Cricut machines have long been a favorite for DIY crafters and hobbyists. Their versatility and ease-of-use have made them a household name. However, with the recent changes to Cricut’s subscription-based model, many users are looking for alternatives.
Luckily, there are several comparable options on the market today that rival what Cricut offers. When choosing a Cricut alternative, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Cost – Both upfront machine cost and ongoing supplies/accessories
- Cutting abilities – Size, thickness, and type of materials it can cut
- Software – Ease of use and special features
- Community – Available designs, tutorials, forums, etc.
With those criteria in mind, here are 10 of the best Cricut alternatives to consider in 2023:
1. Silhouette Cameo
The Silhouette Cameo is arguably Cricut’s biggest competitor. This electronic cutting machine can cut over 100 different materials including vinyl, paper, cardstock, and fabric up to 12 inches wide.
It comes bundled with the Silhouette Studio design software which includes pre-loaded designs and fonts. While not as robust as Cricut’s Design Space, it’s still packed with features like templates, tools, and the ability to upload your own art.
The Cameo is also compatible with third-party design programs like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Plus, Silhouette has an online store with extra fonts, designs, and tools for purchase.
Key Features:
- 12” cutting width
- 100+ compatible materials
- Bluetooth connectivity
- PixScan technology to scan images
- Silhouette Studio software included
Cost: $169-$299 for machine, supplies extra
2. Cricut Joy
Don’t let the name fool you – the Cricut Joy is actually a great Cricut alternative for beginners or those on a budget. This compact machine has many of the same features as its higher-end cousins but at a fraction of the price.
The Cricut Joy uses 5.5 inch Smart Material technology, meaning it can cut everything from vinyl and cardstock to iron-on and sticker paper. It comes with Cricut’s Design Space software, giving you access to thousands of images and fonts.
Its small size makes it perfect for throwing in your bag to craft on-the-go. Use it for cards, labels, scrapbooking, and more. At under $200, it’s an affordable way to start cutting without the commitment of a larger machine.
Key Features:
- 5.5” cutting width
- Cuts 50+ materials
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Portable size
- Access to Cricut Design Space
Cost: $159-$199 for machine, supplies extra
3. Brother ScanNCut
Brother is known for their line of sewing and embroidery machines, but they also make an excellent electronic cutting machine called the ScanNCut.
This all-in-one machine not only cuts, it also prints, scans, and has a built-in scanner to copy images. It comes with 620 built-in designs and fonts, and you can scan virtually anything to create your own cut files.
The ScanNCut is perfect for fabric and paper crafts with the ability to cut material up to 12 inches wide. The digital cutting technology allows you to cut intricate designs with detail and precision.
Key Features:
- 12” cutting width
- Built-in scanner
- 620 built-in designs
- Prints and cuts
- Fabric, paper, vinyl capabilities
Cost: $199-$299 for machine, supplies extra
4. Sizzix Big Shot
The Sizzix Big Shot is a manual die-cutting machine that works with interchangeable dies. It doesn’t require any software, electricity, or accessories other than the dies themselves. Simply sandwich your material between the platform and die, crank the handle, and you’ve perfectly cut shapes, letters, and designs.
With the Big Shot, you can cut materials up to 6 inches wide and virtually any thickness. From thin paper to wood, leather, foam, and more, it can handle it all. There are hundreds of Sizzix die shapes to choose from, many of which can be bundled to save money.
Key Features:
- 6” cutting width
- Manual hand-crank machine
- Interchangeable dies for 100s of cut options
- Cuts thick materials like leather and wood
Cost: $99 for machine, dies from $10-$50 each
5. Cricut Explore Air 2
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a slightly scaled back version of Cricut’s Maker machine. It has a cutting area of 9.25 x 9.25 inches and can cut over 100 different materials.
Like the Maker, it works with Cricut’s Design Space software and has Bluetooth connectivity. However, it has less cutting force than the Maker, so it can’t cut thicker materials like leather and basswood.
The Explore Air 2 is a great choice if you like Cricut’s ecosystem but don’t need all the bells and whistles of the Maker. It cuts vinyl, cardstock, adhesive foils, and more with ease.
Key Features:
- 9.25” x 9.25” cutting area
- Cuts 100+ materials
- Design Space software
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cost: $169-$199 for machine, supplies extra
6. SVGcreator Studio Bundle
If you want a machine to cut SVG files or prefer open-source software, the SVGcreator is an excellent Cricut alternative. This German-engineered machine cuts and draws on materials up to 8.25 inches wide.
It comes bundled with a powerful design software called VivaCut, giving you full editing capabilities and the ability to work with SVG, DXF, PLT, and other file formats.
The SVGcreator has a sturdy metal chassis, interchangeable tool heads, and quiet brushless motors. It connects via USB and has an optical registration system for precision alignment.
Key Features:
- 8.25” cutting width
- VivaCut design software included
- SVG, DXF, PLT compatibility
- Interchangeable tool heads
- Sturdy metal frame
Cost: $369 for bundle, supplies extra
7. Circut Explorer Air 3
The Cricut Explorer Air 3 is Cricut’s most advanced smart cutting machine that doesn’t require a subscription. It has the fastest cutting time and can cut materials up to 2 feet long.
Like the Maker series, it works exclusively with Cricut’s Design Space software and has dual carriage so you can utilize two tools at once. It cuts over 100 materials including vinyl, iron on, cardstock, faux leather, acetate, and poster board.
The Air 3 features a responsive touchscreen interface. It’s also Bluetooth enabled so you can cut wirelessly from your mobile devices.
Key Features:
- 12” cutting width
- Fastest cutting time
- Dual carriage system
- Cuts 100+ materials
- Works with Design Space
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cost: $249 for machine, supplies extra
8. Portrait 3 Vinyl Cutter
The Portrait vinyl cutter by Silhouette is a desktop-sized machine perfect for hobbyists. It can cut vinyl, heat transfer material, adhesive foils, and more up to 10 inches wide.
It doesn’t have all the extra bells and whistles of the Cameo, but it can connect to your Mac, PC, or iOS device. The Portrait comes bundled with the Silhouette Studio Basic design software.
While not as feature-rich as the Cameo 4 or Cameo Plus, the Portrait is an affordable entry-level machine for small vinyl projects, labels, decals, and more. There are also lots of extras available like fonts, designs, pens, and knives.
Key Features:
- 10” cutting width
- Cuts vinyl, heat transfer, etc.
- Silhouette Studio Basic software
- Mac, PC, and iOS compatible
Cost: $169 for machine, supplies extra
9. CRICUT Maker 3
The Cricut Maker 3 is Cricut’s ultimate smart cutting machine. It has the most cutting force and can cut up to 300 different materials including leather, wood, and more.
This new model has faster cutting speeds, improved precision, and stronger blade power. It also has a dual carriage system for using two tools at once. A built-in roll feeder lets you work with continuous material up to 12 feet long.
Like Cricut’s other smart models, it works exclusively with Design Space software. All images, fonts, and projects are stored in the cloud. Bluetooth connectivity allows wireless cutting from mobile devices.
Key Features:
- 12” cutting width
- Cuts 300 materials
- Fast cutting speeds
- Advanced cutting pressure
- Built-in roll feeder
- Works with Cricut Design Space
Cost: $299 for machine, supplies extra
10. USCutter Laser Series
If you want to take your crafting capabilities even further, consider a desktop laser engraver/cutter like the USCutter Laser Series. These small CO2 laser machines can engrave or cut wood, acrylic, leather, paper, glass, and much more.
The USCutter Laser Series comes in several sizes with work areas up to 28” x 20”. It runs on specialized laser-cutting software and connects to your computer via USB cable.
While the upfront cost is higher, a laser cutter opens unlimited possibilities for custom wood signs, stencils, paper art, leather goods, and other laserable materials. It takes DIY crafting to a whole new level.
Key Features:
- Engraves and cuts many materials
- Available in several work area sizes
- Runs on laser-cutting software
- Ideal for wood, acrylic, paper, leather, etc.
Cost: $995-$1,895 depending on work area size
So there you have it – 10 great Cricut alternatives for crafting and DIY work in 2023. From electronic cutting machines to die cutters and laser engravers, there are many options to choose from. Consider your budget, project needs, and cutting requirements as you select the right Cricut alternative for you.
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