Cricut is a well-known brand that manufactures reliable and quality die-cutting machines. They are so popular that many crafters use Cricut machines for their projects. These cutting plotters provide unparalleled performance and versatility, so they are also in demand. If you want to purchase a cutting plotter and the Cricut machines are out of stock, you have to settle for another one. However, you don’t need to comprise with the quality and service. In this list, we have compiled a list of the 5 best Cricut alternatives you can go for.
SILHOUETTE CAMEO 4
If you are looking for an alternative to Cricut Maker, then Silhouette Cameo 4 would be your best option. Like Cricut maker, Silhouette Cameo comes packed with impressive features. These feature-rich machines share some similarities like they both feature an integrated roller feeder. Regarding speed, they are both on par when cutting materials such as paper, cardstock, or vinyl. According to their manufacturers, the Silhouette Cameo 4 is three times faster than its previous models, while the Cricut Maker is two times faster than its predecessor.
In terms of cutting force, Cricut Maker was the undisputed champion for many years, with a cutting force of 8.81 pounds (4 kg). However, with 11 pounds (5kg) cutting force, Silhouette Cameo 4 has outdone Cricut Maker. Cameo 4 has a cutting width of 12 inches and can cut up to 10 layers in a single pass. Both machines come with their own set of software; Cricut Maker 3 comes with Design Space, and Cameo 4 comes with Silhouette Studio. Cameo 4 is also cheaper than the Cricut maker.
SISER JULIET DIGITAL CUTTING MACHINE
Siser Juliet is the newest digital craft-cutting machine, one of the best alternatives to Cricut Maker 3. Juliet is a straightforward blade cutter with a simple and minimalist design. Due to its cylindrical design, Juliet looks more compact than Cricut Maker 3 but wider than most Cricut machines. Juliet has a cutting width of 13.5″, so you can cut Smart Materials with it. It also comes packed with some nice features. One of its highlighting features is that it can also be used as a standalone device with the machine’s interface.
The LCD display lets you control the machine’s settings. The built-in camera comes in handy to make precise cuts. You can also adjust the speed and pressure of the cut. Like Cricut Maker, Juliet also has “Leonardo Design Studio” software. The software is compatible with Windows and Mac. Currently, there is no mobile application available for mobile devices. The Leonard Design Studio has many ready-made designs to help beginners get started. You can add designs to the canvas or upload your design.
BROTHER SCANNCUT SDX125
Most of you must already be familiar with Brother’s brand name. It’s mostly famous for its printers and sewing machines but also manufactures cutting plotters. Brother ScanNCut SDX125 is a great Cricut alternative for hobbyists and small business craft makers, especially for quilters and sewers. It’s an all-in-one crafting machine that can be used as a standalone device.
ScanNCut SD125 differs from other cutting machines as it only features an integrated scanner, so you can transfer printed pages into real projects. In addition to that ScanNCut SDX125 also boasts an AutoBlade that automatically detects the material thickness to the cutting process. ScanNCut SDX125 can cut material up to 3mm (1.11 in) thick, surpassing the Cricut Maker. However, its cutting width is limited to 29.7cm (11.7 in), and it’s also more costly than Cricut Maker 3.
GLOWFORGE PRO
Glowforge Pro is a powerful industrial laser cutter, slightly different from other cutting machines. The Glowforge Pro is a high-end printer that can cut, score, and engrave over 100 materials, such as wood, plastic, metal, fabric, and even marble. This powerful industrial laser cutter features an elegant and simple design, weighing around 32 kg. Glowforge Pro can easily fit into your craft room, and despite its size and power, it’s very user-friendly.
Like Cricut, Glowforge also comes with an app. The app is very easy to use; to cut and engrave on any material, you need to drag and drop your design files into the app, in the machine, line up the material, and press ‘Print.’ In the app, you will find thousands of pre-made designs that you can use for your projects. Glowforge Pro is the brand’s high-end model, so it doesn’t come cheap. It’s more expensive than Cricut Maker, and for some crafters, it’s too powerful to handle.
SILHOUETTE PORTRAIT 3
Silhouette Cameo 4 was a great alternative to Cricut Maker, just like Silhouette Portrait 3 is a great alternative to Cricut Explore 3. Portrait 3 is an entry-level cutting plotter that can easily handle large projects. In terms of size, it is smaller than Cameo 4 and has less cutting power. Portrait 3 has a cutting width of 8.5 inches and features various pre-programmed designs. It’s an ideal option for sticker and card projects.
Like Cricut Explore 3, it can also handle paper, cardstock, sticker paper, vinyl, iron-on, and some fabric. For precision cuts, Portrait 3 also features an auto-blade system. Portrait 3 is compatible with most Silhouette blades and tools, but you must purchase an adapter separately. You can connect it via USB or Bluetooth. If you are a beginner and don’t expect to need the cutting force you’d get from the larger Silhouette machine, then Portrait 3 would be a good place to start.
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