Cricut Maker Vs Cricut Maker 3 – A Detailed Comparison

Cricut is the most sought-after brand for anyone planning to invest in a die-cutting machine. Although there are many different Cricut machines to choose from, for example, Explore Air 2, Explore 3, Joy, Maker, and Maker 3 easily steal the limelight. 

Why?

Both are compatible with most home printers, snip through over 300 materials, and, most importantly, affordable. 

But there are specific differences between these cutting machines to influence your decision. Read on as I compare Cricut Maker & Cricut Maker 3 and help you choose one for the best results. 

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Check out my verdict at the end!

Cricut Maker Vs. Cricut Maker 3 – Side-By-Side Comparison

The following section reviews these Cricut top-selling models on various parameters, from design to the number of blades. 

Let’s find out which fares well in the “best Cricut machine battle.”

• Design 

Cricut’s die-cutting machines are admired for their stylish and easy-to-use functionality. But like any other brand, Cricut doesn’t resist introducing specific structural changes in its latest models. 

Talking about Maker & Maker 3, the latter is slightly bigger than the former, but this difference isn’t much significant, to be honest. 

Additionally, Maker 3 is slightly heavier, weighing 6.9kg rather than 4.8kg, the original Maker’s weight. If mobility is essential to you, the original Maker could be easier to transport; otherwise, go with the new model.

The buttons are also the same. There are buttons for turning off the machine, loading and unloading materials, starting and pausing the cutting process, and more. 

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• Smart Material Compatibility

The two machines are nearly identical in terms of functionality, except for the Cricut Maker 3’s Smart Materials capability and enhanced speed. 

Smart Materials are slightly bigger and have more robust support than standard materials, allowing them to flow directly into the device without using a mat. 

Since you can make a single extended, ongoing cut up to 12 feet long, your large projects will move quicker than if you had to stack and reload your mats.

Furthermore, when using Smart Materials, the cutting speed of the Cricut Maker 3 is significantly faster, roughly twice as fast. 

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• Cutting Speed

The cutting speed is another notable change between the Cricut Maker and Maker 3. While the former has long been recognized for its quick vinyl cutting, the latter is 2x efficient, allowing you to complete your projects promptly.

This could be incredibly helpful for those who run a home-based business with significant demands. If you’re accustomed to crafting in small bursts throughout the day, the Maker 3 ensures that every minute counts.

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• Accompanying Accessories 

With the Maker 3, Cricut introduced two new accessories: a larger portable cutter and a roll holder. 

Because Smart Materials are mostly 13″ wide, and the initial trimmer was only 12″, a new handheld trimmer is required. Of course, you can use the larger trimmer to cut relatively small materials.

The new roller holder is designed to aid in feeding Smart Materials into the Cricut Maker 3 and is not consistent (or required) with the original Maker. 

It keeps your Smart Materials neatly in place and trims the roll when your project is finished. None of these accessories is required if you purchase a Cricut Maker 3, although they are pleasant.

Related: What Can I Make With A Cricut Machine? 15 Ideas For All Levels

• Number Of Blades 

Regarding the number of blades in Cricut Maker, it includes two blades:

1. Premium Fine-Point Blade – This is the most commonly used blade option for handicraft needs. It’s a solid performer, simple to use, and easy to clean.
2. Rotary Blade – Typically used for fabric cutting, it’ll be your second favorite blade for general crafting because it quickly cuts through any sewing patterns.

Unlike Maker, Maker 3 includes just one blade. 

1. Premium Fine-Point Blade – Like the Maker, this is your go-to blade for overall crafts.

• Power Adapter 

The Cricut Maker 3 comes with a more solid power adapter to produce up to 3A output. This is sufficiently powerful to enable high-speed mat-less cutting. 

The older Maker’s battery pack produces only 2.5A of output.

Note: Take into account that the electrical cords for the Maker and Maker 3 cannot be swapped. 

Moreover, it’s worth noting that the receptacles and connectors are all various shapes. Thus, you won’t be able to use Cricut Maker’s power cord with Maker 3.

Cricut maker 3

Cricut Maker Vs. Cricut Maker 3 – Comparison Table 

The following table summarizes the differences in tabular format. 

Is There Anything Similar Between Cricut Maker And Maker 3? 

As we said before, Cricut Maker 3 is an improved version of the original Cricut Maker. It’s the same product in structure. But there are some additional features and improvements to boost the overall operational efficiency, particularly for those who deal with large-sized projects regularly. 

There are some similarities between the two Cricut Maker products, including the following:

• Materials

On both Maker models, you can collaborate with over 300 materials. Popular materials include balsa wood, leather, fabric, cardstock, vinyl, etc. 

Because the blades are the same, you can similarly make custom design ideas on the components.

• Cutting Force

Again, the cutting force of the classic Cricut Maker and the new Cricut Maker 3 is the same. They both have a 4000-gram cutting force.

• Blades & Tools 

The original Maker’s blades and tools are compatible with the Maker 3. Because Cricut did not release any new blades with the Maker 3, the blades are exchangeable. 

Any new tools or blades developed will almost certainly be consistent with Maker’s designs.

So, as you can see from the points above, Maker 3 is identical to the original Maker.

Related: What Does Flatten Mean On Cricut? All The Answers

Cricut Maker Vs. Cricut Maker 3 – Who’s Better? 

If you regularly work on significant projects and want matless cutting with Smart Materials, the Maker 3 is well worth the money. 

Compared to the previous Maker, its quicker cutting speed makes it worth it if you trim many projects or use your machine for any home-based businesses.

These benefits are only available if you work with Smart Materials. If your crafting doesn’t require any of the 4 Smart Materials presently available, use the original Maker if you already own it or wish to save money.

Cricut Maker Vs Cricut Maker 3 FAQs

• Is Cricut Maker 3 Better Than Cricut Maker?

Ans: Although Cricut Maker and Maker 3 employ the same techniques, are equally weighted and can snip the same substances, you might wonder which is better and worth purchasing between the two. 

Of the two, Cricut Maker 3 is better as it can cut without a Cricut Mat and is twice as fast when using Smart Materials. 

If your budget is constrained, you can choose the cheaper Maker. 

• Is Cricut Maker Being Discontinued?

Ans: With the release of Cricut Maker 3, many among you must have wondered if the Cricut Maker would be phased out. However, Cricut has stated that there have been no plans to terminate Cricut Maker anytime shortly.

• Can You Engrave With Cricut Maker 3?

Ans: Yes, you can engrave with Cricut Maker 3. The built-in “Engraving” tip in the machine allows you to engrave on multiple materials, including aluminum, card, metallic leather, and more.  

You can add text to materials, design logos, and create elegant drawings without any external device. 

• Does Cricut Maker 3 Need A Printer?

Ans: Cricut Maker 3 needs a printer to Print and Then Cut. For all Print Then Cut projects with any Cricut machine, I suggest an inkjet printer and 8.5′′ x 11′′ white materials. 

• Does Cricut Maker 3 Cut Wood?

Ans: Cricut Maker 3 can cut wood, provided it’s up to 2.4 mm (3/32′′) thick. Some standard wood types are fabri-tex, balsa wood, hardboard, poster board, thin vinyl, etc. 

The Rotary Blade in the machine is developed explicitly for cutting wood. Another blade you can utilize to cut wood is the Blade+. It’s a versatile blade that you can employ on a wide range of materials, which include wood.

Conclusion

So, here you go. If you already own the Maker, you must consider whether it’s worth purchasing a new machine to substitute it. It’ll only be worthwhile if you intend to take advantage of the Smart Material compatibility, which will speed up your crafting times and eliminate the need for a mat.

If you’re new to Cricut and want to know which machine is best for you, the Maker 3 is the answer. It’s an upgraded Maker with more connectivity to Cricut’s line of materials and faster cutting.