Is Hubs the same company as Xometry?
No. Hubs (now Protolabs Network) and Xometry are different companies and different network models.
Comparison
Hubs vs Xometry: Manufacturing Network Comparison (2026)
Last updated: 2026-02-27
Both platforms are network-oriented, but Hubs sits inside the Protolabs brand ecosystem while Xometry operates as an independent marketplace with API-based procurement support.
Comparison Table
| Dimension | Hubs (Protolabs Network) | Xometry |
|---|---|---|
| Brand relationship | Acquired by Protolabs in 2021; now positioned as Protolabs Network | Independent marketplace company |
| Processes | CNC, 3D printing, injection molding, sheet metal | CNC, 3D printing, injection molding, sheet metal, and broader extras |
| Materials | Broad network materials; supplier/process depth varies | Broad network materials with extensive published capability pages |
| MOQ | 1 part for CNC/3DP/sheet; molding generally higher-volume | 1 unit / no MOQ |
| Lead time | 3DP as fast as 1 day; sheet metal 5-23 days; CNC not publicly fixed | Dynamic by quote; CNC can be as fast as 1 day |
| Instant quoting | Yes | Yes |
| Public API | No public API documented | Yes |
| Certifications | ISO 9001 floor; AS9100D/ISO 13485 via suppliers; ITAR not supported on Hubs | ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100D, IATF 16949, ITAR, CMMC L2 |
| Model type | Supplier network under Protolabs ecosystem | Marketplace supplier network |
| DFM feedback | Yes | Yes |
Protolabs -> Hubs Brand Context
- 3D Hubs rebranded to Hubs before acquisition.
- Protolabs acquired Hubs in 2021.
- Current messaging presents Hubs as Protolabs Network while hubs.com remains active.
What Independent Users Report
- Manufacturing community discussions around Protolabs Network describe value in broader supplier access beyond own-factory limits.
- Xometry sentiment in community and trust platforms is mixed, commonly balancing quote convenience against consistency concerns.
- Trustpilot signals differ across both platforms and should be used as directional evidence only.
Sources: Reddit (Protolabs Network); Reddit (Xometry experience); Trustpilot (Hubs); Trustpilot (Xometry)
FAQ
Is Hubs part of Protolabs now?
Yes. Hubs was acquired by Protolabs and is currently presented as Protolabs Network in branding.
Which is better for API-based manufacturing workflows?
Xometry is the documented API option. Hubs does not publish a comparable public API.
Which one is better for ITAR requirements?
Xometry documents ITAR registration. Hubs documentation states ITAR orders should route through Protolabs direct flows, not Hubs network ordering.
Which platform has broader process coverage?
Xometry publishes broader process coverage. Hubs remains focused on core network processes such as CNC, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal.
Which one should I use for production network sourcing?
Both can support production sourcing. Hubs can be a strong fit for teams already using Protolabs ecosystem workflows.
Related Pages
Sources
- docs/content/research/hubs.yml
- docs/content/research/xometry.yml
- docs/content/research/discoverability/keyword_and_query_landscape.yml
- https://www.reddit.com/r/manufacturing/comments/1cz0mq2/protolabs_network/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Machinists/comments/vnh7xc/experience_with_xometry/
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hubs.com
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/xometry.com