PLA+ vs PLA: Is the Upgrade Worth the Extra Cost?
Compare strength, print temps, surface finish, and value. Whether PLA+ is worth it for beginners vs advanced users. Hardness and bed adhesion tests.
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ComparePLA+ vs PLA is one of the first upgrades many 3D printer users consider. Is the extra 3–8 dollars per kilogram worth it? After testing 12 brands over 6 months—including tensile tests, bed adhesion trials, and 80+ functional prints—the answer depends on what you print and your experience level.
This guide compares PLA and PLA+ on strength, print temperatures, surface finish, and value. You'll get test results, a decision framework for beginners vs advanced users, and honest recommendations. Use our filament price tool to find the best prices for both materials in your region.
PLA+ vs PLA: Quick Comparison
Standard PLA is the easiest filament to print. It runs at 190–210°C, needs no heated bed (though 60°C helps), and forgives most mistakes. PLA+ adds modifiers—impact enhancers, flow agents, sometimes UV stabilizers—that improve strength, layer adhesion, and heat resistance. The tradeoff: PLA+ costs 15–30% more and typically needs 5–15°C higher extrusion temps.
| Property | PLA | PLA+ |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~50 MPa | ~55–65 MPa (+10–20%) |
| Print temperature | 190–210°C | 200–225°C |
| Bed temperature | 50–60°C (optional) | 55–65°C (recommended) |
| Heat deflection | ~55–60°C | ~65–75°C |
| Layer adhesion | Good | Better (smoother seams) |
| Brittleness | Snaps cleanly | More impact resistant |
| Price per kg | $12–18 | $15–25 |
Strength and Hardness: What We Tested
We printed tensile dog bones (ASTM D638 Type I) in standard PLA and three PLA+ brands: eSUN PLA+, SUNLU PLA+, and Polymaker PolyTerra. All at 0.2mm layer height, 100% infill. Results: PLA+ showed 12–18% higher tensile strength and 15–25% higher elongation at break. That means PLA+ parts absorb more energy before snapping.
Hardness: Using a Shore D durometer on flat printed surfaces, PLA averaged 75–78D. PLA+ averaged 76–80D—marginally harder, with less scratch visibility. For functional brackets and tool holders, the difference matters. For figurines and decorative prints, it does not.
Print Temperatures: PLA vs PLA+
Standard PLA prints well from 190–210°C. Most brands work at 200°C. PLA+ typically needs 200–225°C for optimal flow. In our tests, PLA+ at 190°C under-extruded and showed weak layer bonding. At 215°C, it flowed smoothly and produced stronger parts.
Bed adhesion: both stick well to PEI at 60°C. PLA+ often adheres slightly better on first layer—we saw fewer edge lifts in large prints. For glass beds, 60–65°C works for both. No need for glue stick with a clean, level bed.
Surface Finish and Layer Adhesion
PLA+ often produces smoother surfaces and less visible layer lines. The flow modifiers help filament bond across layers. In side-by-side prints of the same model, PLA+ showed fewer z-seam gaps and a slightly glossier finish. Standard PLA can look just as good with tuned settings—retraction, speed, temp—but PLA+ is more forgiving.
For parts that need post-processing (sanding, painting), both work. PLA+ sands smoothly; the improved layer adhesion means less risk of delamination when you apply primer. For display pieces with no finishing, the visual difference is subtle.
Bed Adhesion: Our Tests
We printed 20 identical first-layer calibration squares (100×100mm) on a PEI sheet at 60°C. PLA: 18/20 stuck perfectly, 2 had minor corner lift on drafty days. PLA+: 20/20 stuck. No measurable warp. On a cold, unheated glass bed, PLA+ also performed slightly better—fewer failed first layers.
For large prints and enclosures, PLA+ reduces warping risk. For small prints and standard bed sizes, both materials work fine with proper leveling and cleanliness.
Is PLA+ Worth It? Decision by Experience Level
Beginners
Start with standard PLA. It's cheaper, prints at lower temps, and forgives mistakes. Learn leveling, retraction, and speed on budget filament. eSUN and SUNLU PLA at $12–15/kg are solid. Once you're comfortable and printing functional parts, try PLA+. The extra 3–5 dollars per spool makes sense when failed prints cost time and material.
Intermediate and Advanced
PLA+ is worth it for functional prints. Brackets, enclosures, tool holders, and anything that sees stress benefit from the strength and impact resistance. The cost delta (15–30%) is small compared to print time and part reliability. For decorative prints and prototypes, standard PLA is fine—use our filament price comparison to find cheap options.
Hybrid approach: keep PLA for drafts and PLA+ for final functional parts. Compare prices on our tool; filter by material to see PLA vs PLA+ deals in your market.
eSUN PLA+ and SUNLU PLA+ offer good value at $16–20 per kg. Polymaker PolyTerra is pricier but excellent for smooth finishes. Buy single spools first to verify your printer likes the formulation; multipacks make sense once you know the brand.
Amazon – eSUN PLA+For learning and prototypes, budget PLA at $12–15/kg works. SUNLU and eSUN standard PLA print reliably. Avoid the cheapest no-name spools—inconsistent diameter causes more failed prints than the savings justify.
Amazon – Budget PLA
Filament Storage and Drying
Both PLA and PLA+ absorb moisture over time. Wet filament prints brittle, strings more, and shows poor layer adhesion. PLA+ is often slightly more hygroscopic—dry before printing if the spool has been open for weeks. A filament dryer or dry box extends shelf life and improves print quality for both materials.
Heat and circulate air to remove moisture. 4–6 hours at 45–50°C for PLA/PLA+. SUNLU and eSUN dryers fit most 1kg spools. Worth it if you live in humid climates or keep spools open for months.
Amazon – Filament DryerPLA and PLA+ multipacks (3–5 spools) often cost 10–15% less per kg than single spools. Only buy multipacks once you've verified the brand works with your printer. Mixed color packs are useful for testing.
Amazon – Filament MultipacksFrequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between PLA and PLA+?
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Short answer: PLA+ adds modifiers (impact enhancers, flow agents) that improve strength, layer adhesion, and heat resistance. It costs 15–30% more and prints 5–15°C hotter than standard PLA.
Detailed: PLA+ is not a different polymer—it's PLA with additives. Brands use different formulas, so properties vary. Typical gains: 10–20% higher tensile strength, better elongation at break, reduced brittleness, and heat deflection 5–15°C higher than PLA.
- Is PLA+ worth it for beginners?
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Short answer: Start with standard PLA. Learn basics on cheaper filament. Switch to PLA+ when you print functional parts that need strength.
Detailed: Beginners benefit more from practicing with inexpensive PLA. Failed prints cost less. Once you're comfortable with leveling, temps, and retraction, PLA+ is worth trying for brackets, tool holders, and parts that see stress.
- What print temperature for PLA+?
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Short answer: 200–225°C nozzle, 55–65°C bed. Start at 210°C and adjust from there.
Detailed: PLA+ typically needs 5–15°C higher than PLA. Too low and you get under-extrusion and weak layer bonds. Too high and stringing increases. Check the manufacturer's recommended range on the spool—brands differ.
- Is PLA+ stronger than PLA?
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Short answer: Yes. PLA+ shows 10–20% higher tensile strength and better impact resistance in most brands.
Detailed: Our tests with eSUN, SUNLU, and Polymaker PLA+ showed 12–18% higher tensile strength and 15–25% higher elongation at break versus standard PLA. PLA+ is less brittle—it flexes slightly before snapping instead of cracking cleanly.
- Does PLA+ stick better to the bed?
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Short answer: Slightly. In our 20-print test, PLA+ had 100% first-layer success; PLA had 90% with minor corner lift on 2 prints.
Detailed: PLA+ often adheres better on PEI and glass. The flow modifiers help first-layer contact. Both work well with a level bed and 60°C. For large prints and drafty rooms, PLA+ reduces warp risk.
- Can I use PLA+ at PLA temperatures?
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Short answer: You can try, but PLA+ usually under-extrudes and bonds weakly below 200°C.
Detailed: We tested PLA+ at 190°C—same as typical PLA—and got inconsistent flow and poor layer adhesion. At 210–215°C, results matched or exceeded PLA. Run a temperature tower to find your printer's sweet spot.
- What is PLA+ best for?
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Short answer: Functional parts: brackets, tool holders, enclosures, gears, and anything that needs strength or impact resistance.
Detailed: PLA+ shines for mechanical parts, outdoor-adjacent items (with UV-resistant formulations), and prints that see stress. For figurines, prototypes, and decorative objects, standard PLA is sufficient and cheaper.
- Is PLA+ harder to print than PLA?
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Short answer: Slightly. PLA+ needs a bit more temp tuning. Otherwise, similar difficulty.
Detailed: PLA+ prints at higher temps, so nozzle oozing can increase. Retraction may need a 1–2mm adjustment. Once dialed in, PLA+ often produces smoother results with less visible layer lines. No enclosure or special hardware required.
Summary
PLA+ offers 10–20% higher strength, better bed adhesion, and smoother surfaces than standard PLA. It costs 15–30% more and typically prints 5–15°C hotter. For functional parts—brackets, tool holders, enclosures—PLA+ is worth the upgrade. For beginners and decorative prints, start with budget PLA and upgrade when you need durability.
Compare prices for both materials on our filament comparison tool. Filter by PLA and PLA+ to find the best deals. For more material comparisons, see rigid vs flexible filament, resin vs filament, and our guide to strongest filaments.
Article Update History
- Feb 2026: Initial publication. PLA+ vs PLA comparison—strength, print temps, surface finish, value, bed adhesion tests.
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