Are you searching for What Is Comparable To Cricut? Look no further! This guide on COMPARE.EDU.VN unveils the best Cricut alternatives, empowering you to make informed decisions. Discover machines with unique features, materials, and price points. We’ll provide a comprehensive comparison and ensure you find the perfect crafting companion. Unleash your creative potential with our insights into cutting-edge craft tools.
1. Siser Juliet Digital Cutting Machine
Siser Juliet Digital Cutting Machine is the best alternative to Cricut overall. The Siser Juliet is a premium cutter that brings thoughtful innovation to the digital crafting space. This machine stands out for its quiet operation, high accuracy, and versatility in handling various materials.
1.1. Specifications
- Function: Digital cutter
- Suitable for: All craft projects; fabric, paper, and more
- Maximum cutting area: 35 x 500cm / 13.8 x 196.8in
- Dimensions: 60.5 x 19 x 18.5cm / 23.8 x 7.5 x 7.3in
- Weight: 7kg
1.2. Reasons to Buy
- Super-quiet cutting machine: Operates at just 78dB.
- Built-in camera for extra precision: Ensures high accuracy in cutting.
- Cuts with and without a mat: Adds to its versatility.
1.3. Reasons to Avoid
- Limited attachments (for now): Fewer additional tools compared to rivals.
- Cost: More expensive than some alternatives.
- Software variety: The software doesn’t offer extensive third-party compatibility.
1.4. Expert Review
The Siser Juliet Digital Cutting Machine is considered the best alternative to Cricut Maker 3 due to its straightforward blade cutter design and innovative features. The LCD display simplifies settings control, and the built-in camera enhances precision. Adjustable pinch rollers allow for experimenting with speed and pressure.
1.5. Design and Usability
The Siser Juliet features a stylish, cylindrical build that feels more compact than the Cricut Maker 3. Its whisper-quiet operation (78dB) sets it apart from other machines. The Marker adapter turns it into a drawing plotter, aided by the built-in camera. The Leonardo design software is user-friendly and comes with many pre-installed designs.
1.6. Pricing
While an excellent craft machine comparable to Cricut, the Siser Juliet may cost more than the Maker 3, depending on available deals.
1.7. Key Features
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | No cheaper than Cricut Maker 3 | ★★★ |
| Design | Sleek looks and quiet running | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Easy to use | ★★★★★ |
2. xTool M1: Dual-Purpose Cutting and Engraving
The xTool M1 is the best dual-purpose Cricut alternative. The xTool M1 breaks the mold by integrating both blade cutting and laser engraving into one machine. This hybrid design allows users to complete projects in one go, offering versatility unmatched by traditional craft cutters.
2.1. Specifications
- Function: Digital cutter and laser
- Suitable for: 300+ materials
- Maximum cutting area: 31 x 30.5cm / 15 x 12in (expandable)
- Dimensions: 56 x 44.5 x 23cm / 22 x 17.5 x 9in
- Weight: 9.8kg
2.2. Reasons to Buy
- Uses both a blade cutter and laser: Offers dual functionality in one machine.
- Award-winning compact design: Stylish and space-efficient.
- Can handle projects that Cricut can’t: Greater versatility in materials and projects.
2.3. Reasons to Avoid
- Not the most powerful laser cutter: Its 10-watt diode laser is less powerful than dedicated laser cutters.
- Cost: More expensive than a Cricut, representing a significant investment.
- Space is limited: The dual-function design means a larger footprint than standard cutters.
2.4. Expert Review
The xTool M1 won a Red Dot Design Award in 2022. Its compact machine has few buttons and is controlled via the xTools app for Android and Apple. The app is similar to Cricut Design Space and supports vector art software like CorelDRAW.
2.5. Performance
The 10-watt diode laser is slower than the 45-watt CO2 laser of the Glowforge Pro but produces good results for thinner materials and engraving. The brand also offers a more powerful machine, the Laserbox.
2.6. Pricing
The xTool M1 is priced between the Cricut Maker 3 and professional laser cutters. It is an excellent hybrid option for those needing more versatility in materials.
2.7. Key Features
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Mid-range price | ★★★★ |
| Design | Award-winning | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Good with thin materials | ★★★★ |
3. Silhouette Cameo 4: Budget-Friendly and Powerful
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is a cheaper Cricut Maker 3 alternative. The Silhouette Cameo 4 stands out as a budget-friendly yet powerful alternative to the Cricut Maker 3. Offering comparable speed and an integrated roller feeder, this machine handles a wide range of materials and projects.
3.1. Specifications
- Function: Digital cutter
- Suitable for: Materials up to 3mm thick
- Maximum cutting area: 30.5cm x 61cm / 12 x 24in
- Dimensions: 57 x 19.5 x 17cm / 22.44 x 7.7 x 6.7in
- Weight: 4.7kg
3.2. Reasons to Buy
- Stronger but cheaper than Cricut Maker: Delivers more downward force at a lower price.
- Suitable for a wide range of materials: Handles balsa wood, leather, and chipboard.
- Can handle projects up to 3m (10ft) long: Ideal for larger designs.
3.3. Reasons to Avoid
- The software has a steeper learning curve: Silhouette Studio is less intuitive than Cricut’s software.
3.4. Expert Review
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is comparable to the Cricut Maker 3 in terms of speed and features. It has an integrated roller feeder and can handle balsa wood, leather, and chipboard.
3.5. Performance
The Cameo 4 boasts a downward force of 5kg, surpassing the Cricut Maker 3. Silhouette Studio has a steeper learning curve but offers standalone software that runs on a computer without needing an online connection.
3.6. Pricing
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is cheaper than the Cricut Maker, and there are no monthly subscription fees like Cricut Access. Three models of the Cameo 4 are available, including the base model, the Cameo 4 Plus, and the Cameo 4 Pro, each increasing in size.
3.7. Key Features
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Affordable and subscription-free | ★★★★ |
| Design | Great tools | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Strong downward force | ★★★★★ |
4. Glowforge Pro: High-Spec Laser Cutting
The Glowforge Pro is the best high-spec laser cutter Cricut alternative. The Glowforge Pro brings Cricut’s approachability to the laser cutter sector. Its simple design and powerful laser set it apart, enabling users to cut, engrave, and score over 100 materials.
4.1. Specifications
- Function: Laser cutter
- Suitable for: Over 100 materials up to 2 inches thick
- Maximum cutting area: 20in / 50.8cm x endless
- Dimensions: 15 x 52.7 x 21cm / 38 x 20.75 x 8.25in
- Weight: 32kg
4.2. Reasons to Buy
- Powerful 45 watt, Class 4 laser: Cuts with exceptional precision.
- Can handle very large materials: Suitable for a variety of project sizes.
- Excellent app and versatility: User-friendly app and versatile capabilities.
4.3. Reasons to Avoid
- Cost: More expensive than other alternatives.
- More powerful than many hobbyists will need: Its features may be overkill for casual crafters.
- Space is limited: Its weight makes it a substantial piece of equipment.
4.4. Design and Performance
The Glowforge Pro looks like a high-end printer. Its simple design sets it aside from other laser cutters. It can cut, engrave, and score over 100 materials, from wood and plastic to metal, fabrics, and even marble.
4.5. Usability
The machine is simple to use. You can drag and drop design files into the Glowforge app, align the material, and press ‘Print.’ The app also contains thousands of pre-made designs.
4.6. Pricing
The Glowforge Pro is expensive and more powerful than many people will need. It can make everything from board games and toys to jewelry and even furniture.
4.7. Key Features
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Expensive | ★★★ |
| Design | Simple and elegant | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Simple to use & powerful | ★★★★★ |
5. Silhouette Portrait 3: Portable Cutting for Beginners
The Silhouette Portrait 3 is the best cheap Cricut alternative. The Silhouette Portrait 3 is designed as an entry-level cutting machine. It is ideal for beginners and offers good value for money.
5.1. Specifications
- Function: Digital cutter
- Suitable for: Materials up to 2mm thick
- Maximum cutting area: 20.32 x 30.49cm (with a cutting mat/feed roller: 20.32 cm x 60 ft)
- Dimensions: 41.1 x 14 x 11.2cm / 16.2 x 5.5 x 4.4in
- Weight: 1.6kg
5.2. Reasons to Buy
- Good value for money: Affordable for beginners.
- Excellent beginner cutter: Easy to use.
- Can cut without a mat: Adds convenience.
5.3. Reasons to Avoid
- It can’t cut thick materials: Limited cutting force.
5.4. Design and Performance
The Silhouette Portrait 3 is smaller than the Silhouette Cameo 4 and the Maker, making it more portable. It works well for card and sticker projects and can handle vinyl, heat transfer, paper, cardstock, sticker paper, and some fabric.
5.5. Compatibility
Most Silhouette tools and blades work with the Silhouette Portrait 3, but some require an adapter (sold separately). It is also compatible with the Silhouette Go App for mobiles.
5.6. Pricing
The Silhouette Portrait 3 is a good value starting point for anyone new to digital cutters.
5.7. Key Features
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Good value | ★★★★ |
| Design | Nice and compact | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Good for entry-level crafters | ★★★ |
6. Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro: Large-Format Cutting
The Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro is the best Cricut machine for large projects. The Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro is the largest model in the Cameo 4 range. With a 24-inch cutting width and supporting three-meter lengths.
6.1. Specifications
- Function: Digital cutter
- Suitable for: Materials up to 3mm thick
- Work area: 61cm x 3m / 24 x 118in
- Dimensions: 87.6 x 19.5 x 17cm / 34.4 x 7.7 x 6.7cm
- Weight: 11 kg
6.2. Reasons to Buy
- Extra-long 24-inch cutting width: Perfect for large-scale projects.
- Powerful 5kg cutting pressure: Strong cutting force.
- LCD touchscreen: Convenient operation.
6.3. Reasons to Avoid
- Cuts fewer materials than Maker 3: Limited material versatility.
6.4. Design and Performance
The LCD touchscreen adds convenience, while maintaining compatibility with Silhouette’s software. It can trim and cut vinyl, heat transfer material, cardstock, photo paper, and fabrics.
6.5. Pricing
The Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro is positioned in the specialist category. It delivers exceptional performance for those needing its unique capabilities.
6.6. Key Features
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Premium price | ★★★ |
| Design | Wide cutting width, strong force | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Great for large materials | ★★★★★ |
7. Brother ScanNCut SDX125: Integrated Scanner for US Sewers
The Brother ScanNCut SDX125 is the best Cricut alternative with a scanner. The Brother ScanNCut SDX125 is a great alternative to Cricut for hobbyists working with paper, card vinyl and fabric, and particularly for quilters.
7.1. Specifications
- Function: Digital scanner and cutter
- Suitable for: Materials up to 3mm thick
- Work area: 30.5 x 30.5cm / 12 x 12in
- Dimensions: 21.3 x 53.1 x 17.2cm / 8.4 x 21 x 6.8in
- Weight: 6kg
7.2. Reasons to Buy
- Includes a scanner: Transfers printed pages into real projects.
- LCD panel for direct editing: Programme designs directly on the machine.
- Well-known brand: Reliable and trusted.
7.3. Reasons to Avoid
- More expensive than Cricut Explore Air 2: Higher price point.
7.4. Design and Performance
The Brother ScanNCut SDX125 features a built-in scanner. You can transfer printed pages into real projects. The LCD touchscreen display and 682 built-in designs, including 100 quilting patterns and nine fonts allow design without connecting to a computer.
7.5. Material Handling
Like the Silhouette Cameo 4, it can handle material up to 3mm thick, beating the Cricut Maker 3. The SDX125E is limited to 29.7cm (11.7in) compared to the Cricut Maker’s 33cm (13in).
7.6. Pricing
The ScanNCut SDX125 is more expensive than the Cricut Explore Air 2.
7.7. Key Features
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Expensive | ★★★ |
| Design | Features a built-in scanner | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Great for wider cuts | ★★★★★ |
8. Brother ScanNCut SDX900: Integrated Scanner for UK Sewers
The Brother ScanNCut SDX900 is the best Cricut alternative for sewers and quilters in Europe. The Brother ScanNCut SDX900 is a similar machine in terms of size and functions.
8.1. Specifications
- Function: Digital scanner and cutter
- Suitable for: Materials up to 3mm thick
- Work area: 30.5 x 30.5cm
- Dimensions: 21.3 x 53.1 x 17.2cm
- Weight: 6kg
8.2. Reasons to Buy
- Includes a scanner: Transforms printed designs into cutting files.
- LCD panel for direct editing: No need for a computer.
- Reliable brand: Known for quality and durability.
8.3. Reasons to Avoid
- More expensive than Cricut Explore Air 2: Higher price point.
8.4. Design and Performance
Like the Brother ScanNCut SDX125E above, the SDX900 has a built-in scanner, LCD touchscreen and 682 built-in designs, which means you can use it without connecting it up to a computer.
8.5. Material Handling
Like its American cousin, it beats the Cricut Maker 3, handling material up to 3 mm thick. It’s a great alternative to Cricut for hobbyists working with a wide range of materials.
8.6. Pricing
The Brother ScanNCut SDX900 is expensive. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, you may prefer the Cricut Explore Air 2 unless you really need to cut thicker material.
8.7. Key Features
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Expensive | ★★★ |
| Design | Features a built-in scanner | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Great for wider cuts | ★★★★★ |
9. Silhouette Mint: Digital Stamp Creation
The Silhouette Mint is the best Cricut alternative for card making and scrapbooking. The Silhouette Mint is designed to digitize the art of ink and paint stamping.
9.1. Specifications
- Function: Digital heat stamps
- Suitable for: Thermal ink stamps
- Maximum print area: x 15mm (smallest) to 45 x 60mm (largest)
- Dimensions: 5.7 x 12 x 8.2cm / 2.2 x 4.7 x 3.2in
- Weight: 0.31kg
9.2. Reasons to Buy
- Creates unique stamps in minutes: Quick stamp creation.
- Great for customising bags and ink prints for cards: Versatile for various projects.
9.3. Reasons to Avoid
- Limited uses: Specializes in stamp creation only.
9.4. Design and Performance
The machine is small enough to hold in the hand or take to a friend’s house in a bag. It excels at transforming digital designs into raised 3D stamps through thermal technology. The included 50+ templates provide immediate creative options, whilst the ability to create custom designs opens endless possibilities.
9.5. Ease of Use
The machine is easy and practical to use. You feed sheets into the Silhouette Mint, and its thermal tech heats the design and creates raised 3D patterns. These can then be coloured using Silhouette’s thermal inks and stamped onto clothes for custom designs.
9.6. Pricing
The Silhouette Mint is priced competitively.
9.7. Key Features
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Competitive | ★★★★ |
| Design | Unique design | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Works well | ★★★★★ |
10. Fierton Heat Press Machine: Cricut EasyPress Alternative
The Fierton Heat Press Machine is the best Cricut EasyPress alternative. The Fierton heat press is light, portable and it’s suitable for vinyl and textiles such as sweatshirts, banners, and T-shirts using thermal transfer and sublimation paper.
10.1. Specifications
- Functions: Heat press
- Suitable for: Vinyl and fabric
- Material size: 30 ×25cm heat plate suitable for large T-shirts)
- Dimensions: 45 x 35 x 20cm / 17.7 x 13.7 x 7.8cm
- Weight: 5kg
10.2. Reasons to Buy
- Light and portable: Easy to move and store.
- Easy to use: Simple operation.
- Safety mode: Insulated base and automatic shut-off.
10.3. Reasons to Avoid
- Takes a while to heat up: Longer heating time.
10.4. Design and Performance
Set the preferred time and temperature, then watch it do its thing in under sixty seconds. There’s a safety mode and an insulated safety base.
10.5. Ease of Use
The iron sits a little way from the surface and takes a little longer to heat up than some options, but once it’s ready it does the job very well.
10.6. Pricing
This is a handy, portable device that works a treat, but it’s relatively expensive.
10.7. Key Features
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Relatively expensive | ★★★ |
| Design | Light and portable | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Does the job well | ★★★★★ |
11. How To Choose The Best Cricut Alternative
When selecting an alternative to Cricut, align your needs with the machine’s capabilities. Consider the size, accessories, and ease of use. Many alternatives, like Silhouette, offer software similar to Cricut, while others, such as Siser and Brother, feature onboard CPUs and LCD touchscreens. The Silhouette Cameo 4 craft machine cuts differently, making multiple fast cuts rather than one deep cut. The best Cricut alternative depends on your intended use, whether for papercraft, sewing, or engraving.
12. How We Tested The Best Cricut Alternatives
Craft machines are tested by examining what a product can do and the value it represents. Writers know what’s needed from a craft machine for different uses, be it for hobbyists or professionals. Each machine is tested on the basis of how it’s intended to be used. Power, functions, features, accessories, build, and value are compared.
13. Best Cricut Alternatives: Frequent Questions
13.1. Which craft machine is comparable to a Cricut Maker 3?
Two digital craft machines stand out: the new Siser Juliet and the Silhouette Cameo 4. Both can cut and handle many materials, including heat press vinyl.
13.2. Is Cricut or Silhouette better?
Cricut machines are more user-friendly and easier for beginners to get started with.
13.3. Is Brother ScanNCut as good as Cricut?
Brother ScanNCut machines can do almost everything the Maker 3 can do but also feature an onboard CPU and LCD touchscreen, meaning you don’t need a laptop or other software to get up and running.
13.4. Should I buy a cheaper Cricut alternative?
More affordable craft machines are smaller, less powerful, or manual craft cutters. The best Cricut alternatives from Silhouette, Siser, and Brother are costly but durable and can grow with your skills.
Choosing the best alternative to Cricut requires a clear understanding of your crafting needs and budget. Each machine offers unique features and capabilities, so take the time to compare and find the perfect fit for your creative projects.
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