Vinyl-cutting machines are one of the best tools for crafting. They’re easy to use, and once you’ve picked out a machine and learned how to use it properly, there’s no limit to what you can do with it!
We’ve put together this guide so you can choose which vinyl cutter is right for your craft room. In this article, we will look at everything from their features and pros to their cons so that you can make an informed decision.
You can go through our posts on the best tablets for Cricut, the best Cricut machines, the best Cricut fonts and the best Cricut pens, and the best Cricut materials.
With many people finding a passion for making crafts from vinyl and other materials, having a great vinyl-cutting machine is important. To us, there is no better option out there than the Cricut Maker. Check out the and make sure to use their to create the best designs.
Interested in some of our other top picks? Check out our comparison table below.
When you are looking for a vinyl cutter, there are a few features you should consider before making a decision:
Most vinyl-cutting machines are electric and do most of the hard work for you with more power and faster cutting speeds that make them ideal for those who cut vinyl frequently or in large quantities.
Manual vinyl cutting machines also exist that are much cheaper than their electric counterparts. You’ll have to hand crank these machines, and they are ideal if you are working on small projects or want to cut small quantities.
Manual vinyl cutting machines are a good choice for any crafter or hobbyist who wants to cut a limited number of materials.
Wireless connectivity is key. The ability to cut vinyl without having to use a cable is always going to be important for any project because it will save you time, space, and energy, which means more money in your pocket! Most of the latest vinyl-cutting machines can connect to the internet via a USB cable, WiFi, and/or Bluetooth.
A cutting surface with a large surface is also important if you plan on cutting large amounts of vinyl at once, like when making signs. If the machine has a small surface, it can take longer than usual before finishing each piece—and this could mean that some areas won’t be as cleanly cut as they should be.
Machines intended for home use usually have a surface that is 6 to 12 inches wide and anywhere from 8 inches to 10 feet long.
Manual tools are great for smaller projects, but if you’re looking to complete a larger job within an acceptable amount of time, then you’ll want to consider purchasing an electric machine.
Large vinyl cutter machines are the most popular cutting tools among professionals, but they can be expensive. While they’re a great investment, some of these machines are big enough to take up a sizable chunk of your working space.
If you’ve limited space, manual machines are smaller and more portable. However, they also come with a smaller cutting surface, which can limit the size of your projects.
The best vinyl cutter machine in 2024 overall
Type: Electric | Dimensions: 26.25 x 11 x 11.2 inches | Cutting Width: 33 centimeters
When you need to turn your designs into reality, the Maker 3 is a cutting machine designed for beginners and experts alike who want to design, cut, and create what they envision. With the Maker 3, Cricut has taken cutting vinyl to a whole new level.
The Adaptive Tool System can cut through ten times more material than the original machine, including paper, fabric, leather, and vinyl.
The Cricut Maker 3 is also compatible with Smart Materials (up to 12 ft) like smart vinyl, smart iron-on, smart paper sticker cardstock, and more—without a mat.
With just a few clicks, you can create personalized and custom designs with this cutter using the free cloud-based Design Space app that works on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac devices.
The device also comes with built-in storage on the top and under the flap to keep your working surface neat. Plus, it has a docking slot and a USB port so you can charge your tablet, laptop, or phone while you create.
If you want to make your own bespoke decorations and designs, then this versatile machine is one you won’t be able to live without.
➕Compatible with smart materials
➖Only comes with a simple fine-point blade
➕ Fast-cutting speed
➖Pricey
➕Can automate multiple crafting tasks
➕Cuts over 300+ materials
➕Built-in storage
Latest Price on Amazon:
The best vinyl cutter machine on a budget
Type: Manual | Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.6 x 7.8 inches | Cutting Width: 6” x 3”
The GiminiJets Gemini Go is one of the most affordable options, which makes it ideal for those who just want to cut vinyl or try out embossing without spending too much money.
This portable space-saving device works with heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil, and even multiple layers of fabric and offers edge-to-edge cutting of up to 3” x 6” inch size materials.
It uses manual dies to allow you to get more hands-on with your designs, so it’s perfect for beginners. Although designing using a manual device takes a bit more effort, this tool is suitable for those who want their own custom designs without the help of a computer.
In addition, it comes with a six-piece starter kit so you can get started with cutting vinyl right out of the box.
➕Compact and lightweight
➖Manual operation
➕Cheap
➕Pause, resume, and reverse functions
➕Bundled with a six-piece starter kit
Latest Price on Amazon:
The best value vinyl cutter machine
Type: Electric | Dimensions: 6.99 x 21.18 x 5.93 inches | Cutting Width: 30 centimeters
For the ones who crave a premium machine but aren’t willing to pay top dollar, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is your perfect compromise. With advanced features and sleek design, this is the machine crafters have been waiting for!
The Explore Air 2 is arguably the most exciting device from Cricut yet. Featuring a new set of features but with a smaller design, it is a massive upgrade over the first-generation machine.
It can cut over 100 materials, from cardstock and iron-on for t-shirts to glitter paper, bonded fabric, and even corkboard with ease. There is even a fast mode on board that allows you to power through tasks at double its regular speed!
That isn’t all, it offers wireless cutting via Bluetooth, and you can create custom designs using the cloud-based Design Space app that works across all major platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac) or choose from ready-to-make projects and thousands of Cricut images to make quick designs in minutes. The possibilities are endless.
And if you’re feeling crafty, you can use the accompanying included storage to keep your Cricut Explore Air 2 neatly organized.
➕Great value
➖Not the best option for heavy use
➕Fast mode
➕Wireless connectivity
➕Lightweight
➕Maximum cutting thickness of up to 2 mm
Latest Price on Amazon:
The best vinyl cutter machine for professional use
Type: Electric | Dimensions: N/A | Cutting Width: 24-inch
For commercial use, you need a machine that can handle the most demanding jobs, and for that, we recommend the Graphtec CE7000-60. It is one of the most versatile machines on the market, and it’s perfect for any professional or beginner running their own business.
With the CE7000-60, you can streamline production and cut costs with Datalink Barcodes. It reduces the possibility of errors by using barcodes to process multiple jobs at the touch of a button.
The CE7000 detects barcode-linked cutting data from your PC or USB flash memory, opens the correct file, sets your cutting conditions, and starts cutting automatically.
Designed to work with any combination of RIP software and printer, as well as included software such as the Cutting Master 4 for Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW integration and Graphtec Pro Studio design software, this multi-platform machine can easily handle your entire workflow.
Its 35-inch-per-second cutting speed helps it slice through vinyl and other materials quickly, while the separate tools for contour and die-cutting help the blades last longer. In addition to being incredibly precise, its Advanced Registration Mark Sensing (ARMS) system ensures that materials are cut precisely for a perfect finish.
All in all, the Graphtec CE7000-60 vinyl cutter will provide the precision and speed you need to get the best out of your business.
➕ Contour-cutting and die-cutting functions
➖Expensive
➕Backed by a 2-year warranty
➕ARMS 8.0 for precision cutting
➕Free design and cut software
➕Available in multiple sizes
➕Supports Datalink Barcodes for automation
Latest Price on Amazon:
The best vinyl cutter machine for smart materials
Type: Electric | Dimensions: 24.5 x 10 x 10.25 inches | Cutting Width: 33 centimeters
If you are looking for a machine that works with smart materials, the Cricut Explore 3 is an easy recommendation.
The smart materials work with the included premium fine-point blade that’s perfect for intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials, including vinyl decals, iron-on, and more. You get a quick start guide, USB cable, a power cord, and a sample of Smart Vinyl test before working on your projects.
In total, this cutting machine can cut over 100 different materials, including smart materials, without needing a cutting mat. This means you can make 12 ft (3.6m) long cuts at once. All this goodness comes with an affordable price tag that won’t break the bank.
If you still aren’t impressed, the Cricut Explore 3 is compatible with six different tools that you can use to trim, shape, and create. You can even add optional accessories like the Deep-Point Blade, Foil-Transfer Tool, Scoring Stylus or Cricut Roll Holder to add to the machine’s core functionality.
➕Works flawlessly with smart materials
➖Software has a few quirks
➕Cuts over 100+ materials
➕Compatible with a wide range of tools
➕Elegant design
Latest Price on Amazon:
The best vinyl cutter machine with a scanner
Type: Electric | Dimensions: 8.4 x 20.9 x 6.8 inches | Cutting Width: 12” x 12”
The Brother ScanNCut SDX125E‘s built-in scanner makes it easy to scan and transform your designs into prints. Whether you want to print stickers from a drawing or cut prints with exact cutting guides and shapes, this machine has got you covered.
With this handy tool at hand, you’ll be able to create larger prints with minimal effort.
With 682 built-in designs, 100 quilting patterns, and nine fonts, it’s easy to create all kinds of projects.
The USB port and wireless capability mean you can easily create customized designs and work with them using the 5-inch touchscreen LCD display and easy-to-use interface.
For vinyl cutting, it comes with a 12” x 12” cutting mat and offers a cutting thickness of up to 3 mm.
Furthermore, it boasts a ScanNCut DX auto blade and auto blade holder, an innovative cutting system that uses true automatic material sensor technology to detect the thickness of the material with no blade adjustment or material selection required.
The Brother ScanNCut SDX125E makes it simple to cut vinyl and trim labels at home, while also cutting vinyl at an industrial scale.
However, the best part about this machine is that it comes with the same reliability and support that Brother is famous for.
➕In-built scanner
➖Expensive
➕Lots of template designs in-built
➕Automatically detects material thickness
➕5-inch touchscreen display
➕Comes with a 12″ x 12″ standard tack mat, black pen, pen holder, touch pen, and lots of other accessories
Latest Price on Amazon:
The best vinyl cutter machine for t-shirts
Type: Electric | Dimensions: 24.8 x 11.2 x 9.4 inches | Cutting Width: 30 centimeters
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is one of the most versatile vinyl cutter machines ever, with a cutting capacity of up to 6” x 14”. And unlike other cutters that have issues with fabric and leather, this device is perfect for working on t-shirts and other textiles because of its generous cutting width, which is ideal for logos and images.
Now you can create projects with your Cameo 4, wherever and whenever you want. With the help of an app on your phone, you can control the machine via Bluetooth or a USB connection. There are also onboard controls that offer a more hands-on experience until you learn to master using it with your phone.
What’s more, the Silhouette Cameo 4 comes bundled with a ton of handy accessories from such as a blade pack, thirty-eight Oracal sheets, HTV, pens, guides, free one month access to Club Silhouette, over 100 designs plus bonus designs, $25 in download to use at the Silhouette Design Store and a lot more.
➕Versatile
➖High price tag
➕3mm cutting clearance
➖Old Silhouette Cameo tools cannot be used with this machine
➕Built-in cross-cutter and roll-feeder
➖Matless cutting only works with limited materials
➕Automatic tool detection
➕Precise and fast cuts
➕Comes with lots of accessories
Latest Price on Amazon:
The best vinyl cutter machine for small businesses
Type: Electric | Dimensions: 41 x 18 x 14 inches | Cutting Width: 24.8-inch
The USCutter 28 Inch Vinyl Cutting Machine is a cost-conscious solution for any business looking to expand its vinyl cutting operation. The machine features a large cutting area and can handle most fabrics and vinyl in seconds.
It offers reliable performance with three pinch-rollers that have adjustable speed and pressure to provide superior cutting quality. The dual roller system is perfect for feeding vinyl rolls into the device.
The cutting capabilities are comparable to more expensive industrial-grade desktop cutters, but it would be difficult for other non-motorized vinyl cutters in this price range to stand side by side with this model.
The USCutter 28-inch Vinyl Cutter is designed to work with VinylMaster Cut and other popular software like Sure Cuts A Lot and Flexi through standard vinyl cutter PNC1000 drivers. With this machine, you will also receive freebies like vinyl rolls, transfer tapes, magnetic blanks, a hobby knife, a squeegee, a chart, and lifetime phone support.
➕Excellent performance
➖Included software is not compatible with mac
➕Compatible with a wide range of popular software
➕Bundled with freebies
➕Generous cutting area
➕Adjustable speed and pressure
➕Comes with a stand
Latest Price on Amazon:
The best vinyl plotter
Type: Electric | Dimensions: 43.3 x 20.5 x 41.7 inches | Cutting Width: 87 centimeters
The Vevor 34-inch vinyl cutter is everything you need to plot out your design on vinyl. Its large size and easy mounting options make this a great choice for a wide range of vinyl lettering, pinstriping, and general signage up to 34 inches wide.
This professional-grade cutter can handle everything from small sheets to large banners and blueprints. With its precision cutting head, you will be confident in your work every time you use it!
Best of all, it’s easy to set up and use—just connect the machine to your laptop or smartphone via USB or Bluetooth, set it up using the LCD interface, and get cutting!
It even has a control panel with different buttons to adjust the pressure and speed as needed and boasts a maximum speed of up to 800mm/s and a maximum pressure of up to 500g. Overall, it’s a handy machine for vinyl cutting on an industrial scale, especially for its price.
➕Wide cutting width
➖Bulky and takes up a lot of space
➕Speed and force can be adjusted
➖No indication of warranty
➕Wireless connectivity
➕Robust build quality
➕Value for money
➕Ideal for industrial use
➕Comes with free SignMaster software
Latest Price on Amazon:
The best portable vinyl cutter machine
Type: Electric | Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 4.25 inches | Cutting Width: 10 centimeters
If you’re always on the go, the Cricut Joy is designed for you. Creating vinyl-cut DIY projects or small home decor items is a breeze with this cutting machine.
With a narrower cutting width, it can work on Smart Materials for as long as 20 feet, making it suitable for banners or repetitive tasks without too much supervision. Plus, it doesn’t even need a cutting mat when working with Cricut’s own materials.
Featuring an innovative blade that makes precise and intricate cuts on materials like cardstock and vinyl, this smart machine allows you to create amazing projects with little effort.
Whether it’s a special greeting card or a customized banner—Cricut Joy can handle it all in less than 15 minutes. As it is standard with Cricut devices, it is compatible with the Design Space app that lets you work wirelessly.
If you’re always on the go, whether it’s at home or traveling for business, just pack up the Cricut Joy with all your favorite supplies in its case and hit the road carrying everything you need to get creative anytime, anywhere.
➕Small and portable
➖No physical controls
➕Works with smart materials
➖Noisy operation
➕Great for beginners
➖Limited cutting width
➕Can cut up to 20 feet at once
➕Easy to setup
Latest Price on Amazon:
The Best xTool Vinyl Cutter Machine for Small Business Owners
Type: Electric | Dimensions: 21.9 x 17.6 x 9.1 inches | Cutting Width: 385*300(laser)/365*300(blade)
One of the most recent tools for home professional projects is the xTool M1. This cool-looking tech box is one of the best available, whether you are a crafter who is new to the hobby or a small business owner who’s familiar with Cricut machines. Whatever your case is, this affordable machine allows you to engrave on and cut hard surfaces.
That’s because it utilizes a laser pillar to imprint visuals onto a ton of materials, allowing you to shape materials into various forms. Of the many features it comes with, what we enjoyed the most with this one is that it comes with a camera that lets you picture the result before even starting the project. It also uses both blades and lasers, making your creations as precise and detailed as possible.
And while its overall speed depends on the material you’re working with, this affordable machine delivers just as it promises.
➕Easy to use and portable
➖10W laser can be slow
➕Camera lets you visualize project
➕Highly accurate
Latest Price on Amazon:
The Best xTool Vinyl Cutter Machine for Beginners
Type: Electric | Dimensions: 24 x 23 x 6 inch | Cutting Width: 33 centimeters
The XTool D1 Vinyl cutter machine is a high-quality cutting tool that is specifically designed for cutting vinyl materials. It is a versatile machine that can be used in a wide range of applications, such as sign-making, advertising, and labeling.
One of the main features of the XTool D1 Vinyl cutter machine is its cutting force. With a maximum cutting force of 600g, it can easily cut through even the thickest vinyl materials. It is also equipped with a high-precision cutting blade that ensures clean and accurate cuts every time. The XTool D1 Vinyl cutter machine also comes with a range of advanced features that make it easy to use. For example, it has a large LCD screen that displays important information, such as the cutting speed and pressure. It also has a user-friendly interface that allows you to quickly and easily adjust the settings to suit your needs.
Another key feature of the XTool D1 Vinyl cutter machine is its compatibility with different software. It is compatible with a wide range of software, including CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, and SignMaster. This allows you to easily create and cut your own designs without having to use multiple programs.
In terms of connectivity, the XTool D1 Vinyl cutter machine has both USB and serial ports, allowing you to connect it to your computer or other devices. It also comes with a free USB cable and a serial cable, so you can start using it right out of the box.
➕Easy to use and portable
➖5W laser isn’t very powerful
➕Most affordable xTool machine
➖Open frame design
➕Highly accurate
Latest Price on Amazon:
Vinyl cutters are versatile tools that can be used to make all sorts of things. The best one for you depends on the project type you have in mind and your budget.
Which vinyl cutter do you love working with? Let us know in the comments below!
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