Xometry vs Protolabs vs Craftcloud: Which Should You Use? (2026)
Short answer: Xometry is the biggest marketplace (about 5,000 active suppliers, NASDAQ-listed) with the broadest certification list; Protolabs is the speed-focused hybrid that manufactures in its own digital factories; Craftcloud is a price-comparison layer over 180+ partner workshops, where your contract is with operator All3DP GmbH. Choose by what you optimize for — certifications, speed, or lowest quoted price.
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Side-by-Side Comparison
| Xometry | Protolabs | Craftcloud | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business model | AI-powered marketplace, 5,000+ suppliers | Own digital factories + partner network | Price-comparison marketplace (All3DP GmbH) |
| Ownership | Public (NASDAQ: XMTR) | Public (NYSE: PRLB) | Private (All3DP GmbH, Munich) |
| Who makes your parts | Network suppliers | Protolabs factories, or network partners | Partner workshops as All3DP subcontractors |
| Your contract is with | Xometry | Protolabs | All3DP GmbH |
| Instant quoting | Yes — patented Instant Quoting Engine | Yes — with automated DFM analysis | Yes — real-time comparison across partners |
| 3D printing | FDM, MJF, SLS, SLA, PolyJet, Carbon DLS, DMLS, binder jetting | Six in-house technologies, FDM via network | Advertises 31 technologies via partners |
| CNC machining | Yes (3/4/5-axis, turning, EDM) | Yes | Yes (via partners) |
| Injection molding | Yes | Yes | Yes (via partners) |
| Certifications advertised | ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100D, IATF 16949, ITAR, CMMC L2 | ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100D, ITAR | None company-level; relies on partner vetting |
Top Platforms Compared
- #1 Xometry (verified)
Xometry is an AI-powered marketplace that connects buyers with a global network of manufacturers for on-demand production. They offer a wide range of services including 3D printing (FDM, MJF, SLS, SLA, DMLS), CNC machining, injection molding, and she
Technologies: DMLS, FDM/FFF, SLA, SLS, carbon-dls
United States - #2 Protolabs – Digital Manufacturing & Rapid Prototyping (verified)
Proto Labs, Inc. is a global digital manufacturing company headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota, offering rapid prototyping and production services since its founding. The company specializes in injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing, and s
Technologies: fdm, sla, sls, mjf, dmls
United States · Instant quote · Rush service - #3 Craftcloud – 3D Printing & Manufacturing Platform (verified)
Craftcloud is a global 3D printing and manufacturing marketplace founded in 2016 that connects customers with a vetted network of 150+ professional manufacturing partners across 95 countries. The platform offers real-time price comparison for 3D prin
Technologies: fdm, sla, sls, mjf, dmls
Germany · Instant quote · Rush service
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Frequently asked questions
Which is biggest: Xometry, Protolabs or Craftcloud?
Xometry: its investor site reports 81,821 active buyers and roughly 5,000 active suppliers for 2025, with record Q2 2026 revenue of $229 million. Protolabs reported $149.3 million for the same quarter across its US and Europe segments. Craftcloud is private (All3DP GmbH) and advertises 180+ manufacturing partners rather than reporting revenue.
Who actually manufactures the parts?
At Protolabs, mostly Protolabs itself in its own digital factories (plus vetted network partners for advanced capabilities). At Xometry, vetted network suppliers. At Craftcloud, partner workshops — its terms define the manufacturer as a subcontractor of All3DP, so you never contract with the maker directly.
Is there an option where I deal with the manufacturer directly?
Yes. A supplier directory like AMSupplyCheck lists verified manufacturers with their own instant-quote links, so you compare suppliers and then contact your chosen manufacturer directly — no marketplace sitting between you and the workshop.