shortlisted, and reviewed seven of the best cheap PLA filaments available in the market right now. The filaments we have reviewed here lie in the price range of $15-25 and each one has several unique features to set them apart. Please see our Things To Consider section for key points that could impact your final choice.
1. HATCHBOX PLA 3D Printer Filament– A Sealed PLA Filament <<My Top Pick
If you want a large supply of cheap yet good quality PLA filament in a single color, consider buying this 2.20lb spool by HATCHBOX. We like this reasonably-priced PLA filament for various reasons; it is one of those few PLA filaments that are vacuumed sealed.
The manufacturer has used desiccant as the sealant to ensure not even a little amount of moisture can penetrate the filament. We also like this filament because it undergoes minimal warping and produces no strange smell while being crafted into prototypes and art.
- Comes with the dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.03mm
- Available in seven different colors
- Very highly rated by users
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Our rating: 99%
2. MIKA3D PLA Filament Pack of 24 Different Colors– Best Color PLA Filaments
If you want to get PLA filament in the maximum number of colors but without spending money on the price of a single roll, consider using this MIKA3D product. It is a spool containing 240 feet long PFA filament with a 1.75mm diameter of high tolerance and accuracy.
This 240 feet long filament features 24 colors in different forms. It has metallic colors, transparent colors, and a whole lot of regular solid colors. What we like about this cheap PLA filament besides its variety of colors is its wider compatibility. You can use it with a range of 3D printers as well as 3D pens.
- Includes two silicone finger caps for 3D pens
- Works without producing smoke and free of toxins
- Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Our rating: 98%
3. 3D Solutech Real White 3D Printer PLA Filament– Best Overall PLA Filament
If you are looking for a reasonable price, greater qualities, and more working flexibility in a single PLA filament option, consider buying this 3D Solutech product. It is a plain white PLA filament of standard 1.75mm diameter. This reasonably-priced PLA filament has been tested for a range of 3D printer brands, including UP, MakerBot, and PrintBot.
3D Solutech is a genuine PLA filament because it can work with printers that don’t feature heating beds. We also like this filament because it doesn’t produce bubbles and residue like regular cheap PLA options.
- Works at printing temperature of 190-220 Centigrade
- Doesn’t produce any odor
- Comes with a 90-day hassle-free return offer
Our rating: 97%
4. 3D Solutech See Through PLA Filament– Best See-Through Filament
This is the second 3D Solutech PLA filament on our list. Like the first one, this filament also comes at a reasonable price and boasts all the properties that you look in any top-of-the-line PLA filament. It is a see-through PLA filament that comes in four different colors. You can use it to make 3D objects with a lighter, more delicate shade of the same color.
You can also use this see-through PLA filament to make objects that are supposed to feature lights for a glow. The other impressive bit about this PLA filament is its dimensional tolerance. Ideally, it can give you +/- 0.02mm accuracy. And even if you encounter any issue, the filament can still maintain it below +/- 0.05mm.
- Compatible with a range of printer models
- Doesn’t warp even without heating bed
- Comes with a satisfaction guarantee
Our rating: 96%
5. PRILINE PLA 3D Printer Filament– The Toughest PLA Filament
This PLA filament by PRILINE is an ideal choice for home printers, schools, hobbyists, as well as professionals. The manufacturer claims that it is the most strong and tough PLA filament among all similar filament options available in the market. The reason behind this claim is this filament’s low shrinkage rate and minimal flex.
You can use it to produce 3D models with high resolution and dimensional tolerance of +/- 0.03mm. The filament comes in nine different vibrant and opaque colors, so you don’t have to finish the printed object afterward.
- Works with all 3D printers that accommodate 1.75mm filament
- Completely made of biodegradable material
- Comes with a 30-day refund guarantee
Our rating: 94%
6. 3D BEST-Q PLA 3D Printer Filament
It is another 2.2lb spool of PLA filament that lies at a lower price point but offers the durability and result of any high-end option. This PLA filament by 3D Best-Q is made of polylactic acid completely derived from biodegradable sources.
The filament exhibits high tenacity and hardness, making it a suitable option for printing both parts and entire prototypes. The most striking bit about this PLA filament is its fast-drying property. This attribute allows you to use it at higher printing speeds and with 3D printers that print quickly.
- Available in five metallic and solid colors
- Offers dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.03mm
- Doesn’t warp even at a low-temperature extrusion
Our rating: 93%
7. Reprapper PLA Filament for 3D Printer– Most Flexible PLA Filament
We are rounding off our list with a cheap filament that doesn’t warp, doesn’t produce any odor, and is compatible with nearly all 3D printer brands. The Reprapper PLA filament is a spool of 2.2lb 100% polylactic acid produced by Natureworks.
The unique bit about this PLA is that it is not brittle like other PLA items on our list. You can bend it 360 degrees, and it will still regain its original shape. This elasticity helps you in making relatively flexible 3D objects as well. Even with such flexibility, it doesn’t require heating bed printing. You can use it to print at low temperatures without worrying about warping.
- Available in six different color shades
- 100% tangle-free filament
- Works with all 3D printers
Our Rating: 93%
Things to Consider Before Buying a Cheap PLA Filament
Take these factors into account while buying a reasonably-priced PLA filament.
Dimensional Tolerance/Accuracy
Dimensional tolerance or accuracy represents the deformation that a material can undergo while being crafted into an object. If you have noticed, all our reviewed PLA filaments have the dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.03mm. It is a standard for all PLA filaments, including expensive ones. Avoid buying any cheap PLA filament where the label doesn’t mention its dimensional tolerance.
Compatibility
A good-quality PLA filament works with all 3D printers without facing warping and adhesion issues, regardless of its price. You can easily find cheap options, including the seven we have reviewed that are compatible with most of the 3D printer brands.
Color Options
If you want to make 3D objects with uniform designs and overall consistency, make sure you use the filaments from the same manufacturer. Therefore, first, confirm if a manufacturer offers its product in different colors.
FAQs
Why one needs to use PLA filament as 3D printing material?
PLA filament is perfect for 3D printing because they are easy to use, less prone to warping, and doesn’t require a heated build platform, which doesn’t come with all printers.
What items can be printed from PLA filaments?
You can print toys, household items, and other prototypes that don’t require too much flexibility.
Are PLA filaments better than ABS filaments?
PLA filaments are better than ABS filaments for their lower price points and less warping. However, if you want more flexibility in your 3D printed objects, ABS filaments will be a better
Videos
PLA features
Tips for success
Conclusion
We hope that the above reviews and discussion help you in picking the best cheap PLA filament for your 3D printing. If we are to make any suggestion, we recommend you should buy HATCHBOX PLA filaments. They are available in various colors, don’t warp, and make for durable 3D projects.
