Are you looking for online manufacturing services for your prototyping or full-scale production? Xometry has been popular due to its resources on websites and offerings. Although its cloud-based quoting system can quickly analyze complex designs, several other Xometry competitors provide accurate information and guides for manufacturers globally. Furthermore, they can be suitable alternatives for outsourcing various on-demand parts and products.
This article will help you to decide which Xometry alternative is best for your project with a discussion of 13 major competitors and their capabilities.
What Xometry Does Well?
Xometry is a manufacturing marketplace that provides an online platform for customers to access a vast partner network of suppliers. It covers everything from, online quotations of engineering designs to feedback for manufacturability. The automated quoting system uses AI and proprietary algorithms to match your desired parts with manufacturing partners who can fulfill those orders.
One new feature of Xometry is “Team Space Collaboration” with clients to closely work on the projects, eliminating all misunderstandings. It streamlines the purchasing process and delivers parts that meet all specifications and standards. Other areas where Xometry does well are AI integration for accurate quotes, part revision, the same supplier for identical orders, and helping suppliers find profitable projects.
Xometry’s Biggest Drawbacks
First, Xometry is a manufacturing platform that relies on its partners for the production of quoted designs. It gives less control over process supervision and quality control, and it can be problematic for high-precision parts, like CNC machined or Swiss turn components.
Other major drawbacks are as follows;
- Lack of Direct Interaction
You give your designs to Xometry and that further collaborates with a third-party supplier to process them, there is no direct communication with the manufacturer that actually crafts your design. This can affect the quality of custom products and the possibility of network-building with the manufacturer.
- Impact on Cost
The overall cost of the manufacturing project involves the probability of both Xometry and third-party manufacturers, which ultimately you need to pay. Especially for prototypes or low-volumes, it increases a considerable cost.
- Lead Time and Delivery Issues
As previously said, all the updates and communications are done through Xometry, which might cause misunderstanding and increased lead time.
- AI-dependency
Although AI integration makes quotation systems accurate and fast, some minor errors in input or algorithm matching result in poor quality, higher costs, and delays.
“ These drawbacks suggest looking at the Xometry Competitors if you think they can impact your requirements in terms of quality, cost, and lead time”
Best Xometry Alternatives and Competitors at a Glance
The table below outlines the comparison of Xometry competitors, including their pros, cons, and key offerings.
Provider | Pros | Cons | Main Services | Key Features | Instant Quoting | Network | Industries |
Protolabs | Quick, precise small-scale projects | Higher pricing, limited scalability | CNC, 3D printing, molding | Automated quoting, DFM tools | Yes | Global suppliers | Automotive, aerospace, medical |
RapidDirect | Competitive pricing, fast lead times | Limited specialized processes | CNC, molding, surface finishing | Instant quoting, DFM feedback | Yes | In-house factory | Electronics, medical, consumer |
Fictiv | High-quality rapid prototypes | Limited transparency | CNC, urethane casting, 3D printing | Teamworkspaces, AI material tools | Yes | Global partners | Medical, electronics |
Hubs | Localized, high-quality production | Limited high-volume capabilities | CNC, injection molding | Design analysis tools, single billing | Yes | 250+ vetted partners | Aerospace, automotive |
Formlabs | 3D printing expertise | Limited to additive manufacturing | Resin 3D printing | Customizable settings | No | Direct sales/support | Dental, education, jewelry |
CraftCloud | Cost-effective, material variety | Limited to 3D printing | Prototyping, laser cutting | Comparative quoting, simple interface | Yes | Global 3D providers | Hobbyist, small-scale |
Sybridge | Comprehensive tooling solutions | Focused on tooling, longer lead times | Tooling, injection molding | Engineering support | No | In-house, partnered | Automotive, consumer goods |
Jiga | Transparency, high-quality partners | Longer leads, smaller network | Custom part manufacturing | Data tracking, team space | No | Smaller, vetted network | Aerospace, medical |
Star Rapid | High QC, custom micro-molding | Longer lead times for large orders | CNC, vacuum casting | Team collaboration | No | In-house facilities | Medical, automotive |
Fathom | Premium quality, end-to-end solutions | Higher pricing, limited regions | 3D printing, prototyping | Design optimization | No | In-house, partnered | Product development |
LEADRP | Rapid quotes, responsive communication | Limited scalability | Rapid prototyping, CNC | Critical certifications, quick turnaround | Yes | In-house, partnered | Consumer electronics |
JLC3DP | Competitive rates, flexible volumes | Limited to 3D printing | 3D printing | Online ordering, material selection | Yes | In-house production | Prototyping, hobbyist |
Shapeways | Strict QC, fast lead times | Limited non-additive manufacturing services | 3D printing, design solutions | User-friendly platform | Yes | In-house, partners | Jewelry, art, cons |
A deep Dive Into the Top Competitors and Alternatives to Xometry
Our detailed list of the top xometry alternatives and competitors will help you spot the best prototyping and manufacturing service for your business.
- Protolabs
- RapidDirect
- Fictiv
- Hubs
- Formlabs
- CraftCloud
- Sybridge
- Jiga
- Star Rapid
- Fathom
- LEAD3DP
- JLC3DP
- Shapeways
Now, let’s go through a comparison of Xometry with each of these competitors, analyzing capabilities, pros, and cons.
1. Protolabs
It is a US-based manufacturing service provider, founded in 1999. Ever since it has been extending its capabilities in different industrial manufacturing sectors. ,
Portlabs also uses third-party manufacturers to get your parts done. A large network of CNC machining, sheet metal, molding, and 3D printing factories allows it to cover a wide range of materials and finishes. However, Protolabs use their own calibration and quality-control equipment for precision-sensitive parts.
How Protolabs Compares to Xometry
- Protolabs has both in-house manufacturing facilities and a network of suppliers.
- It might be more costlier with Protolabs than Xometry, especially for large volumes.
- For small-scale and simple projects, Protolabs is relatively more fast.
- Protolabs might find difficulty in the production-scaling of complex designs.
- Protolabs provides closer interaction, it focuses on individual client needs.
2. RapidDirect
RapidDirect is one of the examples that demonstrates the growth and dominance of the Chinese digital manufacturing sector across the world. After establishing the factory in Shenzhen (2009), it is continuously providing on-demand solutions for multiple industries. After COVID-19, many companies and individual clients prefer RapidDirect due to its budget-friendly and precise services for prototyping, small batches, and medium volumes.
The in-house 5-axis CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metals, casting, 3D printing, and other facilities allow them to handle different types of parts and products, from consumer items to aircraft components. Moreover, RapidDirect is known for quick lead times(as fast as one day), pricing, and client-centric customer support.
How RapidDirect Compares to Xometry
Instead of relying on third-party manufacturers, RapidDirect has its factory and a team of engineers with over two decades of industry experience. It has similar types of online quotation systems as Xometry and Protolabs for fast response, but engineers also look at the designs for estimation- accuracy & DFM feedback.
- RapidDirect offers competitive pricing, especially with prototyping and medium volumes.
- The automated DFM tools analyze the design for manufacturability, whereas Xometry’s system runs an AI algorithm.
- RapidDirect is more flexible for customization, finishing, heat treatment, and assembly.
- Xometry might provide higher expertise in some specialized processes.
- It can be the best regional choice among Xometry alternatives.
- Like Xometry, it has a dedicated team to ease the procurement process.
3. Fictiv
Fictiv connects customers to a network of over 300 manufacturers across different regions. It has a main focus on rapid prototyping and low- to mid-volume runs with CNC machining, injection molding, and 3D printing.
While Fictiv is often chosen for production speed and flexibility, the premium pricing model makes it ideal for clients prioritizing high-quality results over competitive costs. The instant quotation, design for manufacturing feedback, and real-time tracking are major highlights of their premium services.
How Fictiv Compares to Xometry
- Like Xometry, it also has a global reach of on-demand manufacturing companies.
- Since Fictiv emphasizes quality and has a premium subscription model, services are more expensive than Xometry.
- Fictiv provides design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback to refine complex parts, whereas Xometry focuses on multiple quoting options.
- Fictiv has fewer 3D printing technologies, only FDM, SLS, SLA, MJF, and Polyjet.
- Although there aren’t many public reviews, Fictiv claims to have more environmentally sustainable practices.
4. Hubs
This is a Dutch company started in 2013 with a focus on providing high-quality 3D printing services to clients by connecting them with a local supplier. Now, it has extended its offering in CNC, sheet metal, and plastic molding.
Hubs platform is popular in Europe among multiple Xometry alternatives. It has 250+ vetted partners to localize the production and supply chain. Meanwhile, Hubs itself handles quotations, design feedback, standards, and team collaborations.
How Hubs Compares to Xometry
- Both of them offer diverse manufacturing processes, CNC machining operations, sheet fabrication, and 3D printing.
- These two platforms operate on the same service model of connecting customers with a network of best-fit manufacturing partners.
- Hubs might provide more customization and surface finishing options.
- Xometry’s capabilities for high-volume manufacturing outperform Hubs.
- Pricing on both platforms depends on material selection, manufacturing process, and order volume.
5. Formlabs
Formlabs is a global 3D printing company, founded in 2011 with 10 major locations in Europe, North America, and Asia. It has both resin and powder printing technologies with multiple post-processing options. You can get instant quotes and help with design optimization from Formlabs as it prioritizes 3D print-niche more than any other Xometry competitors.
The main highlight of Formlabs’ 3D printing service in 2025 is the “ 4L-New Generation Print Engine” which combines MLSA’s printing speed and the power of Polymer printers.
How Formlabs Compares to Xometry
- Formlabs only focuses on 3D printing, whereas Xometry has numerous manufacturing options. It allows Formlabs to provide custom solutions to businesses.
- Quick lead times even for the complex 3D models.
- Formlabs also allows companies to incorporate 3D printing capabilities directly into their workflows.
- Customers get flexibility in “direct control of the production process” from the Fromlabs.
6. CraftCloud
CraftCloud is an online marketplace for 3D printing and other services that provide comparative quotes for your design. It ties in with other factories and gives you a comparison of prices and materials to find a balance between your requirements and budget.
Although Craftcloud is more of an Xometry Alternatives option for 3D printing, it also has CNC machining, casting, and sheet metal fabrication partners. Moreover, 140+ material options, 20+ 3D printing techniques, and design consultations are the key highlights of Craftcloud.
How CraftCloud Compares to Xometry
- CraftCloud’s quotes contain a detailed comparison of pricing, material, and tolerances from multiple suppliers than Xometry.
- It prioritizes rapid prototyping and parts for small businesses, whereas Xomety is known for bulk orders.
- CraftCloud has a smaller range of manufacturing capabilities (primarily 3D printing), which might impact the customization of complex parts and products.
7. Sybridge
It is a relatively new competitor of Xometry, founded in 2019. Although COVID-19 has impacted its growth, Sybridge shows a distinct approach through comprehensive solutions for Prototyping, Tooling, and Advanced Manufacturing.
Sybridge makes prototypes and final products for life science, medical, aerospace, and consumer applications. Its goal is to leverage new technologies (CNC, 3D printers, Urethane Casting, Injection Molding) to speed up the time to market.
How Sybridge Compares to Xometry
- Sybridge also provides supportive injection molding and reliability services, while Xometry provides a wide range of production methods.
- With a focus on end-to-end solutions, it emphasizes the use of new technological innovations like smart molds for plastic items.
- Although Sybridge is present in 20+ locations, it can not match the supply chain of Xometry.
- Reviews in public platforms admire Sybridge for direct and personalized support throughout the product lifestyle, especially for molds and tooling items.
8. Jiga
Jiga specializes in custom manufacturing solutions, it connects customers to a vast network of suppliers to get your parts done. Consequently, Jiga streamlines the outsourcing of complex parts by facilitating an end-to-end collaboration between client and supplier.
The main features of Jiga are a user-friendly order-tracking system, internal and external collaboration tools, and transparency.
How Jiga Compares to Xometry
- More effective collaborations, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
- Unlike Xometry, it has a small network of partners, but it prioritizes the quality of partners.
- The quotation speed and leads are slower with Jiga than with Xometry and its other competitors.
- Jiga might struggle with scalability or high-production volumes as it has a limited number of partners.
9. Star Rapid
Star Rapid is another China-based company established in 2005 that provides production tooling, prototyping, and small-volume services to local businesses and the European market. It has plastic molding, metal casting, extrusion, and CNC Machining facilities.
It is worth noting Xometry’s competitor in 2025 due to its latest Zeiss Comet Bruker and Alpha FTIR technologies for quality control. Moreover, StarRapid believes in contributing to product development, from DFM consultations to tooling and final production.
How Star Rapid Compares to Xometry
- As StarRapid provides parts from its own production factory, the services range is small. For instance, lack of additive manufacturing options.
- Although Starrapid has a global reach, its presence is not as strong as the Xometry.
- Starrapid also specializes in custom micro-molding projects, which can be challenging for Xometry as they rely on other suppliers.
- It takes relatively more time to get quotes after uploading your design, but it competes in lead times.
10. Fathom
Fathom is a US-based company founded in 2008, then, it is continuously collaborating with businesses for comprehensive manufacturing solutions; from design assistance to assembly and finishing.
It has both subtractive and additive production, including machining, vacuum casting, metal fabrication, and SLS 3D printing. Moreover, Fathom also helps in design optimization.
How Fathom Compares to Xometry
- The design assistance for optimizing DFM and manufacturing precision is the main concern of Fathom.
- It has a smaller spectrum of production capabilities than Xometry but has a good record of providing end-to-end manufacturing solutions.
- The focus on premium quality might make Fathom relatively more expensive than Xomety.
- Mostly RD&D-orientated companies prefer Fathom for their projects, Such as EV, Medical, Semiconductor, etc.
11. LEADRP
LEADRP provides full-line service for custom designs and offers multiple technologies, including CNC operations, Sheet metal parts, urethane casting, SLS printing, and plastic injection molding.
Furthermore, it involves a centralized distribution from the factory in Shenzen, prioritizing quick lead and quality.
How LEADRP Compares to Xometry
- The LEADRP has a rapid quotation system (typically in hours), whereas Xometry uses an AI algorithm-based quotation system.
- It has good hands-on experience working on different projects for the last 15 years, while Xometry is a relatively new platform.
- LEADRP might communicate in a more fast and responsive way as they closely collaborate from design to real part.
12. JLC3DP
JLC3DP primarily focuses on rapid 3D print parts and products with multiple material options. It has SLS, MJF, SLM, FDM, SLS, WJP, and other 3D printing capabilities, covering both resins and metal powders. Consequently, JLC3DP also handles some CNC machining processes.
You can also get support for accessories and replacement of 3D printers. It is also easy to place orders and track the progress with JLC3DP’s online platform.
How JLC3DP Compares to Xometry
- JLC3DP has excellent reach in the market, but not the global trace like Xometry has.
- It is also flexible in production volume and prints even a few prototypes at competitive rates.
- JLC3DP can provide more specialized services for the mechatronic parts and PCBs.
- For 3D printing items, it provides a free online DFM Tool to analyze a design by yourself.
13. Shapeways
Shapeways is a marketplace for unique and custom additive manufacturing projects, but what makes it one of the Xomertry alternatives is the strict quality control practices. After making the parts in the partner’s factories, it checks all the standards compliance and equality requirements before delivering the items.
You can get additional help with design modifications and optimizations for more accurate and cost-effective results.
How Shapeways Compares to Xometry
- Shapeways has multiple 3D print technologies and finishing options(aesthetic), but Xometry might be more feasible for highly complex engineering designs.
- It does not have capabilities other than 3D printing, while Xometry can quote your design and provide numerous other services.
- For full-scale runs of simple designs, the Shapeways can be relatively costlier.
- The lead time of the Shapeways is only a few days, providing rapid delivery for prototypes and small batches.
Which Xometry Alternative Should You Use?
We have discussed 13 main Xometry competitors, and the consideration of some factors is necessary to make the right selection from them. Moreover, production capabilities, customer engagement, value of price, material compatibility, and related experience should justify the desired functionality and performance of the final parts.
- Quality and Standard: Inspection instruments and certifications like ISO, IATF, and ITAR registration.
- Communications: Can you directly and regularly interact with the production team?
- Available Technologies: Which manufacturing process do you need and does the company have the necessary equipment and capabilities?
- Flexibility: Can the alternative provide cost-effectiveness with your desired production volumes?
- Expertise and Experience: Is there any track record of handling similar projects or in the same industry?
Most of the alternatives have similar service models quoting the designs and sending them to partner manufacturers for production. If you are looking for end-to-end services with numerous manufacturing capabilities, RapidDirect can be a suitable alternative to Xometry.
Unlike online marketplaces, we have our own factory with 20+ manufacturing processes to handle 100+ materials. The rapid production and direct supply strategies allow us to offer almost 20% less cost without sacrificing the part’s quality. Furthermore, the instant quotes not only estimate the budgets and lead time but also give feedback for manufacturability. Whether you need prototyping or full-production, upload your design to our online quotation portal.