PETG and TPU sit at opposite ends of the hardness scale. PETG is rigid and tough. TPU bends and stretches. The right pick depends on whether your part should hold its shape or flex.
How they compare
The table maps the gap between a hard tough plastic and a soft flexible one.
| Property | PETG | TPU |
|---|---|---|
| Rigidity | High | Low |
| Flexibility | Low | High |
| Ease of print | Medium | Medium |
| Nozzle temperature | 240 to 260 °C | 210 to 230 °C |
| Print speed | 40 to 60 mm/s | 20 to 40 mm/s |
| Best for | Hard, tough parts | Flexible, grippy parts |
When to pick PETG
Pick PETG for hard parts that take a knock, like brackets, housings, and mounts. It prints at 240 to 260 °C, per the Prusament PETG datasheet, and holds its shape under load.
When to pick TPU
Pick TPU for parts that must bend, like phone cases, tires, gaskets, and grips. The Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 sheet lists a nozzle of 210 to 230 °C. TPU needs a direct drive extruder and slow speeds to print well.
Frequently asked
Is TPU stronger than PETG?
Different strength. PETG is strong and rigid. TPU is tough and flexible, so it absorbs impact by bending rather than breaking.
Can I print TPU like PETG?
No. TPU needs a direct drive extruder and slow speeds, around 20 to 40 mm/s. PETG prints faster and on more setups.
Which is better for a phone case?
TPU. A phone case needs to flex and absorb drops. PETG is too rigid for that job.
Does TPU handle heat?
Less than PETG for a hard part. TPU is rated for flexibility, not high-temperature rigidity.
To go deeper, read the PETG guide or the TPU guide. For a rigid alternative, see PLA versus TPU.
Related guides
Related
Sources & methodology
4 citations · reviewed 2026-07-09- 01Prusament PETG Technical Datasheetaccessed 2026-07-06Tier 1
- 02Bambu Lab TPU Usage Guideaccessed 2026-07-09Tier 1
- 03Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 Product Information Sheetaccessed 2026-07-09Tier 1
- 04All3DP All 3D Printing Filament Types Explainedaccessed 2026-06-29Tier 2
How we vetted this: every claim traces to a tiered source, Tier 1 (manufacturer, slicer, standards) first. Read the full sourcing and conflict-of-interest policy.