With the latest Cricut machines launch, we thought it would be a good time to understand the differences between Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Explore 3 machines. Are you trying to decide which Cricut machine is better for you according to your budget and needs? We look forward to helping you with that decision-making process!
We will keep it simple: The major difference between the Cricut Explore 3 and the Cricut Maker 3 is the cutting machine technology. The Cricut Maker line of machines is named the Adaptive Tool System. This tool system will allow the Cricut Maker Machine to operate with 13 tools, while the Cricut Explore line of machines can operate with 6 tools. The Cricut Maker Tools can cut, score, foil, write, debounce, engrave, etc. The Cricut Explore 3 can cut, write, score and file. Let’s look for more detailed information about both Cricut machines.
Cricut Explore 3
The middle spot is the perfect place for many people. The Cricut Explore 3 machine does nearly as much as the Cricut Maker 3 machine but costs less. The Cricut Explore 3 machine will do the job for Home Crafters or even some sellers.
Pros
- It makes almost as much as the Cricut Maker machine does but costs less
- Cut, write, and score with 6 different tools
- Cut more than 100 different smart materials
- Easy to use
- Uses smart materials for large projects up to 12 feet
Cons
- Not as versatile as the Cricut Maker machine
Cricut Maker 3
The Cricut Maker 3 machine is the flagship machine of Cricut. Serious hobbyists and salespeople will probably want the Cricut Maker 3 machine. It is the costliest and delivers the most versatility in capabilities.
Pros:
- Use for a huge variety of creative projects
- Cut, Write, Score, Deboss, Engrave, and more with several tools
- Easy to use
- Functions with more than 300 different smart materials
- Uses smart materials for projects up to 12 feet
Cons:
- Expensive
What Are The Major Differences Between Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Maker 3 Machines?
The major difference between the Cricut Explore 3 and the Cricut Maker 3 machine is the cutting power. The Cricut Maker machine has 10X the force and cutting power of any machine in the Cricut Explore family. By adding 10 times the force, the Cricut machine can add more effective tools to cut more difficult smart materials, such as fabric, a wood without a backing material, etc.
The Cricut Explore 3 machine has a cutting power of 400 grams, and the Cricut Maker 3 machine has a cutting power of 4000 grams. That’s a huge difference, and because of this ability, you can now use more powerful tools and more difficult smart materials.
The Cricut Maker 3 machine is the top-line Cricut machine. You can use this machine to create almost any type of project you dream up. For less money, the Cricut Explore 3 machine does almost as much as the Cricut Maker 3 machine. So, which one performs best for you? Let’s have a look at what both models offer.
The Cricut Maker 3 machine has two clamps to hold a dozen interchangeable tools inside the machine so that you can cut, write, score, deboss, and engrave more than 300 different smart materials, including leather and basswood. You can use the same size smart material in the Cricut Explore 3 machine as you do in the Cricut Maker 3 machine, up to 13 inches by 12 feet long with the smart material, or up to 13 by 12 inches on the cutting mat.
You can use more than 100 different smart materials with the Cricut Explore 3 machine, and you can’t use thicker materials like basswood and leather. But, instead of a dozen tools, you can use with the Cricut Maker 3 machine, you can only use 5 in the Cricut Explore 3 machine. You can cut, write and score but not deboss or engrave.
Which Machine Should You Buy Based On Your Budget and Needs?
I hope this blog helped you understand the major differences between Cricut Explore 3 vs. Cricut Maker 3 machines. Only you know which Cricut machine is best suited for your concerns.
The two major factors to consider when buying a Cricut machine are the type of projects you want to make and your budget. If you’re going to do a project involving fabric, wood, or various smart materials at once, the Cricut Maker 3 machine is a great option! If you need to cut some pieces of vinyl for your new project quickly, the Cricut Explore 3 machine will do its job.
I have made a decision-making flowchart to help you decide. After reading this entire blog and going through the charts, you should have a good idea of whether the machine is for you or not!
Conclusion
Both the machines are pretty comparable, but there are some details you should be mindful of before deciding on the Cricut Maker 3 machine vs. the Cricut Explore 3 machine.
The most important aspect to consider is the machine’s cutting capacity. As stated earlier, the Cricut Maker 3 machine can cut more smart material than the Cricut Explore 3 machine can handle, so this machine is the one to pick if you want to do any woodworking or fabric material work! If your budget is limited, I recommend the Cricut Explore 3 machine as it has most of the capabilities of the Cricut Maker 3 machine. If you are looking for more than just cutting vinyl, the Cricut Maker 3 machine is the way you can go.
