Protolabs
The closest head-to-head competitor for fast-turn prototyping. Its core difference versus Xometry is own-factory execution for key processes, with network extension for scale.
View profile ->Comparison
Xometry Alternatives: 8 Custom Manufacturing Platforms Compared (2026)
Last updated: 2026-02-27
For high-intent queries like xometry alternatives and xometry competitors, this page compares the most common substitutes by speed, cost, compliance, no-MOQ access, and API fit.
Table: Xometry vs 8 Alternatives
| Platform | Model | Instant quote | Public API | MOQ | Lead-time signal | Compliance signal | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xometry (baseline) | Distributed supplier marketplace | Yes | Yes | 1 unit / no MOQ | Dynamic; CNC can be as fast as 1 day | ISO 9001/13485, AS9100D, ITAR, CMMC L2 | API-ready procurement and broad process marketplace coverage |
| Protolabs | Hybrid (own factories + network) | Yes | No | 1 part; molding tooling NRE applies | As fast as 1 day for eligible CNC/3DP | ISO 9001/13485, AS9100D, ITAR | Fast-turn own-factory workflows |
| Hubs (Protolabs Network) | Supplier network | Yes | No | 1 part for CNC/3DP/sheet; molding usually higher | 3DP can be as fast as 1 day; CNC not publicly fixed | ISO 9001 floor; AS9100D/ISO 13485 via suppliers | Network production sourcing and larger-part routing |
| Fictiv | Managed supplier network | Yes | No | No MOQ stated | CNC as fast as 1 day (expedited) | ISO 9001; AS9100D/ISO 13485 via partners; SOC 2 Type II | Managed enterprise manufacturing programs |
| Jiga | RFQ-oriented vetted network | No (RFQ model) | No | 1 part (inferred) | Not publicly fixed as standard SLA | ISO 9001; AS9100D/ISO 13485/ITAR options | Collaborative sourcing with direct supplier communication |
| SendCutSend | Manufacturer-direct | Yes | No | 1 part | 3-5 days standard; 1-2 day rush on core workflows | ISO 9001 | Sheet-metal-first buying |
| RapidDirect | Manufacturer-direct + partner network | Yes | No | 1 part CNC/3DP; molding usually 50+ | 3-7 days standard CNC; expedite available | ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100D via partners | Cost-focused global sourcing |
| Meviy | Manufacturer-direct (MISUMI) | Yes | No | 1 part | CNC 3-5 days typical | ISO 9001 (MISUMI) | Fast CAD-to-quote in MISUMI-centered procurement |
| eMachineShop | Manufacturer-direct + partners | Yes | No | 1 part for CNC/3DP/sheet | CNC 5-10 days standard; 3-5 day expedite | ISO 9001, ITAR, JCP | US defense-oriented procurement |
Scenario Routing
- Best alternative for speed: Protolabs (and Fictiv for expedited managed programs).
- Best alternative for cost: RapidDirect for cost-focused sourcing.
- Best alternative for compliance: Protolabs, Fictiv, and eMachineShop.
- Best alternative for no-MOQ: Protolabs, Fictiv, SendCutSend, and eMachineShop.
- Best alternative for API: no direct equivalent currently documented.
Alternative Mini-Summaries
Hubs
Hubs (Protolabs Network) is a network sourcing alternative for production-oriented routing, larger part envelopes, and supplier-certified matching.
View profile ->Fictiv
Fictiv is usually evaluated when teams want managed manufacturing execution and enterprise controls rather than marketplace-style self-service routing.
View profile ->Jiga
Jiga is RFQ-first and transparent by design, often preferred when direct supplier communication is more important than instant quote automation.
View profile ->SendCutSend
A specialist alternative for sheet metal and fast quoting on cutting/bending jobs, but not a broad multi-process substitute for Xometry.
View profile ->RapidDirect
Often shortlisted for lower unit costs. Buyers should evaluate transit time, compliance boundaries, and landed-risk trade-offs before selection.
View profile ->Meviy
Strong fit for teams that already operate in MISUMI procurement workflows and want quick CAD-based quoting for CNC and sheet parts.
View profile ->eMachineShop
US-centered option with explicit ITAR/JCP positioning, often relevant for defense-adjacent buying and design-to-order workflows.
View profile ->What Independent Users Report
- Community threads for xometry alternatives often recommend comparing platform quotes side-by-side, especially for smaller or less complex parts.
- Xometry trust-platform sentiment appears mixed, with convenience and speed often praised while support and quality outcomes are more variable.
- Alternative platforms also show mixed third-party sentiment, so source-specific reviews should be treated as directional evidence rather than ranking truth.
Sources: Reddit (CNC alternatives); Reddit (AskEngineers); Trustpilot (Xometry); Trustpilot (Hubs); Trustpilot (RapidDirect)
FAQ
What is the cheapest alternative to Xometry?
RapidDirect is commonly positioned as the cost-focused alternative, but landed cost changes with shipping, tariffs, and quality-risk controls.
Who are Xometry's main competitors?
Protolabs, Hubs (Protolabs Network), Fictiv, Jiga, SendCutSend, RapidDirect, Meviy, and eMachineShop are common alternatives depending on process and buyer constraints.
Which Xometry alternative is best for compliance-heavy work?
Protolabs, Fictiv, and eMachineShop are frequent options for documented quality/compliance posture. Final fit depends on the exact compliance requirement.
Is there any alternative with a public API like Xometry?
In the current research set, no direct alternative documents a comparable public quote-and-order API.
What is the best Xometry alternative for sheet metal?
SendCutSend is a strong specialist for sheet-metal-first workflows. Hubs and Protolabs are broader options if you also need multi-process routing.
Is Hubs the same as Protolabs?
Hubs is the network business (now branded Protolabs Network). Protolabs.com includes own-factory services and network extension.
Related Pages
Sources
- docs/content/research/xometry.yml
- docs/content/research/protolabs.yml
- docs/content/research/hubs.yml
- docs/content/research/fictiv.yml
- docs/content/research/jiga.yml
- docs/content/research/sendcutsend.yml
- docs/content/research/rapiddirect.yml
- docs/content/research/meviy.yml
- docs/content/research/emachineshop.yml
- docs/content/research/discoverability/keyword_and_query_landscape.yml
- https://www.reddit.com/r/CNC/comments/im6c2w/cheaper_alternatives_to_xometry_or_protolabs_for/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/AskEngineers/comments/1hnmn5y/opinion_on_xometry/
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/xometry.com
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hubs.com
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/rapiddirect.com