Best TPU Filament 2025 - Top 5 Flexible Filaments for 3D Printing
Quick Answer: Best TPU Filament 2025
Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 is the best overall TPU filament for most users. It offers excellent flexibility, consistent print quality, and reliable feeding even on Bowden setups. For budget buyers, Overture TPU delivers impressive results at nearly half the price.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
TPU filament creates flexible, rubber-like 3D prints for phone cases, gaskets, and wearables. Choose 95A shore hardness for best printability.
- 1Best Overall: Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 ($34.99)
- 2Best Budget: Overture TPU ($23.99)
- 3Most Flexible: NinjaTek NinjaFlex 85A ($45.99)
- 4Key Setting: Print at 20-30mm/s with minimal retraction
What is TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible 3D printing filament that creates rubber-like parts. It combines the elasticity of rubber with the processability of thermoplastics, allowing for stretchy, impact-resistant prints.
TPU is measured by shore hardness: 85A is very flexible (like a rubber band), 95A is semi-flexible (like a shoe sole), and 98A is firm-flexible (like a car tire). Most printers work best with 95A TPU.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) opens up a world of possibilities that rigid filaments simply can't match. From protective phone cases and wearable accessories to functional gaskets and vibration dampeners, flexible filament lets you create rubber-like parts right on your desktop 3D printer.
But printing TPU successfully requires choosing the right filament for your printer and application. After testing over 12 different TPU brands across hundreds of prints, I've identified the top performers that balance printability, flexibility, and durability. This guide covers everything you need to know to start printing flexible parts successfully in 2025. With top brands like Polymaker and NinjaTek offering fast shipping within the United States and competitive US pricing, getting started with flexible printing is easier than ever.
Complete Filament Guide
New to 3D printing filaments? Start with our comprehensive guide covering all material types and their applications.
Understanding TPU Shore Hardness
Before diving into specific filaments, it's crucial to understand shore hardness. This scale measures how flexible (or rigid) a TPU filament is. Lower numbers mean more flexibility, while higher numbers indicate stiffer material.
85A - Ultra Flexible
Like a rubber band. Extremely stretchy, challenging to print. Requires direct drive extruder and slow speeds.
95A - Standard Flexible
Like a shoe sole. Best balance of flexibility and printability. Works on most printers including Bowden.
98A - Semi-Flexible
Like a car tire. Easier to print, less stretchy. Good for structural flexible parts.
For most users, 95A shore hardness offers the best balance. It's flexible enough for most applications while remaining printable on a wide range of printers without constant babysitting.
Top 5 Best TPU Filaments Reviewed
1. Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95
per kg
PolyFlex TPU95 is Polymaker's flagship flexible filament and our top recommendation. The 95A shore hardness provides excellent flexibility while remaining easy to print on both direct drive and Bowden extruders. The filament features exceptional dimensional accuracy (±0.03mm) and consistent shore hardness throughout the spool. Polymaker ships PolyFlex from their US warehouse, so most orders within the United States arrive in just 2-3 business days.
Pros
- • Excellent layer adhesion and surface finish
- • Consistent flexibility throughout spool
- • Works on Bowden and direct drive
- • 15+ color options available
- • Minimal stringing with proper settings
Recommended Settings
- • Nozzle: 220-235°C
- • Bed: 50-60°C
- • Speed: 25-35mm/s
- • Retraction: 0-1mm (direct drive)
- • Cooling: 50-100%
2. Overture TPU Filament
per kg
Overture consistently delivers excellent value, and their TPU filament is no exception. At nearly 30% less than premium options, it offers impressive print quality and reliable feeding. The 95A shore hardness matches the printability of pricier brands while the spools feature a built-in filament sample for quick color verification.
Pros
- • Excellent value for money
- • Vacuum-sealed packaging with desiccant
- • Good color consistency
- • Built-in filament sample
- • Reliable on budget printers
Recommended Settings
- • Nozzle: 220-240°C
- • Bed: 40-60°C
- • Speed: 20-30mm/s
- • Retraction: 0.5-1mm
- • Cooling: 50-100%
3. NinjaTek NinjaFlex
per 500g
NinjaFlex is the gold standard for ultra-flexible 3D printing. At 85A shore hardness, it's significantly more flexible than standard TPU, stretching up to 660% before breaking. This makes it ideal for wearables, complex gaskets, and applications requiring maximum elasticity. Made in the USA with strict quality control.
Pros
- • Maximum flexibility (85A)
- • 660% elongation at break
- • Excellent tear resistance
- • USA manufactured quality
- • Wide temperature range tolerance
Recommended Settings
- • Nozzle: 225-235°C
- • Bed: 40-50°C
- • Speed: 15-25mm/s (SLOW!)
- • Retraction: Disabled
- • Direct drive REQUIRED
4. eSUN TPU-95A
per kg
eSUN has built a solid reputation for quality filaments at reasonable prices, and their TPU-95A is a reliable workhorse. It features excellent dimensional accuracy and consistent shore hardness. The filament comes vacuum-sealed with desiccant to prevent moisture absorption during shipping and storage.
Pros
- • Excellent dimensional accuracy
- • Consistent shore hardness
- • Good color variety
- • Reliable brand reputation
- • Vacuum-sealed packaging
Recommended Settings
- • Nozzle: 220-245°C
- • Bed: 40-60°C
- • Speed: 25-35mm/s
- • Retraction: 0.5-1.5mm
- • Cooling: 50-100%
5. SUNLU TPU Filament
per kg
SUNLU offers the lowest entry point into TPU printing without completely sacrificing quality. While not as consistent as premium options, it's perfect for beginners who want to experiment with flexible filament without a big investment. The 95A hardness provides good flexibility for general applications.
Pros
- • Lowest price per kilogram
- • Good for learning TPU printing
- • Many color options
- • Decent flexibility for casual use
- • Good Amazon availability
Recommended Settings
- • Nozzle: 220-240°C
- • Bed: 40-60°C
- • Speed: 20-30mm/s
- • Retraction: Minimal (0.5mm)
- • Cooling: 50-100%
Best PETG Filament 2025
Need rigid parts with better heat resistance than PLA? Check out our PETG filament guide for functional prints.
TPU Printing Tips for Success
Speed Is Everything
The #1 mistake with TPU is printing too fast. Start at 20-25mm/s and only increase if prints look good. Faster speeds cause buckling in the filament path and failed prints.
Minimize Retraction
TPU is prone to jamming with excessive retraction. Start with retraction disabled or use 0.5-1mm maximum. Accept some stringing – it's easier to clean than fix jams.
Keep It Dry
TPU absorbs moisture quickly. Store in sealed bags with desiccant. If prints have bubbles or popping sounds, dry the filament at 50°C for 4-6 hours before use.
Constrain the Filament Path
Any gaps in the filament path allow flexible TPU to buckle. On Bowden setups, ensure tight PTFE fittings. On direct drive, use a filament guide to prevent tangling.
TPU vs Other Flexible Filaments
| Material | Flexibility | Ease of Printing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPU 95A | High | Moderate | Phone cases, gaskets, general flexible |
| TPU 85A | Very High | Difficult | Wearables, complex gaskets |
| TPE | Very High | Very Difficult | Ultra-soft applications |
| Soft PLA | Low | Easy | Semi-flexible parts |
Best Applications for TPU Prints
Protective Cases
- • Phone and tablet cases
- • Camera body protectors
- • Tool grips and handles
- • Controller bumpers
Functional Parts
- • Gaskets and seals
- • Vibration dampeners
- • Flexible hinges
- • Shock absorbers
Wearables
- • Watch bands
- • Shoe insoles
- • Bracelets
- • Flexible jewelry
Cheapest Quality Filament Bulk Deals
Want to stock up on filament? Check out our guide to the best bulk deals and save up to 40%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TPU filament and what is it used for?
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible 3D printing filament that creates rubber-like parts. It's commonly used for phone cases, shoe insoles, gaskets, seals, vibration dampeners, flexible hinges, wearables, and protective covers.
What printer settings should I use for TPU?
For TPU, use 220-240°C nozzle temperature, 40-60°C bed temperature, and slow print speeds of 20-30mm/s. Disable retraction or use minimal retraction (0.5-1mm). Direct drive extruders work best.
What does shore hardness mean for TPU?
Shore hardness measures flexibility. TPU ranges from 85A (very flexible) to 98A (semi-flexible). 95A is most common and easiest to print, offering a balance of flexibility and printability.
Can I print TPU on a Bowden tube printer?
Yes, but use 95A or harder TPU, print at 15-25mm/s, ensure a tight PTFE path, and minimize retraction. Direct drive extruders are recommended for best results with flexible filaments.
Is TPU waterproof and chemical resistant?
TPU has excellent water resistance and resists oils, greases, and many solvents. It's ideal for outdoor applications where flexibility and weather resistance are needed.
Final Verdict: Which TPU Should You Buy?
- Best Overall: Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 - Premium quality with unmatched consistency and color options.
- Best Budget: Overture TPU - Excellent value with reliable results at an affordable price.
- Most Flexible: NinjaTek NinjaFlex - Maximum stretch and elasticity for specialized applications.
- Best Mid-Range: eSUN TPU-95A - Solid quality from a trusted brand at a fair price.
- Lowest Price: SUNLU TPU - Great for beginners and casual flexible printing experiments.
For most users, I recommend starting with Overture TPU to learn the material's quirks without a big investment. Once you're comfortable with TPU printing settings, upgrade to Polymaker PolyFlex for your important projects where quality matters most.
Ready to Start Printing Flexible Parts?
Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 delivers the best combination of printability and flexibility, with fast shipping available across the United States. Get started with premium flexible printing today.
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