The best Cricut alternatives or Cricut dupes now include more options than ever. There are cutting machines from Brother and Silhouette of America that are comparable to Cricut's, while newer brands like xTools and Glowforge have brought laser cutters to the table as an alternative option to the best Cricut machines for cutting paper, card, vinyl, fabric and more.
We've tested and reviewed a wide range of craft machines, including all of the main offerings from Cricut itself, so we know what we're comparing Cricut alternative against. For every machine, there's a good alternative, and often a cheaper alternative to Cricut. In this article, I look at the best Cricut alternatives for different uses and consider how they compare based on our own tests and a comparison of real customer reviews. It's also worth noting that we've got a list of the best laptops for Cricut that is completely relevant to the models below, so check that out.
The Siser Juliet is a classy machine. We found it to be fast and quiet, and we love the LCD touchscreen and the camera for auto tracking. It's not a cheap Cricut alternative, though. Read more below
The xTool M1 uses both a blade and laser for cutting and engraving, meaning you can do everything for a project in one go. We found it to be versatile and easy to use. Read more below
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is comparable to Cricut Maker 3 in many ways. It's fast and reliable, though it has fewer accessories and options. Read more below
The Glowforge Pro looks like a high-end printer, and it can cut, engrave and score over 100 materials. You can use everything from wood and plastic to metal and fabrics, and even marble, Read more below
We found this entry level cutting machine to be handy for card and sticker projects, and it can handle some smart materials although it lacks the power of bigger devices. Read more below
This large, specialist machines provides a 24-inch cutting width and supports up to three metres in length. There's not much this digital cutter can't handle. Read more below
The best Cricut alternatives in full
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The best Cricut alternative overall
(Image credit: Siser)
01. Siser Juliet Digital Cutting Machine
The best alternative to Cricut overall
Our expert review:
Specifications
Function: digital cutter
Suitable for: All craft project; 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
Reasons to buy
+
Super-quiet cutting machine
+
Built-in camera extra precision
+
Cuts with and without a mat
Reasons to avoid
-
Limited attachments (for now)
Buy it if
✅ Precision is paramount: The built-in camera and adjustable pinch rollers deliver high accuracy.
✅ You value versatility: It cuts both with and without a mat.
✅ Noise matters: At just 78dB, it's one of the quietest digital cutters.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want lots of attachments: The range of additional tools is limited compared to rivals. ❌ Budget is tight: It's expensive. ❌ Software variety is key: The software doesn't offer extensive third-party compatibility.
The bottom line
🔎 Siser Juliet Digital Cutting Machine is a premium cutter that brings thoughtful innovation to the digital crafting space. ★★★★½
What you need to know: We think the Siser Juliet Digital Cutting Machine is easily the best alternative to Cricut Maker 3. It's a straight-forward blade cutter with some neat design choices. We liked the LCD display for controlling settings, and the built-in camera helps for precision. There are also adjustable pinch rollers, which means it's possible to adjust the speed and pressure of the cut and experiment more.
Design: The Siser Juliet looks quite stylish too. It's a cylindrical build that feels more compact than Cricut Maker 3. It's also whisper quiet (78dB) compared to the latest Cricut machines and features a Marker adapter to turn it into a drawing plotter – that built-in camera really aids precision here.
Useability: We also found the Leonardo design software to be easy to use, and it comes with many pre-installed designs, making it ideal for a newcomer to digital crafting.
Pricing: Overall, the Siser Juliet is an excellent craft machine comparable to Cricut, but be aware that it isn't a cheaper alternative to Cricut, and may actually cost more than the Maker 3 depending on the deals available.
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
Reasons to buy
+
Uses both a blade cutter and laser
+
Award-winning compact design
+
Can handle projects that Cricut can't
Reasons to avoid
-
Not the most powerful laser cutter
Buy it if
✅ You want dual functionality: The xTool M1's unique combination of blade cutting and laser capabilities offers versatility beyond traditional craft cutters.
✅ App control appeals: The streamlined interface works through a comprehensive mobile app, similar to Cricut Design Space.
✅ Design matters: This Red Dot Design Award winner brings style and substance to your craft room.
Don't buy it if
❌ You need industrial-grade laser power: The 10-watt diode laser, while capable, isn't as powerful as dedicated laser cutters.
❌ Budget is your priority: Sitting between Cricut and professional laser cutters, it represents a significant investment.
❌ Space is limited: The dual-function design means a larger footprint than standard cutters.
The bottom line
🔎 xTool M1 is a groundbreaking hybrid that successfully marries blade cutting with laser capabilities. ★★★★½
What you need to know: The xTool M1 breaks the mould for digital craft machines in that it's both a blade cutter and a laser cutter in one machine. The same housing holds both, so you can blade cut and laser engrave in one go, or blade cut and then laser cut smaller details even a blade won't manage.
Design: This neat box of tricks won a Red Dot Design Award in 2022 and it's easy to see why. We found it to be a smart craft machine like no other on the market right now. The compact machine has few buttons and everything is controlled via xTools app for Android and Apple. This is very similar to Cricut Design Space, and supports vector art software such as CorelDRAW.
Performance: The slight downside to the xTool M1 is the laser is a 10 watt diode laser compared to the 45 watt CO2 laser of the Glowforge Pro (see below). In my xTool M1 review I found this to be slower than Glowforge Pro but with good results for thinner materials and all engraving. The brand does have a more powerful machine, the Laserbox, and you can read about that in our guide to the best xTools machines.
Pricing: At a fraction of the cost of a Glowforge but more expensive than a Cricut Maker 3, the xTool M1 is a nice mid-way craft machine that can deliver for a greater variety of projects than Cricut. It's an excellent hybrid option and easily one of the best Cricut alternatives for those who need more versatility in terms of materials.
Dimensions: 57 x 19.5 x 17cm / 22.44 x 7.7 x 6.7in
Weight: 4.7kg
Reasons to buy
+
Stronger but cheaper than Cricut Maker
+
Suitable for a wide range of materials
+
Can handle projects up to 3m (10ft) long
Reasons to avoid
-
The software has a steeper learning curve
Buy it if
✅ Power is essential: Here you get 5kg of downward force.
✅ You want to make large banners: It can handle materials up to 3 metres long.
✅ Value matters: This offers professional-level capabilities at a more accessible price than rivals.
Don't buy it if
❌ You prefer simple software: Silhouette Studio's learning curve is steeper than Cricut's. ❌ You need constant online access: Some might miss cloud-based features. ❌ Quick setup is priority: The more complex software means a longer setup time.
The bottom line
🔎 Silhouette Cameo4 is a powerful and capable machine that offers excellent value for money. ★★★★½
What you need to know: We think this is the best cheaper alternative to Cricut Maker. There are plenty of similarities between to two machines. In terms of speed, they're very close, with both being very fast.
Design: Like the Maker 3, the Cameo 4 has an integrated roller feeder. The roller can handle longer designs than the Maker 3, and the cutter has new tools like the Kraft and Rotary and can handle balsa wood, leather and even chipboard. It can cut material up to 3mm (0.11in) thick using the knife blade, which beats the Maker 3 by 0.6mm.
Performance: Despite Silhouette Cameo 4 prices being lower, it's actually the stronger of the two machines in terms of downward force, boasting 5kg, a full 1kg more than the Cricut Maker. Another big difference between this and the Maker 3 is the software. We've always found Cricut's to be very intuitive and easy to use if perhaps a little simplistic, but Silhouette Studio has a steeper learning curve. That said, we like the fact that Silhouette opted for standalone software that runs on a computer, which means there's no need to be online.
Pricing: Not only is this cheaper than the Cricut Maker, there are no monthly subscription fee like there is with Cricut Access. Note: there are three models of the Cameo 4, which includes this base model and the Cameo 4 Plus and the Cameo 4 Pro (see below), each goes up in size. Read our guide to the best Silhouette machines for more details.
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
Reasons to buy
+
Powerful 45 watt, Class 4 laser
+
Can handle very large materials
+
Excellent app and versatility
Reasons to avoid
-
More powerful than many hobbyists will need
Buy it if
✅ Pro-grade power is crucial: It cuts with exceptional precision.
✅ Versatility is key: Work with everything from delicate fabrics to marble and metal.
✅ Simplicity matters: The app makes complex cutting easy.
Don't buy it if
❌ Budget is tight: It's expensive. ❌ You're a casual hobbyist: Its power and features are overkill for occasional crafters. ❌ Space is limited: At 32kg, this is a substantial piece of equipment.
The bottom line
🔎 Glowforge Pro's incredible versatility, intuitive design, and powerful laser transform complex fabrication into a drag-and-drop experience. ★★★★★
What you need to know: The Glowforge Pro is a uniquely powerful Cricut alternative that brings Cricut's approachability to the laser cutter sector. The laser is more powerful than that of the xTool M1 at number 1 on our list.
Design: We found that the simple, elegant design sets it aside from other laser cutters. It looks like a high-end printer, and is often dubbed a laser printer, but it can cut, engrave and score over 100 materials, from wood and plastic to metal and fabrics, and even marble.
Performance: Like Cricut, it's simple to use. You just drag and drop your design files into the Glowforge app, align the material in the machine, and press 'Print'. The Glowforge app also contains thousands of pre-made designs. Some of these can be used commercially and adjusted to make them unique.
Price: The Glowforge Pro is expensive, and it's more powerful than many people will need (there's also a Glowforge Plus and Glowforge Basic – see our guide to the best Glowforge machines), but it can make everything from board games and toys to jewellery and even furniture.
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
Reasons to buy
+
Good value for money
+
A excellent beginner cutter
+
Can cut without a mat
Reasons to avoid
-
It can't cut thick materials
Buy it if
✅ You're new to cutting: This model is perfect for newbies. ✅ Budget is a priority: It offers excellent value for money. ✅ Space is limited: It's compact enough for smaller crafting spaces.
Don't buy it if
❌ You work with thick materials: The cutting force limits you to thinner materials. ❌ You need industrial capacity: Serious crafters may feel limited. ❌ Quilting is your focus: It's unsuitable for multiple fabric layers.
The bottom line
🔎 Silhouette Portrait 3 is an approachable entry-level cutting machine that delivers reliable performance for basic crafting needs. ★★★★
What you need to know: While the Silhouette Cameo 4 is a great alternative to Cricut Maker 3, the Silhouette Portrait 3 is comparable to Cricut Explore 3. This machine is designed as an entry level cutting machine, and in this respect it's ideal though don't expect the kind of cutting force and flexibility you'd get from the larger Silhouette cutting.
Design: The Cameo 4 might not be as portable as the Cricut Joy, but it's smaller than the Silhouette Cameo 4 and the Maker. It also has lower cutting power (210 grams to Silhouette Cameo 4's 5000 grams), but we found it to work well for card and sticker projects.
Performance: It can handle some other materials (vinyl, heat transfer (iron-on), paper, cardstock, sticker paper, and some fabric), but if you're a serious sewer or quilter we'd recommend the Silhouette Cameo 4 or one of the Brother machines. We found most Silhouette tools and blades work with the Silhouette Portrait 3, but some do need an adapter (sold separately). It's also compatible with the Silhouette Go App for mobiles.
Pricing: All in all, we think the Silhouette Portrait 3 is a good value place to start for anyone who's new to digital cutters.
Dimensions: 87.6 x 19.5 x 17cm / 34.4 x 7.7 x 6.7cm
Weight: 11 kg
Reasons to buy
+
Extra long 24-inch cutting width
+
Powerful 5kg cutting pressure
+
LCD touchscreen
Reasons to avoid
-
Cuts fewer materials than Maker 3
Buy it if
✅ Size matters: This is perfect for large-scale projects. ✅ Power is essential: You get an impressive 5kg cutting force. ✅ You're a pro: The combination of size and power makes it ideal for serious crafters.
Don't buy it if
❌ Space is limited: This demands significant workspace. ❌ Material variety is crucial: It handles fewer materials than some competitors in this price range. ❌ You're a casual crafter: It's overkill for standard craft projects.
The bottom line
🔎 Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro brings commercial-grade capabilities to the crafting space. ★★★★
What you need to know: The Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro is the largest model in the Cameo 4 range. With a 24-inch cutting width and supporting three-metre lengths there's not much this digital cutter can't handle. I've put it a little further down my list because the Pro is so large and specialist. For everyday crafters, the Cameo 4 (above) is more suitable.
Design: The LCD touchscreen adds convenience to operation, whilst maintaining compatibility with Silhouette's proven software ecosystem. Whilst it may not match some rivals in material versatility, its unmatched cutting width and substantial cutting force make it the go-to choice for those requiring large-format capability.
Performance: If you need a craft cutting machine that can handle large materials, particularly fabrics and heavy paper, I think the Cameo 4 Pro is ideal. Other than the size this model is similar to the smaller Cameo 4 editions; meaning it can trim and cut vinyl, heat transfer material, cardstock, photo paper and fabrics.
Pricing: The significant footprint and professional-grade pricing position it firmly in the specialist category, with a price to match. But for those needing its unique capabilities, the Cameo 4 Pro delivers exceptional performance.
Dimensions: 21.3 x 53.1 x 17.2cm / 8.4 x 21 x 6.8in
Weight: 6kg
Reasons to buy
+
Includes a scanner
+
LCD panel for direct editing
+
Well-known brand
Reasons to avoid
-
More expensive than Cricut Explore Air 2
Buy it if
✅ Built-in scanning appeals: The integrated scanner transforms printed designs into cutting files. ✅ You don't want to use a computer: The touchscreen with 682 built-in designs means you don't need one. ✅ Quilting is your passion: This is ideal for fabric work.
Don't buy it if
❌ Price is paramount: This model commands a premium over comparable Cricut machines. ❌ You need wider cuts: The 29.7cm cutting width is narrower than some competitors. ❌ Software variety matters: It lacks extensive third-party compatibility.
The bottom line
🔎 Brother ScanNCut SDX125 brings unique scanning capabilities to the digital cutting space, making it particularly appealing for traditional crafters. ★★★★½
What you need to know: Brother will be a more familiar brand name for many. It's known for its printers and sewing machines, but it also makes Cricut-like machines for cutting. We found its ScanNCut SDX125 to be a great alternative to Cricut for hobbyists working with paper, card vinyl and fabric, and particularly for quilters. Note, though that the Brother ScanNCut SDX125E is sold in the US, see the Brother ScanNCut SDX900 below if you're in Europe.
Design: What makes the ScanNCut SDX125 different from other alternatives is the scanning part. It features a built-in scanner so you can transfer printed pages into real projects. You can send SVG files from your computer, but you can also programme design directly on the machine using the LCD touchscreen display and its 682 built-in designs, including 100 quilting patterns and nine fonts.
Performance: Like the Silhouette Cameo 4, it can handle material up to 3mm thick, beating the Cricut Maker 3. It has an AutoBlade that automatically detects the material thickness. However, in terms of width, The SDX125E is limited to 29.7cm (11.7in) compared to the Cricut Maker's 33cm (13in).
Pricing: The other downside to the ScanNCut SDX125 is that it's actually more expensive than the Cricut Explore Air 2.
The best Cricut alternative for sewers and quilters in Europe
Our expert review:
Specifications
Alternative for: 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
Reasons to buy
+
Includes a scanner
+
LCD panel for direct editing
+
Reliable brand
Reasons to avoid
-
More expensive than Cricut Explore Air 2
Buy it if
✅ Built-in scanning appeals: The integrated scanner transforms printed designs into cutting files. ✅ You don't want to use a computer: The touchscreen with 682 built-in designs means you don't need one. ✅ Quilting is your passion: This is ideal for fabric work.
Don't buy it if
❌ Price is paramount: This model commands a premium over comparable Cricut machines. ❌ You need wider cuts: The 29.7cm cutting width is narrower than some competitors. ❌ Software variety matters: It lacks extensive third-party compatibility.
The bottom line
🔎 Brother ScanNCut SDX900, like its US equivalent above, brings unique scanning capabilities to the digital cutting space. ★★★★½
What you need to know: If you're in Europe, you might be scratching your head wondering why you can't find the Brother ScanNCut SDX125E anywhere. Well in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, Brother has the SDX900, which is a very similar machine in terms of size and functions. While they look slightly different, both models offer the same range of features, including scanning, cutting, drawing, and wireless connectivity.
Design: 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. And like its American cousin, it beats the Cricut Maker 3, handling material up to 3 mm thick.
Performance: Like the ScanNCut SDX125, it's a great alternative to Cricut for hobbyists working with a wide range of materials.
Pricing: Like the Brother ScanNCut SDX125E above, the 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.
The best Cricut alternative for card making and scrapbooking
Our expert review:
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
Reasons to buy
+
Creates unique stamps in minutes
+
Great for customising bags and ink prints for cards
Reasons to avoid
-
Limited uses
Buy it if
✅ Custom stamps are your focus: Creates pro-quality thermal stamps in minutes. ✅ Portability is important: At just 5.7 x 12 x 8.2cm and 310g, it's genuinely portable. ✅ You value simplicity: The all-in-one approach eliminates the need for separate cutting machines.
Don't buy it if
❌ You need versatility: It's exclusively for creating stamps, with no cutting or pressing capabilities. ❌ Size variety matters: The maximum stamp size of 45 x 60mm limits larger designs. ❌ You want broad crafting options: This is a specialist tool rather than an all-purpose crafting solution.
The bottom line
🔎 Silhouette Mint is a niche but remarkably effective tool that revolutionises traditional stamping through digital precision. ★★★★
What you need to know: The Silhouette Mint is designed to digitise the art of ink and paint stamping. Just to be clear, the Silhouette Mint isn't a cutting machine – it's more akin to a heat press machine, around the size of a Cricut EasyPress Mini, but it has the advantage you don't need a cutter to create the designs.
Design: The machine is neatly specced but small enough to hold in the hand or take to a friend's house in a bag. This compact machine 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. The proprietary thermal inks ensure consistent, professional results across fabric and paper projects.
Performance: I found this machine to be easy and practical to use, and worked exceptionally well in practice. The advantage of creating ink stamps digitally to print patterns on bags, shirts and cards, is that it creates consistency. 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. It comes with over 50 free templates (naturally, you can also design your own).
Pricing: The Silhouette Mint is priced competitively with other crafting machines, and offers a unique feature that other stamp-making tools don't.
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
Reasons to buy
+
Light and portable
+
Easy to use
+
Safety mode
Reasons to avoid
-
Takes a while to hear up
Buy it if
✅ Price matters: It's great value. ✅ Safety is paramount: We like the insulated base and automatic shut-off features. ✅ You work with full-sized T-shirts: It handles them with ease.
Don't buy it if
❌ Quick warm-up is crucial: There's a longer heating time here. ❌ You need maximum portability: It's heavier than some rivals. ❌ You want granular heat controls: Some premium machines offer this.
The bottom line
🔎 Fierton Heat Press Machine offers a compelling balance of functionality and affordability for textile crafters. ★★★★
What you need to know: The Cricut EasyPress 2 is the best Cricut Easy Press alternative for those who are printing rather than cutting, particularly on T-shirts, sweatshirts or other fairly large textile items.
Design: 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.
Performance: I found this very easy to use. You simply set your preferred time and temperature, then watch it do its thing in under sixty seconds. There's a safety mode and an insulated safety base, and I was able to work for a couple of hours without it getting too hot. There's also an automatic turn-off time to help if you forget. 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.
Pricing: This is a handy, portable device that works a treat, but it's relatively expensive and there are cheaper options out there than can do the job.
When choosing an alternative to Cricut, you need to consider how you want to use it and match your needs to the machine. Take into account the size of the machine, the number of accessories and how it's used. Cricut uses its own app and many alternatives, such as Silhouette, have similar software. However, some newer machines, such as Siser and Brother, have onboard CPUs and LCD touchscreens, which can make them easier for beginners.
Also take into account how the machines work. For example, the Silhouette Cameo 4 craft machine is, on paper, less powerful than a Cricut Maker 3, but it cuts in a different way, making multiple fast cuts rather than one deep cut. Ultimately, the best Cricut alternative for you will depend on what you want it for, be it papercraft, sewing, engraving or more?
When we test craft machines we not only examine what a product can do, but also the value it represents. Our writers are crafters, some professional, and so they know what's needed from a craft machine for different uses, be it for hobbyists or professionals.
Our reviewers aim to test each machine on the basis of how it's intended to be used. We will use them on a real project or multiple projects, from start to finish. We compare power, functions and features, accessories, build and value. Where we've not been able to test a machine ourselves, we refer to reviews on our sister sites such as T3 and TechRadar, as well as compiled reviews and views from reliable crafters.
Which craft machine is comparable to a Cricut Maker 3?
There are two digital craft machines that stand out as being as good as a Cricut Maker 3, and these are the new Siser Juliet and the Silhouette Cameo 4. Both can cut and handle many materials, including heat press vinyl.
Is Cricut or Silhouette better?
Cricut Maker 3 will cost more if you want to make the most of it, factoring in various accessories that you might want, but generally Cricut machines are more user-friendly and a lot easier for beginners to get started with.
Is Brother ScanNCut as good as Cricut?
I really like the Brother ScanNCut machines, as they 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. Brother also sell a ScanNCut machine that comes with everything, from blades to materials, to get going out of the box.
Should I buy a cheaper Cricut alternative?
There are more affordable craft machines that Cricut, but often these are smaller, less powerful or manual craft cutters. Generally the best Cricut alternatives, including those from Silhouette, Siser and Brother are costly but they will last and can grow with your skills.
Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.
