Why I Recommend ELEGOO Filament: A Comprehensive Review

I’ve been 3D printing for years, and finding a reliable filament can make or break your projects. That’s why I’m excited to share my experience with ELEGOO filament—it’s affordable, versatile, and delivers consistent results.

Whether you’re crafting miniatures or functional parts, this filament is a game-changer for hobbyists and pros alike. In this review, I’ll walk you through my hands-on experience, break down the pros and not-so-good parts, compare it to other brands, and share maintenance tips to keep your prints pristine.

Trust me, ELEGOO is worth your investment.

My Hands-On Experience With ELEGOO Filament

When I first unboxed ELEGOO’s PLA filament, I was curious but skeptical.

I’d been burned by budget brands before—filaments that snapped, clogged, or just didn’t stick to the print bed.

But ELEGOO surprised me.

The spool was neatly wound, no tangles, and came in a vacuum-sealed bag with a desiccant to keep moisture at bay.

I loaded it into my ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro, eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

My first project was a detailed D&D miniature, a wizard with flowing robes. I used ELEGOO’s standard PLA in galaxy black, which has a subtle shimmer.

The filament fed smoothly, and the layers bonded seamlessly, capturing every tiny detail of the staff and cloak. No stringing, no warping—just a clean print that needed minimal post-processing. I was impressed.

Next, I tried their PETG in translucent blue for a functional phone stand. PETG can be tricky—it’s prone to stringing if your settings aren’t dialed in. But ELEGOO’s PETG performed like a champ.

With a bed temperature of 80°C and a nozzle at 240°C, I got strong, flexible prints with a glossy finish. The stand held my phone perfectly, even with daily use.

I also tested their ASA filament for an outdoor plant holder, knowing ASA’s UV resistance would be key. The print took longer due to ASA’s higher temperature needs, but the result was sturdy and weatherproof.

After three months outside, there’s no fading or brittleness. ELEGOO’s consistency across PLA, PETG, and ASA gave me confidence to tackle diverse projects, from cosplay props to garden tools.

What stood out most was the ease of use. The filament’s 1.75mm diameter was spot-on, with no variations that could jam the extruder. The colors popped, and the price—around $15-$20 per kilogram—was a steal compared to pricier brands.

Sure, I hit a few bumps (more on that later), but my first prints with ELEGOO filament convinced me it’s a solid choice for any 3D printing enthusiast.

Pros of ELEGOO Filament

• Affordability Without Compromising Quality

Let’s talk money. ELEGOO filament is budget-friendly, often half the price of premium brands like Prusa or MatterHackers.

A 1kg spool of PLA costs about $15, and even specialty filaments like ASA or TPU hover around $20-$25. But cheap doesn’t mean low-quality here.

I’ve printed dozens of models, and the layer adhesion, color vibrancy, and durability rival filaments twice the price.

You’re getting a lot of bang for your buck, which is perfect if you’re printing in bulk or experimenting with new designs.

• Wide Range of Materials and Colors

ELEGOO offers a dizzying array of filaments—PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, and even wood or silk blends. Whether you need a flexible TPU for phone cases or a heat-resistant ABS for car parts, they’ve got you covered.

Their color selection is equally impressive, from basic reds and blues to exotic options like marble or glow-in-the-dark. I love their galaxy series for aesthetic projects; the metallic flecks add flair without needing post-print painting.

This variety lets you match the filament to your project’s needs, no compromises.

• Consistent Diameter and Smooth Feeding

Nothing ruins a print faster than a filament with inconsistent thickness. ELEGOO’s filaments are precisely 1.75mm, with a tolerance of ±0.02mm. I’ve never had a clog or jam due to diameter issues, even during long prints. The spools are tightly wound, so you won’t wrestle with tangles mid-print.

This reliability means you can focus on designing and printing, not troubleshooting. It’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference when you’re deep into a 12-hour print.

• Excellent Layer Adhesion and Print Quality

The proof is in the prints. ELEGOO filaments produce smooth, even layers with strong bonding. My PLA prints have a glossy finish, while PETG offers a slightly translucent sheen. Even ASA, which can be finicky, gave me robust parts with minimal warping.

I’ve pushed these filaments to fine details—0.1mm layer heights—and they hold up, capturing intricate textures without blurring. Whether you’re printing functional gears or decorative statues, ELEGOO delivers crisp, professional results.

• Eco-Friendly Packaging and Storage

ELEGOO’s commitment to sustainability is a nice bonus. Each spool comes vacuum-sealed with a desiccant pack to prevent moisture absorption, which is critical for filaments like PETG and ASA. The spools are recyclable, and the cardboard packaging is minimal yet sturdy.

I reuse the resealable bags to store partially used spools, keeping them dry between projects. It’s a thoughtful touch that shows ELEGOO cares about both the user and the environment.

Not-So-Good Parts of ELEGOO Filament

• Limited Availability of Specialty Filaments

While ELEGOO’s range is broad, their specialty filaments—like wood, silk, or carbon fiber—are sometimes hard to find.

I wanted to try their wood PLA for a rustic jewelry box, but it was out of stock for weeks on their official site and Amazon.

Mainstream filaments like PLA and PETG are always available, but if you’re eyeing niche options, you might need to plan ahead or settle for another brand.

It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can slow down your creative flow.

• PETG Stringing Issues Without Fine-Tuning

PETG is my go-to for durable prints, but ELEGOO’s version can be stringy if your settings aren’t perfect. During my phone stand project, I noticed wispy strings when I first started printing.

Adjusting the retraction settings (4mm at 40mm/s) and lowering the nozzle temperature to 235°C fixed it, but it took some trial and error. If you’re new to PETG or don’t love tweaking slicer settings, this could be frustrating.

PLA and ASA were less demanding, so it’s specific to PETG.

• ASA’s Strong Odor During Printing

ASA is fantastic for outdoor use, but ELEGOO’s ASA has a noticeable chemical smell when printing. I set up my printer in a well-ventilated garage for the plant holder project, but the fumes were still strong.

A proper enclosure with a carbon filter helped, but it’s something to consider if you print indoors or have a sensitive nose. ABS has a similar issue, but ASA’s odor was more pronounced. It’s a trade-off for its UV resistance, but be prepared.

• Inconsistent Customer Support

ELEGOO’s customer support is hit-or-miss. When I had a question about their TPU settings, I emailed their team and got a generic response three days later. A follow-up got no reply.

Their online community and forums are more helpful, with users sharing tips and settings, but official support lags behind brands like Prusa or Creality. If you’re someone who relies on quick manufacturer guidance, this could be a drawback.

Thankfully, the filament’s quality rarely requires support.

Comparison of ELEGOO Filament With Other Filament Brands

SUNLU Vs. ELEGOO

• Print Quality: SUNLU PLA and PETG offer consistent prints with ±0.02mm accuracy, producing vibrant colors, though PLA+ can have adhesion issues. ELEGOO PLA, particularly Rapid PLA+, delivers excellent print quality with minimal stringing and smooth finishes, often praised for vibrant colors like galaxy peacock blue. ELEGOO’s consistency at high speeds gives it a slight edge for fast printers.
• Adhesion and Bed Sticking: SUNLU PLA+ struggles with first-layer adhesion, requiring careful bed tuning. ELEGOO PLA and PLA+ adhere well using standard profiles, with strong bed sticking even at high speeds, making ELEGOO more reliable for hassle-free printing.
• Price and Value: SUNLU PLA ranges from $12-$15/kg in bulk, offering good value despite occasional tangles. ELEGOO PLA is priced around $13-$15/kg, often cheaper in multi-packs (e.g., 10 rolls for $11/kg), providing comparable value with better consistency, especially for Rapid PLA+.
• Material Variety and Availability: SUNLU offers PLA, PLA+, PETG, TPU, ABS, and specialty filaments like silk, available via Amazon, AliExpress, and their EU warehouse. ELEGOO provides PLA, PLA+, PETG, and TPU, with unique colors and Rapid variants, widely available on Amazon and their site, making SUNLU more diverse but ELEGOO more focused on high-speed options.

Kingroon Vs. ELEGOO

• Print Quality: Kingroon PLA, especially silk, prints smoothly but PETG suffers from moisture issues, impacting consistency. ELEGOO PLA and PLA+ produce clean, vibrant prints with minimal tuning, excelling at high speeds (up to 600 mm/s with Rapid PLA+), making ELEGOO superior for quality and speed.
• Adhesion and Bed Sticking: Kingroon PLA adheres well, but PETG requires drying for reliable sticking. ELEGOO PLA and PLA+ offer excellent adhesion with standard settings, rarely needing adjustments, giving ELEGOO an advantage for consistent first layers.
• Price and Value: Kingroon PLA is budget-friendly at $11/kg in 10 kg packs, ideal for bulk buyers, though PETG quality varies. ELEGOO PLA at $13-$15/kg (lower in bulk) offers better reliability and high-speed performance, making it a stronger value for quality-conscious users.
• Material Variety and Availability: Kingroon offers PLA, PETG, and silk PLA, primarily through Amazon or AliExpress with inconsistent stock. ELEGOO’s PLA, PLA+, PETG, and TPU, with Rapid variants, are widely available on Amazon and their site, giving ELEGOO better accessibility and variety for modern printers.

Overture Vs. ELEGOO

• Print Quality: Overture PETG and PLA print smoothly with vibrant finishes, though PETG may string without tuning. ELEGOO PLA and Rapid PLA+ deliver consistent, high-quality prints with excellent color accuracy and minimal defects, particularly at high speeds, giving ELEGOO a slight edge for precision.
• Adhesion and Bed Sticking: Overture PETG adheres well at 240°C extruder and 85°C bed, aided by its build surface, but may clog if untuned. ELEGOO PLA and PLA+ stick reliably with minimal tuning, offering superior first-layer performance, especially for fast printing.
• Price and Value: Overture PETG and PLA at $13-$20/kg (cheaper in two-packs) are cost-effective for large projects. ELEGOO PLA at $13-$15/kg, with deals as low as $11/kg in bulk, matches Overture’s value while offering better high-speed performance, making ELEGOO more versatile.
• Material Variety and Availability: Overture focuses on PLA and PETG, with 2-3 kg rolls and matte finishes, widely available on Amazon. ELEGOO offers PLA, PLA+, PETG, and TPU, with Rapid variants and unique colors, also on Amazon, making ELEGOO slightly more diverse for high-speed printing needs.

Inland Vs. ELEGOO

• Print Quality: Inland PLA and PLA+ are consistent, with vibrant colors like gold/red shimmer hiding layer lines. ELEGOO PLA and Rapid PLA+ offer similar quality with smoother finishes and better high-speed performance (up to 28 mm³/s volumetric speed), giving ELEGOO an edge for fast, detailed prints.
• Adhesion and Bed Sticking: Inland PLA and PLA+ adhere reliably across bed types with standard settings. ELEGOO PLA and PLA+ match this reliability, with strong adhesion even at high speeds, making both brands comparable, though ELEGOO’s speed versatility stands out.
• Price and Value: Inland PLA at $18-$21/kg (lower at Microcenter) offers great value for consistent quality. ELEGOO PLA at $13-$15/kg, with bulk deals at $11/kg, is slightly cheaper and supports high-speed printing, making it a better value for modern printers.
• Material Variety and Availability: Inland provides PLA, PLA+, PETG, and TPU, with specialty options like glow-in-the-dark, best near Microcenter. ELEGOO’s PLA, PLA+, PETG, and TPU, with Rapid variants, are widely available on Amazon, giving ELEGOO an advantage for accessibility and high-speed options.

Maintenance Tips For ELEGOO Filament

• Store Filaments Properly to Prevent Moisture

Moisture is the enemy of 3D printing filament, especially PETG, ASA, and TPU. ELEGOO’s vacuum-sealed packaging is a great start, but once you open a spool, you need to keep it dry.

I store my filaments in airtight containers with silica gel packets—those little desiccant packs that come with the spool work wonders.

If you live in a humid area, consider a dedicated filament dry box. Before printing, check for signs of moisture (popping sounds or brittle filament) and dry the spool in an oven at 50°C for 4-6 hours if needed.

• Clean Your Printer’s Nozzle Regularly

ELEGOO filaments are high-quality, but even the best can leave residue in your nozzle, especially after switching between materials like PLA and ASA.

I clean my nozzle every 20-30 hours of printing using a cold pull technique: heat the nozzle to 200°C, insert a piece of nylon filament, let it cool to 100°C, and pull it out to remove gunk. For stubborn clogs, a needle or cleaning filament works.

A clean nozzle ensures smooth extrusion and prevents jams, keeping your ELEGOO prints flawless.

• Optimize Slicer Settings for Each Filament Type

Each ELEGOO filament type has unique needs. For PLA, I use a nozzle temperature of 200-210°C and a bed at 60°C. PETG needs 230-240°C and 80°C, with slower fan speeds to avoid stringing.

ASA requires 250-260°C and a heated enclosure to prevent warping. Spend time tweaking your slicer settings—retraction distance, print speed, and cooling are key.

I keep a notebook with my best settings for each filament type. Test prints on small models save filament and help you nail the perfect setup.

• Inspect and Maintain Your Spool Holder

A smooth-feeding spool is critical for long prints. ELEGOO’s spools are well-wound, but a sticky or misaligned spool holder can cause tension issues.

Check that your spool holder rotates freely and isn’t wobbling. I lubricate mine with a drop of machine oil every few months.

If you notice the filament catching, inspect the spool for tangles or debris. A quick fix now prevents failed prints later, especially with ELEGOO’s tightly packed spools.

• Monitor Print Bed Adhesion

Good bed adhesion is non-negotiable. ELEGOO’s filaments stick well with proper prep. I clean my print bed with isopropyl alcohol before each print to remove oils and dust. For PLA, a thin layer of glue stick boosts adhesion on glass beds.

PETG and ASA may need blue painter’s tape or a PEI sheet for best results. If you’re getting warping or lifting, double-check your bed leveling and consider increasing the bed temperature by 5°C. A solid first layer sets the tone for a successful print.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: ELEGOO Filament Is A Must-Try

After months of printing with ELEGOO filament, I’m hooked. Its affordability, quality, and versatility make it a standout for any 3D printing project. From vibrant PLA miniatures to durable ASA outdoor parts, ELEGOO delivers results that punch above its price point.

Sure, there are minor quirks like PETG stringing or ASA’s odor, but with proper settings, they’re easy to manage. If you’re ready to elevate your prints without breaking the bank, grab an ELEGOO spool today—you won’t be disappointed.