# Best NEMA 17 Stepper Motors Source: https://filamentprintlab.com/best/stepper-motors Updated: 2026-09-15 Publisher: Filament Print Lab. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://filamentprintlab.com/how-we-research#our-score NEMA 17 describes a mounting flange, not a motor, so two steppers with the same designation can differ by a factor of three in what they will do. Holding torque is the first number to read and it is quoted in newton centimeters: a 42 N.cm motor in a 38 to 48 millimeter body is the general-purpose choice for X and Y axes and a Z lead screw, while a 13 N.cm short-body motor exists for a different reason entirely, which is to keep mass off a direct-drive extruder where every gram of toolhead weight shows up as ringing in your prints. Do not fit the small one to an axis and do not fit the big one to a moving toolhead. Rated current is the second number and it has to suit your driver, since motors in this class run from about 1.0 up to 1.7 amps and setting a driver above what a motor is rated for cooks the windings while setting it below loses torque and causes skipped steps. Body length correlates directly with torque, so a 48 millimeter motor pulls harder than a 38 millimeter one at the same current and also weighs more. Step angle is effectively fixed at 1.8 degrees, meaning 200 full steps per revolution, and microstepping in the driver does the rest. Four-lead bipolar wiring is standard; count the wires if a listing is vague. Geared versions with a planetary reduction around five to one trade speed for large torque gains and suit an extruder or a heavy Z, not a fast axis. ## Picks ### 1. Usongshine Nema 17 Stepper Motor 42BYGH 1.8 Degree 38MM 1.5A 17HS4401S 42N.cm with Cable Our score: 8.8/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Usongshine Nema 17 stepper motor 42BYGH, 1.8 degree, 38MM body, 1.5A 17HS4401S rated 42N.cm with cable. Pros: - 1.8 degree step angle is the standard for printer motion axes - 42N.cm holding torque handles X, Y and extruder duties well - Cable included, which speeds up replacement installs Cons: - Cable connector should be checked against your board's pinout - 1.5A current needs driver tuning to avoid overheating Details: https://filamentprintlab.com/product/B0787BQ4WH ### 2. Usongshine 5pcs Nema17 Stepper Motor 48MM 42BYGH 1.7A 17HS8401 4-Lead for 3D Printer CNC Our score: 8.8/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Usongshine 5pcs Nema17 stepper motors, 48MM 42BYGH at 1.7A, 17HS8401 4-lead for 3D printers and CNC. Pros: - 48MM body length offers more torque for heavy beds or Z axes - 5pcs pack equips a complete printer or CNC build - 4-lead bipolar wiring works with common stepper drivers Cons: - Longer, heavier motors add weight when used on moving toolheads - 1.7A rating may run hot on drivers without cooling Details: https://filamentprintlab.com/product/B089G55C9K ### 3. Usongshine Nema17 Stepper Motor 17HS4401 with T8 Screw Lead 8mm 300mm/400mm 42BYGH Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Usongshine Nema17 17HS4401 stepper motor with an integrated T8 lead screw, 8mm lead in 300mm or 400mm lengths. Pros: - Integrated T8 lead screw removes the need for a separate coupler - 300mm and 400mm options fit Ender-size and taller Z axes - Fixed screw reduces wobble caused by misaligned couplers Cons: - A bent screw means replacing the whole motor assembly - Length variant must match your frame height exactly Details: https://filamentprintlab.com/product/B089G4HZT8 ### 4. Usongshine Nema 17 Stepper Motor 1.5A 17HS4401 High Torque 42N.cm 42BYGH 1.8 Degree 38MM Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Usongshine Nema 17 stepper motor 17HS4401 at 1.5A with high torque 42N.cm, 42BYGH, 1.8 degree and 38MM. Pros: - High torque 42N.cm suits Y axis beds and extruder motors - 38MM body is a common size that fits most printer mounts - 17HS4401 model is a widely used drop-in replacement Cons: - Check whether a matching cable is included before ordering - Single motor listing may cost more per unit than multi-motor packs Details: https://filamentprintlab.com/product/B07C1MVTZC ### 5. Usongshine Nema 17 Geared Stepper Motor Gear Ratio 5.18:1 Planetary Gearbox for 3D Printer CNC Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Usongshine Nema 17 geared stepper motor with a 5.18:1 planetary gearbox for printer extruders and CNC. Pros: - 5.18:1 planetary reduction greatly multiplies extruder torque - Geared output gives fine control for flexible or high-flow filaments - Also useful for CNC and robotics projects needing torque Cons: - Gearbox adds weight and length to a direct drive toolhead - Planetary gears can add small backlash to retractions Details: https://filamentprintlab.com/product/B07V359RFB ### 6. Usongshine Nema 17 Stepper Motor for Titan Extruder 3D Printer 13Ncm 4 Lead 17HS4023 (5 Pack) Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Usongshine Nema 17 stepper motors for Titan extruders, 13Ncm 4 lead 17HS4023 in a 5 pack. Pros: - Short pancake-style motor saves weight on direct drive toolheads - Matched to Titan extruders that use geared reduction - 5 Pack supplies several extruders or spares Cons: - 13Ncm torque is too low for direct ungeared extrusion - Not suited for bed or gantry axes needing more torque Details: https://filamentprintlab.com/product/B07KW7F3P9 ### 7. Usongshine Nema 17 Bipolar Step Motor for 3D Printer Extruder CNC 1A 13Ncm 17HS4023 (5 Pack) Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Usongshine Nema 17 bipolar step motor for printer extruders and CNC, 1A 13Ncm 17HS4023 in a 5 pack. Pros: - Low 1A current keeps motors cool on lightweight extruders - Bipolar design works with every common stepper driver - 5 Pack price is cost effective for multi-extruder builds Cons: - Low torque limits use to geared extruders and light loads - Same motor as the Titan listing, so compare price per pack Details: https://filamentprintlab.com/product/B08CV3DDC1 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.