PLA+ vs Regular PLA: What's Actually Different?
PLA+ costs more and claims to be better — but what actually changes? We break down the real differences in strength, flexibility, printability, and when it's worth paying extra.
PLA+ (also called PLA Pro, PLA Premium, or PLA Advanced) is standard PLA with additives mixed in — typically impact modifiers, toughness enhancers, or plasticizers. Different brands use different formulas, so there's no universal PLA+ standard. What they all aim for is the same: less brittle than standard PLA.
The Real Differences
Toughness and Impact Resistance
Standard PLA is hard but brittle — it snaps cleanly under impact. PLA+ is more resistant to sudden impacts and is less likely to shatter. Think of it as the difference between glass and tough plastic.
Winner: PLA+ — noticeably better for anything that might be dropped or stressed
Flexibility
PLA+ has slightly more flex before breaking. Standard PLA snaps; PLA+ bends a bit first. It's not flexible like TPU, but it's much less likely to shatter from drop impacts.
Winner: PLA+
Heat Resistance
Both are essentially the same. Neither PLA nor PLA+ is suitable for high-temperature applications (car interiors, engine bays, dishwashers). Both soften around 55–60°C. If you need heat resistance, use PETG, ABS, or ASA.
Print Quality
Standard PLA is usually easier to print with sharper detail. PLA+ runs slightly hotter and can be a bit more stringy. For miniatures, highly detailed models, or artistic prints, standard PLA often looks better.
Winner: Standard PLA (slightly)
Price
PLA+ costs $2–5/kg more on average.
Settings Differences
PLA+ typically prints 5–10°C hotter than standard PLA.
| Setting | Standard PLA | PLA+ |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temp | 195–215°C | 205–225°C |
| Bed temp | 55–60°C | 55–65°C |
| Fan speed | 100% | 80–100% |
Always check your brand's data sheet — some PLA+ variants run as high as 230°C.
Which Brands Make the Best PLA+?
eSUN PLA+ is the most-recommended PLA+ on Reddit by a wide margin. It's affordable, widely available, and delivers consistent results.
Polymaker PLA Pro is excellent if you want premium quality PLA+.
Hatchbox PLA straddles the line — some batches are closer to PLA+ properties.
When to Use Each
| Use Standard PLA | Use PLA+ |
|---|---|
| Decorative prints | Mechanical parts |
| Miniatures, art models | Functional clips, brackets |
| Practice/testing | Items that might be dropped |
| Finest detail work | Parts under stress |
| Budget printing | Anything needing some flex |
The Bottom Line
If you're printing functional parts, PLA+ is worth the extra few dollars per kilogram. For decorative or artistic prints, standard PLA prints slightly easier with marginally better surface quality. Neither replaces ABS, PETG, or ASA for demanding applications.