Cricut Maker vs Cricut Maker 3: Which is Better?
By Linus T.
Updated June 2023
Many people, particularly crafters, are wondering which cutting machine to buy since there's now a any people, particularly crafters, are wondering which cutting machine to buy since there's now a Cricut Maker and a Cricut Maker 3.
Other than quickly and accurately cutting more than 300 materials, the Cricut Maker offers the widest range of tools to take on almost any project. But neither the original, the Cricut Maker nor the newer Cricut Maker 3 comes cheap.
In this feature, we'll be comparing the two to see if the Maker 3 is worth the heftier price tag.
We're looking at these differences between the Cricut Maker vs Cricut Maker 3.
On our list
#1 Price
#2 Design
#3 Smart Materials
#4 Cutting Speed
#5 Power Adapter
Cricut Maker 3
A smarter version of the Cricut Maker
Works on large projects mat-free with greater power and speed.
Cricut Maker
The original smart cutting machine
Does more than sewing and works with 300+ materials.
1. Price
Cricut Maker 3
As mentioned, the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Maker 3 are quite an investment. Still, the Cricut Maker costs around $100+ less the Cricut Maker 3. The best one for you depends on your budget and whether the new features are worth the investment.
2. Design
Cricut Maker
In terms of size, the difference isn't a significant one. The Cricut Maker 3 is a few centimetres larger than the Cricut Maker. When the weight's considered, the Maker 3 packs a few extra kilos at 6.9kg instead of 4.8kg. If you're working on the go, the Cricut Maker is easier to carry around.
Colour doesn't matter however, it plays a part in the overall look of the cutting machine. The Cricut Maker 3's machine case is glossy with a light silvery blue colour. Additionally, it has a silver lid and a white carriage and interior. On the other hand, the Maker comes in lilac, champagne and mint.
3. Smart Materials
Cricut Maker 3
One key difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Maker 3 is that the latter works with Smart Materials, something new from the original. Apart from working without a mat, you can work continuously on projects up to 12 feet in length with the Maker 3.
For the Cricut Maker, the mat limits the size of the design. As such, it can only work on materials up to 24 inches long. If you're frequently working on large projects. the Cricut Maker 3 can change your workflow with the option of mat-free cutting.
Cricut Maker 3
A smarter version of the Cricut Maker
Works on large projects mat-free with greater power and speed.
4. Cutting Speed
Cricut Maker
The Cricut Maker 3 allows you to power through projects in record time, especially when cutting smart materials. The Maker 3 works twice as fast as the original and cuts up to 20.32 centimetres per second. Completing projects in one pass is a lot easier with the ability to cut 3.65 metres of material in one go.
Keep in mind that if you're not using Smart Materials and are cutting using the Cricut mats, the Maker 3 cuts at the same default standard speed as the Maker.
Cricut Maker
The original smart cutting machine
Does more than sewing and works with 300+ materials.
5. Power Adapter
Cricut Maker 3
On top of that, the Cricut Maker 3 features a new power adapter that allows for 3 amps of output compared to the older Maker which delivers 2.5 amps of output. This facilitates matless cutting and faster speeds. While this is a minor difference, the Maker can cut up materials up to 30.48 centimetres in width, whereas the Maker 3 goes up to 33.02 centimetres.
Similarities
Cricut Maker 3
The two cutting machines share some similarities.
Firstly, both machines work with a wide range of materials. The Cricut Maker cuts over 300 materials, including tougher ones like matboard, leather and balsa wood. The Cricut Maker 3 cuts everything the original Maker can and more where it offers commercial-grade cutting. Using the exact tools that the Maker has, the Maker 3 does debossing, engraving and more.
Secondly, the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Maker 3 work with USB and Bluetooth. However, plugging in via USB is recommended if you're working on longer cuts using the Knife Blade so there's a lower risk of losing connection.
Thirdly, the tools on both cutting machines are the same, hence they can be used interchangeably. Additionally, the Maker and Maker 3 uses the Cricut Design Space software that's accessible on desktop computers (Mac and PC), Apple and Android devices through the Design Space app. Not only that, the Cricut Maker and the new Cricut Maker 3 have the same cutting force of 4000 grams.
Finally, the two machines offer the Print Then Cut feature which can be used on both white and coloured paper.
Compare Cricut Machines
Final Thoughts
To date, the Cricut Maker remains one of the most sought after cutting machines for crafters. If you currently own the Maker, an upgrade to the latest and greatest isn't unnecessary unless you frequently do larger projects.
That said, the Cricut Maker 3 promises a faster cutting speed and the ability to work on your projects without a mat. This is a major time saver if larger projects are your cup of tea. No matter what's your final pick, you can't go wrong either way!
If you like to read more on Cricut smart cutting machines, check out our other relevant guides here:
Cricut Buyer’s Guide
Cricut Maker 3 vs Cricut Explore 3
Cricut Easypress 3 vs Cricut Easypress 2
Best Cricut Accessories: Everything You Need To Get Started
Explore the full collection for Cricut on Amazon.com or visit the Official Cricut Singapore Store.
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