If you like crafting, there's a high chance you've thought about getting a Cricut machine. Cricut machines can cut a wide range of materials, from vinyl to cardboard to textiles like leather and felt. However, if you are on a tight budget and know what you want, you can consider getting the best Cricut alternative.
This post will examine the top Cricut alternatives and show how they can do all of a Cricut's functions. In this post, we'll examine the top Cricut substitutes and show how they can do all of a Cricut's functions and even a little bit more.
What is Cricut, and Why is it Popular?
Cricut is a widely known cutting machine maker that meets the demands of every crafter. Cricut is the go-to brand for cutting machines because of its dependability and simplicity of use, whether you merely want to cut materials like vinyl and paper with the Cricut Joy or want to cut textiles and matboard with the Cricut Maker.
The best Cricut machines use Bluetooth technology to cut exact forms every time. Once the machine has your design, it will use the machine's blades to cut it out. The cutting pad holds your material in place while the machine takes care of the rest. Consider properly cut lettering, shapes, and other details.
However, if you're new to creating and don't want all of the bells and whistles, Cricut isn't the only cutting-machine manufacturer to consider.
Is There a Better Alternative to Cricut?
You have several options when choosing the top Cricut alternatives. These devices, from companies like Brother and Silhouette, can do all of the functions of a Cricut cutting machine, plus a bit more. Cricut is the most popular brand regarding craft machines, but the others have a lot to offer.
These machines, like those from Cricut, can cut paper, cards, vinyl, and fabric, among other things. There is a viable alternative for every Cricut machine. If you're looking for the best Cricut alternative, we looked into all of the cutting machines on the market to identify the ones that are worth your time.
1. Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit (6"), White/Grey
- MACHINE COMES WITH – A complete starter kit! See the product...
- DIE CUTTING AND EMBOSSING - This Big Shot is the ideal tool for a...
- THE A5 SIZED OPENING - Allows you to create an ever-growing...
- MULTITUDE OF MATERIALS - Cut and emboss anything from paper,...
- COMPATIBILITY – The Big Shot is compatible with the full Sizzix...
Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit is a budget-friendly alternative to Cricut Maker 3. It comes with an elegant design that you can manual die-cutting, embossing, scrapbooking, paper crafting, cardmaking, quilting, appliqué, and other similar crafts.
With a 6-inch wide opening, the cutting machine can cut material with a width of 8.875 inches and a depth of 0.625 inches. The roller system is made up of a steel core and a heavy-duty outer shell. A regular pair of cutting pads, a platform, a Thinlits Die Set, a Bigz Die, a Textured Impressions embossing folder for 3D textures, and 12 pieces of 6 x 6 in paper sheets are all included in the original package.
Image Source: Sizzix
The Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit is designed for novice crafters and amateurs who need to educate themselves with a die-cutting machine before moving on to more complex devices like the Cricut Maker 3. However, unlike the Cricut Maker 3, the Sizzix Big Shot does not need the use of a computer or mobile device.
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2. Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro Bundle
- Silhouette Cameo 4 with Bluetooth and Manufacturer's 1 year...
- 38 Sheets of Oracal 651 Premium Vinyl - 12" x 12", 12 Sheets of...
- 4 Tool Adapters - Allows for use of Cameo 3, 2, & 1 Tools, Hook...
- Ultimate Guide to the Cameo 4, Ultimate Guide to Vinyl & Ultimate...
- Built in Roll Feeder, LED Touch Panel, 5 Kilograms of Down-force...
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is another Cricut Maker alternative. When it comes to Silhouette Cameo vs Cricut, it's on par with the Cricut Maker 3 in terms of speed, with both being very quick, and, like the Maker 3, the Cameo 4 includes an inLOtegrated roller feeder.
Silhouette Cameo 4 is less expensive and is the strongest of the two machines in terms of downward force, weighing in at 5kg, a full 1kg more than the Cricut Maker.
The cutting machine has new tools, including the Kraft and Rotary, which can handle balsa wood, leather, and chipboard. It can also handle lengthier patterns. The knife blade is able to cut the material up to 3mm thick, which is 0.6mm thicker than the Cricut Maker 3.
Image Source: Silhouette America
Another significant distinction is the software. The Silhouette Studio has a higher learning curve than the Cricut, which is incredibly intuitive and simple. However, with this Silhouette machine, there is no requirement for an active internet connection, and there's no monthly membership charge as there is with Cricut Access.
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3. Brother ScanNCut SDX125EGY Electronic DIY Cutting Machine
- SCAN DRAWINGS AND MATERIALS: Brother ScanNCut is the only cutting...
- STUNNING DIY PROJECTS: Craft with 682 built-in designs including...
- NO MATERIAL SELECTION REQUIRED: The included ScanNCut DX auto...
- Cuts up to 3 millimeter (0.1 inch); Thickness: The Brother Home...
- PERFECT FOR HOBBYISTS AND BUDDING ENTREPENEURS: Create original...
Brother is a more recognizable brand name. It is most known for its printers and sewing machines, but it also manufactures cutting machines that are similar to Cricut. For enthusiasts working with paper, card vinyl, and fabric, especially quilters, the ScanNCut SDX125 is one of the best Cricut alternatives.
The scanning feature of the ScanNCut SDX125 sets it apart from other options. It has a scanner integrated into it, so you can turn printed papers into actual projects.
You can transmit SVG files from your computer, but you can also use the LCD touchscreen display and the 682 built-in designs, which include 100 quilting patterns and nine typefaces, to program designs directly on the machine.
Image Source: Brother
Similar to the Silhouette Cameo 4, this cutting machine can cut material up to 3 mm thick, making it superior to the Cricut Maker 3. It features an AutoBlade that recognizes the thickness of the material automatically. On the other hand, this Brother machine is just 29.7cm wide, compared to the Cricut Maker's 33cm.
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4. Silhouette America, Silhouette Mint Custom Printer (White)
- Silhouette Mint Custom Stamp Maker. Power cable & USB cable.
- 15 mm x 60 mm stamp kit. 30 mm x 30 mm stamp kit.
- 4 ink bottles in black, red, blue, and yellow.
- 50 exclusive designs (download).
- Silhouette Mint Software.
Ink and paint stamping will be digitalized thanks to the Silhouette Mint. It does the task quite effectively. The device is compact and nicely configured; it may be carried in hand or transported in a bag to a friend's home. The benefit of using digital ink stamps to make designs for bags, shirts, and cards is that they are consistent.
Image Source: Silhouette America
The Silhouette Mint uses the prepared sheets you feed it to heat the design and produce raised 3D designs using thermal technology. The thermal inks from Silhouette may be used to color them before being imprinted with unique patterns onto clothing. The Mint offers more than 50 free themes and is simple and friendly.
The Silhouette Mint's capabilities are limited since it isn't a cutting device. With the benefit that you don't require a cutter, like the Silhouette Portrait 3, to make the designs, it is more akin to a heat press machine, maybe the size of a Cricut EasyPress Mini.
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5. Bira Craft Die Cutting & Embossing Machine
- 3 1/8" Feeding Slot, EXTRA AREA makes a big difference! Measures...
- The suction cup will stick firmly on smooth working surfaces with...
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed, no-risk purchase.A compact,...
Looking for a small die-cutting and embossing machine combo? The Bira Craft Die Cutting & Embossing Machine weighs just 3.1 pounds, making it a perfect option for crafters who are getting started in the world of cardstock, embossing, and paper. The 3 1/8 inches feeding hole of the Bira Craft allows it to process 3 inches of paper.
Image Source: Bira Craft
The package also includes a plate, a cutting plate, an embossing plate, a rubber pad, a 2D embossing folder, seven cutting dies, and eight pieces of undetermined colors. It produces some fairly stunning results, despite its modest appearance. In addition, a lot of clients said the customer service is excellent.
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Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Cricut Alternative
1. Ease of Use
You don't want to spend numerous hours trying to figure out how to set up and use a cutting machine. Nobody likes to constantly contact technical support, either. You should be able to set up and use the product without difficulty straight away.
2. Skills
There are beginner-friendly Cricut alternatives, including the Sizzix Big Shot cutting machine. Other Cricut alternatives, like the Silhouette Portrait, offer more functionality than Cricut machines but are still less expensive.
3. Power and Accuracy
The cutting machine must be capable of handling enormous tasks in the shortest period of time to save on costs. However, it doesn't matter how strong or quick the equipment is.
If it is inaccurate, you might not be able to offer the highest possible precision. Reduce material waste and save up time by investing in a machine that cuts precisely every time.
4. Material and Durability
If you only need to cut cardboard, paper, and iron-ons, there's no need to invest in a more expensive machine that can also cut heavier textiles. However, if you're using a Cricut machine for sewing tasks or costume creation, you'll want to get Cricut alternatives that can cut through felt or leather.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money on cutting machines, then you want to ensure that it is built from high-quality materials. As a result, the machine should be able to withstand heavy use when the need arises.
5. Price
People tend to believe that high-quality devices are usually more costly than their competitors, but this is not always the case. You must also include the cost of additional cutting tools, mats, supplies, and electricity bills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Cricut Alternatives
1. Is there a cheaper alternative to the Cricut?
Yes, there are several cheaper Cricut alternatives that you can consider. For example, the Silhouette Portrait 3 comes at a decent price, and you can do much more than Cricut machines.
2. Is Silhouette better than Cricut?
Yes, some people feel that the Silhouette Cameo is superior to the Cricut. Thanks to its 11-pound downward force, it's much more powerful than Cricut Maker 3. It also has a built-in roller feeder that can create cuts up to 12 inches broad and 0.11 inches thick. It's also a little less expensive.
3. Should I buy Cricut or Cameo?
The most recent Cameo model can handle materials that are 25% thicker (3 mm compared to Cricut's 2.4 mm) and has 25% greater cutting power (5000g vs. 4000g).
4. Is the Silhouette Cameo 3 better than Cricut?
Cricut Maker is the clear winner. This is because it is a lot quicker, simpler to set up, looks amazing, does more, cuts deeper, and is easier to get and create designs. Ideally, the Cricut machine is stronger, studier, and performs better than Silhouette Cameo 3.
5. What is the difference between the Silhouette and Cricut?
The major differences come in the software. Both Cricut and Silhouette have online sites that you can access your designs as well as use to make your digital crafts.
6. What is the best alternative for the Cricut joy die cutting machine?
The best feature of this die-cutting machine is that a cutting mat is not required for operation, making it simple to use. The silhouette portrait 3 die cut machine would be the best substitute. However, a cutting mat must be purchased.
Features Image Source: brother.ca
