Are you interested in customizing t-shirts, greeting cards and getting creative?
If yes, then you may know of the importance of the Cricut machine. The Cricut machine is an electronic device that works for cutting designs mostly from papers, vinyl, card stocks, etc.
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These Cricut machines can reduce the work of scissors or X-acto knife machines. But sometimes, these machines might be expensive and tricky to use. Due to these reasons, some might be searching for Cricut alternatives in the market. If you are one among them, don’t worry.
Based on our research, we have listed the seven best Cricut alternatives so you can easily figure out the best ones. Before that, it’s important to know the importance of Cricut alternatives.
7 Best Cricut Alternatives in 2024
- Silhouette Cameo 4 — The best Cricut alternative overall
- Brother ScanNCut SDX125E — The best alternative for sewers
- Silhouette Portrait 3 — The best alternative for beginners
- Crafter’s Companion Gemini — The best for embossing
- Sizzix Big Shot Manual Die-Cutting Machine — The best budget-friendly machine
- Silhouette Mint — The best for cards
- Fierton Heat Press Machine — The best alternative for Cricut EasyPress 2
Check out our feature on the best Cricut materials and the best Cricut blades.
What is the Best Cricut Alternative?
Silhouette Cameo 4 is the best Cricut alternative based on performance and value. You can compare the other products through the comparison table.
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Why Choose a Cricut Alternative?
High-quality Cricut alternatives are capable of simplifying all the tasks that a cutting machine or Cricut can do.
You may know that Cricut is one of the most trustworthy brands for craft works. They are great for cutting vinyl, scoring, embossing, perforating, etc. Even though Cricut are great all-rounders, you can also find Silhouette and Brother as top competitors.
While considering the Silhouette, this machine is preferred by many people due to its design software. Whereas Brother is more in demand due to its scanning features.
Top Cricut Alternatives
1. Silhouette Cameo 4
The best Cricut alternative
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Work area: 30.5cm x 61cm | Weight: 4.7kg | Dimensions: 57 x 19.5 x 17cm
If you are searching for a device that can replace a Cricut maker, then the Silhouette Cameo 4 is a great pick. Like Cricut maker, Silhouette Cameo is one of the best devices that works efficiently and fast due to its impressive features.
The devices provide you with studio software and a one-month design store subscription. It is capable of handling longer designs, balsa wood, chipboard, etc.
In addition to these features, you can easily load, unload or pause the projects through a sleek backlit touch panel. Even though this device has a steeper learning curve, you can work easily without the mat.
See our feature on Cricut vs Silhouette.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Cheaper than Cricut maker | ➖ Steeper learning curve |
| ➕ Suitable for many materials | |
| ➕ Good for projects up to 3m long |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- BONUS MATERIAL ONLY ON AMAZON: copy of the Silhouette Handbook and 10 exclusive designs. The Cameo 4 stands apart from previous models with the new dual motor system, which allows you to cut in two...
- The Silhouette Cameo 4 is the evolution in desktop cutting. Conveniently stored in the machine's compact pull-out drawer is a new built in roll feeder for quickly cutting vinyl and heat transfer...
- The Cameo unique dual carriage allows for tool Type detection. The machine's ultra-smart system uses tool sensor technology that detects what tool you are using which then triggers the silhouette...
- The Cameo 4 carriage 2 boasts additional cutting force! With the increased downforce of the Cameo 4, we now offer a new rotary and Kraft blade (Sold separately) that have been specifically designed...
- The autoblade has been reconfigured especially for the Cameo 4. This second generation autoblade will have a single-tap reset which will reduce the time needed for the Cameo 4 to automatically adjust...
2. Brother ScanNCut SDX125E
The best alternative for sewers
Work area: 30.5 x 30.5cm | Dimensions: 21.3 x 53.1 x 17.2cm | Weight: 6kg
If you are a sewing enthusiast, you might know about the brand ‘Brother.’ Even though the brand is mostly known for sewing machines and printers, you can also find machines similar to Cricut from the same brand.
It has a built-in scanner which is an impressive feature of the machine. It allows material thickness up to 3mm that suits paper, vinyl, fabric, etc. The touchscreen LCD will allow you to customize efficiently with USB ports and wireless connectivities.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Scanning feature | ➖ Costly than Cricut machines |
| ➕ Allows direct editing |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- SCAN DRAWINGS AND MATERIALS: Brother ScanNCut is the only cutting machine series with a built-in scanner. Scan your drawing to convert it to a cut file, directly cut printed stickers, and precisely...
- STUNNING DIY PROJECTS: Craft with 682 built-in designs including 100 quilting patterns and 9 fonts. Add custom designs and additional free patterns with the USB port and wireless capability, and...
- NO MATERIAL SELECTION REQUIRED The included ScanNCut DX auto blade and auto blade holder uses true automatic material sensor technology to detect the thickness of the material with no blade adjustment...
- CUTS UP TO 3 millimeter (0.1 in) THICKNESS: The Brother Home Electronic Cutting Machine effortlessly cuts materials up to 3mm thick such as paper, vinyl, fabric, balsa wood, chipboard, foam and felt
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: The ScanNCut DX comes with a 12" x 12" standard tack mat, black pen, pen holder, touch pen, spatula, accessory pouch, pattern collection with 76 additional patterns, auto blade,...
3. Silhouette Portrait 3
The best for beginners
Work area: 20.32 cm x 30.49 cm | Dimensions: 41.1 cm x 14 cm x 11.2 cm | Weight: 1.6kg
Since silhouette portrait 3 is an entry-level device, you can consider it a beginner-friendly device. Along with the unlimited design options, the device also allows you to connect it with USB or Bluetooth.
Along with the one-month silhouette store subscription, it also provides 50 designs. You can use this machine for cards, sticker projects, and materials such as vinyl, fabric, cardstock, etc. The device helps with matless cutting ability. Even though it works with most of the silhouette tools, some devices need an adaptor.
If you are new to this work, you can choose silhouette portrait 3 as a digital cutter.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Budget-friendly | ➖ Not suitable for thick materials |
| ➕ Great machine for beginners |
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Latest Price on Amazon:
- Machine features include: Cutting width of up to 8 inches. Cutting length of up to 12 inches (with a cutting mat) OR up to 60 feet (with select rolled materials).
- Matless cutting capabilities (see Tech Specs for full details), Automatic tool detection. Print & Cut registration capability.
- PixScan compatible. 2 mm clearance for thicker materials. Connect via USB or use Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. Driven by Silhouette Studio, giving you limitless design options.
- Silhouette Portrait 3. AutoBlade. 8-by-12-inch cutting mat. Power cable & USB cable. Silhouette Studio software.
- 50 exclusive designs. 1-month Silhouette Design Store subscription (available with tool registration).
4. Crafter’s Companion Gemini
The best for embossing
Work area: 22.8 x 31.8cm | Dimensions: 20.32 x 9.65 x 12.7cm | Weight: 1.4kg
Are you searching for an automatic cutter? If so, then the crafter’s companion Gemini is a great choice. Even though it is a small and space-saving device, you can use it for multiple tasks. It helps in heavyweight cardstocks, foil, and also fabric with multiple layers.
Along with these, it also provides a die-cutting and embossing kit with pause and reverse options. Through this, you receive a controlled cut in your projects. These features make it a perfect device for small businesses.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Affordable | ➖ Average die cutters |
| ➕ User-friendly |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- SPACE-SAVING: The Gemini Junior is a space saving, low-profile design die cutting machine that cuts and embosses in 10 seconds.
- MULTIPLE CRAFTING USES: Perfect for intricate die-cutting on heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil and even multiple layers of fabric. It's also compatible with most leading metal dies and embossing...
- HIGH PRESSURE EVERY TIME - Using a higher even pressure than many other die-cut machines, the Gemini allows for precision cutting of elaborate designs with edge to edge cutting of up to 6" x 9" size...
- SPECIAL FEATURES: Comes with a die cutting and embossing kit so you can get crafting straight out the box, also features pause and reverse options to ensure a perfectly controlled cut.
- ABOUT GEMINI: Gemini offers a range of craft machines & accessories for card making to scrapbooking projects and from beginner to advanced crafting levels.
5. Sizzix Big Shot Manual Die-Cutting Machine
The best budget-friendly machine
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Work area: 15 x 21cm | Dimensions: 42.2 x 29.5 x 23.1cm | Weight: 4.8kg
If you are searching for a budget-friendly device with die-cutting and embossing tasks, Sizzix is the best pick. Along with the device, it will also provide cutting pads, adaptor A 1, and Adaptor B pad.
This machine is a perfect option to create larger scrapbooks, papercrafts, etc. Due to its A4-sized openings, it allows you to work with material with a width of 22.5cm and 1.6 thickness. You can also get the pro version of the device that is available on the market. These versions will help you to work on bigger materials.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Budget-friendly | ➖ Lacks clear instructions |
| ➕ Suits for wide range of materials |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- MACHINE COMES WITH – 1 pair of Big Shot Plus Cutting Pads, 1 Platform, 1 Adapter A, and 1 Adapter B pad.
- DIE CUTTING AND EMBOSSING - It's everything you love about the Big Shot and more with access to Sizzix Plus dies!
- THE A4 SIZED OPENING - The larger platform means you can now use larger materials and dies to create bigger and better scrapbooking, paper crafting, Quilting and appliqué projects.
- MULTITUDE OF MATERIALS - Cut and emboss anything from paper, tissue and cardstock to felt, cork and balsa wood up to 21cm (9") wide.
- COMPATIBILITY - With the larger platform you unlock access to our entire Sizzix library, EXCLUDING Pro dies.
6. Silhouette Mint
The best cricut alternative for cards
Work area: 15mm x 15mm | Dimensions: 5.7 cm x 12 cm x 8.2 cm | Weight: 0.31kg
If you are interested in paint stamps, you can select Silhouette Mint. This device is mostly used for working on digitizing inks and paint stamps. Even though the device is small, it is capable of creating patterns on bags, cards, shirts, etc.
You can also create 3D patterns and color them through silhouette thermal inks. The package comes with 50 designs and 4 ink bottles in red, blue, black, and yellow. It is one of the easy-to-use devices that results in accurate results.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Works fast and create great prints | ➖ Lacks better features |
| ➕ Good for bags and cards |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 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.
7. Fierton Heat Press Machine
Best alternative for Cricut EasyPress 2
Work area: 30 ×25cm | Dimensions: 45 x 35 x 20cm | Weight: 5kg
Are you more interested in printing than cutting? If yes, then this device is a great pick. As it is budget-friendly, Fierton is also lightweight and portable. You can use it for various types of textiles like sweaters, t-shirts, banners, etc. It gives effective results in 60 seconds through thermal transfer and sublimation paper.
Since the device is easy to use, you can set your time and temperature. You can use the machine not only for heat pressing but also for ironing. Along with these features, it also has an anti-overheating system that will prevent your project from burning.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Easy to use | ➖ Takes time to hear up |
| ➕ Portable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 【Larger Size Digital Heat press Machine】Heating plate size is 12"×10", Larger size enables you to make shirts for all your family members.It definitely caters for DIY, transfer for words on...
- 【Hand Free】Fierton Portable heat press upgrading-temperature control and press system, it has more advantages than other similar simple heat presses,Mini heat press can free your hands. After...
- 【Dual Function - Transfer & Ironing】The heat press machine can be used for both heat press machine and ironing machine. Dual usage is so economy. no longer buy a separate ironing machine any more.
- 【Safe Anti-Overheating System】Three layers of heat-resistant construction insulates the external casing from the heat.Advanced heat plate design with ceramic coated surface, Heating components...
- 【Suitable for Wide range of use】The Mini heat press machine not only can transfer for thermal transfer sticker, also can print sublimation paper. Temp Rang: 0-450°F(0-232℃); Time: 0~999s. It is...
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cricut alternative will be a better choice for beginners?
Silhouette Cameo 4 will be a better choice for beginners.
Which cricut alternative will be best for sewers?
For sewers, Brother ScanNCut SDX125Eis the efficient cricut alternative best for their work process.
Cricut Alternatives Summary
These are the best machines that can replace Cricut machines. You can easily choose the device based on your needs and priorities. If you are in search of the best Cricut alternatives, these machines can be great solutions. It will help you to improve your creativity and convert it into great results.
Are you using any Cricut alternatives? If yes then, share your opinions below.
