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Best Electronic Cutting Machines for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: February 1st, 2024

✂️Electronic cutting machines have truly transformed how we approach crafting. These nifty gadgets offer precision and versatility, cutting through materials like paper, vinyl, and fabric with ease. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional needing a reliable tool, the right machine can save you effort and enhance your creativity. We’ve dug deep into performance, ease of use, and value to bring you the best electronic cutting machines of 2024. Here are our top picks tailored for different needs and skill levels.

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Overall Best: Cricut Maker 3

Cricut Maker 3 - Smart Cutting Machine, 2X Faster & 10X Force, Matless Cutting with Smart Materials, Cuts 300+ Materials, Bluetooth Connectivity, Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows & Mac

Our top pick is the Cricut Maker 3, which stands out for its exceptional versatility and advanced features. This powerhouse can cut through over 300 different materials, including paper, fabric, leather, and even wood. It's designed for serious crafters, offering a powerful rotary blade that ensures precision and efficiency. The user-friendly app further simplifies the design and cutting process, making your projects smoother. The Cricut Maker 3 also supports a variety of tools and accessories, allowing for extensive creative possibilities. While it comes with a higher price tag, our research indicates that its capabilities justify the investment for those deeply invested in their craft.

Lowest at Amazon

$399.99 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$349.00 at B&H Photo-Video-Audio

More Answers

Still curious about the Cricut Maker 3? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Does the Cricut Maker 3 require a cutting mat?

The Cricut Maker 3 gives you options when it comes to using a cutting mat. If you're using [Cricut's Smart Materials](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DCricut%27s%2BSmart%2BMaterials%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), you can skip the mat altogether since these materials are designed to feed directly into the machine. This is super handy for larger projects. However, if you're working with traditional materials like paper or fabric, you'll still need a cutting mat to keep everything steady during the cutting. Our research also highlights that the Maker 3 is generally praised for being user-friendly, especially for those doing more intricate projects. It's a popular choice for making custom signs, tags, and cards, which can be fantastic for personal or small business use. Just keep in mind, the machine relies on [Cricut Design Space](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DCricut%2BDesign%2BSpace%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for its software. While it works fine for most tasks, some have found it a bit restricting for advanced designs and occasionally frustrating. Remember, you might need to do some regular calibration and tweaking depending on the materials you're using to keep things running smoothly. It seems that with a bit of patience, you can really make the most of its features and elevate your crafting projects.

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How fast is the Cricut Maker 3 compared to previous models?

If you're thinking about upgrading your cutting machine, the speed of the Cricut Maker 3 is a real perk compared to older models. From what we found, this machine is twice as fast as its predecessors, which might save you a lot of time, especially for those big projects where you're cutting plenty of materials. The Maker 3 stands out in other areas too. It's designed to handle over 300 different materials, ranging from soft fabrics to tough balsa wood. So, it's pretty versatile and could be a game-changer for your crafting sessions. It offers cutting, engraving, embossing, and more, largely thanks to its compatibility with [Cricut Smart Materials](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dcricut%2Bsmart%2Bmaterials%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) that let you cut without a mat, speeding things up even more. A quick note though, this machine doesn't work like a regular printer. You'll need to use the [Design Space](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Ddesign%2Bspace%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) app on your device to create designs, which the Maker 3 will cut but not print in the usual ink-on-paper way. All in all, if you're looking to boost your crafting speed while keeping things precise, the Cricut Maker 3 might be the tool for you. Just keep in mind that it's more about cutting and crafting than traditional printing.

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What materials can the Cricut Maker 3 cut?

The Cricut Maker 3 is a really versatile crafting machine that can handle a ton of different materials. According to our research, it can cut through more than 300 types, which is pretty impressive. The manufacturer's product description mentions that it can manage basic stuff like paper, card stock, iron-on, and vinyl, but it can also tackle tougher materials like balsa wood, leather, and fabric, thanks to its strong cutting system. If you're thinking about what kinds of projects you can do, we've found that folks are really happy about its ability to cut thicker materials like chipboard and matboard. This opens up options for making things like home decor and custom models. Its adaptive tool system is a big part of what makes it so flexible, letting you use different tools designed for specific materials, so you get precise and efficient cuts. Besides cutting, the Cricut Maker 3 can also emboss, engrave, deboss, and add other decorative effects. This is all possible because it's compatible with extra tools, such as the [Knife Blade](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DKnife%2BBlade%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for thicker materials and the [Rotary Blade](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DRotary%2BBlade%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which lets you cut fabric without needing a backing. Based on our research, people also appreciate how easy it is to switch between materials since the Cricut Maker 3 automatically adjusts the settings. This can really save time and reduce mistakes, especially with detailed designs. With its ability to manage such a broad array of materials, it's a great fit if you're looking to mix different textures and mediums in your projects. So, whether you're working with typical crafting materials or want to try something more adventurous, the Cricut Maker 3's wide material capability makes it a great tool for both hobbyists and professionals. It's designed to make crafting with various materials not just possible, but enjoyable and efficient too.

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Runner-up: Silhouette Cameo 4

Silhouette Cameo 4 with Bluetooth, 12x12 Cutting mat, AutoBlade 2, 100 Designs and Silhouette Studio Software - Black Edition

The Silhouette Cameo 4 is a close runner-up, praised for its precision and ability to handle thicker materials. Its dual-carriage system allows for using two tools simultaneously, which is highly efficient for intricate projects. The adjustable cutting force and built-in roll feeder add to its versatility, making it a favorite among advanced users. The machine is compatible with Silhouette's Design Studio software, offering extensive customization options. Although its software can be less intuitive for some, the overall performance makes it a solid choice for those looking for a powerful and flexible cutting machine.

Lowest at Amazon

$199.00 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$189.00 at B&H Photo-Video-Audio

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Budget Pick: Cricut Joy

Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine, White

For budget-conscious crafters, the Cricut Joy is a fantastic option. This compact and portable machine excels at quick and small-scale projects, making it a great choice for beginners or those with limited space. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with impressive cutting capabilities and Bluetooth connectivity. It's exceptionally user-friendly, thanks to the Cricut Design Space app. The Cricut Joy is particularly well-suited for making cards, labels, and other small crafts. While it may not have the extensive capabilities of larger models, its affordability and convenience make it an excellent pick for lighter tasks.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$179.00 at Amazon

Best for Quilting: AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter

AccuQuilt GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter Starter Set

If you're into quilting, the AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter should be your go-to tool. Specifically designed for quilters, it effortlessly cuts through up to six layers of fabric at once, delivering precise and consistent results. Its ergonomic design ensures ease of use, while its portability means you can take it to classes or retreats without any hassle. Though it's mostly targeted at fabric, its specialized function makes it an invaluable asset for serious quilters, aiding in the creation of professional-quality quilts.

Lowest at Amazon

$679.99 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$629.99 at Walmart

Best for Beginners: Cricut Explore Air 2

Beginners will find the Cricut Explore Air 2 to be a welcoming entry into the world of electronic cutting machines. Its straightforward setup and user-friendly software make crafting easy right out of the box. Capable of cutting more than 100 different materials like vinyl, faux leather, and cardstock, it offers both versatility and ease of use. The 'Fast Mode' feature is perfect for those who need quick project turnarounds. Included accessories like a LightGrip cutting mat and a black fine point pen add initial value, while compatibility with additional tools like the deep cut blade and scoring tool ensures it can grow with your skills. Despite lacking some advanced features, its ease of use and functionality make it the ideal starting point for newcomers.

Lowest at Amazon

$349.95 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$209.99 at Walmart

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