As an owner of Cricut Explore Air 2, I question myselft which machine to upgrade to when the time comes or when Black Friday/Christmas sales arrive. Looking closer at Cricut Maker vs Cricut Maker 3 raises tons of questions. Should I save money and enjoy the Maker 1 or spend extra for the most recent version? What is the significant difference between the two? My search for answers aided me in writing this post, which you might find helpful in a similar situation.
Below, you will find a Cricut comparison chart created to show the most distinguishing specs of the two machines. It outlines the dimensions, colors, release date, etc. The article compares what you can cut with Maker 3 vs Maker, and your cutting plans can ease your final choice.
Cricut Maker vs Cricut Maker 3
Both Cricuts support cutting numerous materials, including vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, leather, and basswood and can engrave, score, deboss, foil, write, and more (of course, you'll need a different blade type, an engraving tip, or other additional tools). So, you must look at the difference between Maker and Maker 3 to understand which device is the best for your needs.
Let's list what Maker 3 has over the original device and combine all the facts in a Cricut comparison chart. This way, you can get a deeper idea of the difference between the two machines and hopefully ease your choice.
Read also: Cricut Explore Air 2 Unboxing and Reviews.
Release Date
The current latest Maker 3 was released in June 2021, which is nearly 4 years after the original Maker was presented in August 2017. Does it mean that we can expect a potential Cricut Maker 4 release date sometimes in the summer of 2025? It's hard to answer this question yet because there are no official updates from the company about their plans regarding this machine or its name. However, it would be wonderful if an upgrade would be as fast or faster than Maker 3 and support matless cuts for all types of materials, not just Smart ones.
Dimensions
The newer Maker 3 is 7.1"D x 22.1"W x 6.2"H and weighs 15.4 pounds, which is a little heavier than its predecessor (the original Maker is 6.99"D x 21.18"W x 5.93"H and weighs 10.68 pounds), according to the Cricut website. While there is a slight difference in size and weight, overall, these devices share identical dimensions and you won't feel that "heavier" factor at all.
Colors
You can enjoy the 2021 machine in one color only. Maker 3 is released in a light blue color. It has a silver top lid and a glossy finish.
The original version is white with several top lid color options (champagne, rose, blue, lilac, and mint).
Tools
Both machines use the same type of tools which are interchangeable and only work on two Makers. Thus, if you have the original device and wish to buy Maker 3, you don't have to also update all your tools. Just use the ones you already have, including:
- Scoring stylus;
- Scoring wheels;
- Premium fine-point blade;
- Deep cut blade;
- Foil transfer tool;
- Cricut markers and pens;
- Perforation blade;
- Debossing tip;
- Engraving tip;
- Knife blade;
- Rotary blade;
- Bonded fabric blade;
- Wavy blade.
Read also: 10 Best Tools for Cricut Beginners.
Design
Both machines share the same design. The only difference is the button signs. The original device had a branded "C" button to start cutting, but the newer version had this "Go" sign replaced with a triangle.
Price
The cost is the first thing many of us consider when comparing Maker 3 vs Maker. Even before the Black Friday and Christmas sales hit in 2024, you can grab a refurbished original machine at $179 directly from Cricut or pay approximately $269 for a new one on Amazon. Make 3 costs way more, starting at $349 and reaching over $700 in bundles.
Is it worth overpaying around $100 or much more for the latest version or not?
Cricut Comparison Chart
| Model | Maker | Maker 3 |
| Release Date | August 2017 | June 2021 |
| Max Cut Size |
11.5 in × 23.5 in (290 mm × 600 mm) |
11.7 in x 75 ft (30 mm x 22.9 m) |
| Max Cut Speed |
5.7 in/s (0.14 m/s) |
11.3 in/s (0.29 m/s) |
| Support |
Supported |
Supported |
| Features | Automatic support for 13 tools and 300+ materials |
Automatic support for 13 tools and 300+ materials
|
| Software | Design Space |
Design Space
|
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB | Bluetooth, USB |
| Colors | Blue, champagne, rose, mint, lilac | Light blue |
| Wheels | Rubber | Plastic |
| Cricut Smart Materials | Doesn't support | Supports |
| Is Mat Needed? | Always | Mat is needed for all materials except Cricut Smart Materials |
| Mat Size | 12 in x 12 in or 12 in x 24 in | 12 in x 12 in or 12 in x 24 in |
| Size Without Mat | Does not cut without a mat | 13 in x up to 75 ft |
| Compatible with Roll Holder | No | Yes |
Difference
As you can notice from the Cricut Comparison Chart, the main difference between Maker and Maker 3 is the color selections, maximum cut size, and speed. The newer model is designed to support Cricut Smart Materials that can be up to 75 feet long. With these smart materials, the machine can cut without a mat, saving you some money on mats but still requiring a lot of money on the Cricut-brand paper sticker cardstock, clear stencil, vinyl, and iron-on vinyl with "Smart" in their names that are 13 inches wide and up to 75 feet long if compared to regular 12 inches x 12 inches options. Faster speed also refers to cutting Smart Materials. However, Maker 3 has a similar speed to the original Maker when cutting with the mat.
List of Smart Materials:
- Permanent vinyl;
- Removable vinyl;
- Iron-on vinyl;
- Stencil;
- Sticker cardstock;
- Dissolvable label paper;
- Writable paper.
Another difference is the color options. The newer machine is available in light blue color only, while the older has a variety of colors. This specification does not improve their operation. Nevertheless, some users note that the type of wheels on the side of the device can affect your machine's operation and term of use. The older device has rubber wheels that could wear down much quicker than the plastic wheels used in Maker 3.
New Cricut Maker 4
Getting closer to Black Friday 2024, there is no information about Cricut Maker 4 release date. Thus, if you come across a good deal on Maker 3 or find the original Maker in new condition well under $200, grab it. If the prices remain around $269 for Cricut Maker and $329-$349 for Maker 3 basic bundle, I would rather wait till 2025 or 2026 in hopes Cricut introduces the new Maker 4 with faster speeds, improved motor silence, and some fantastic features, like matless cutting for all-brand vinyl and cardstock (without being limited to smart materials only).
Decisions, Decisions
If you currently own the original Maker and think about upgrading to Maker 3, it might be a fantastic idea (of course, if you catch a killing deal on Black Friday and grab the latest version under $300). Your new Maker 3 will cut Smart Materials twice as fast as the original Maker and without a mat!
If you own an Explore Air 2 and want to get one of the Makers, think about the possible projects you need it for. If cutting cardstock mainly, you should better stay with your Air 2 and wait for future Cricut updates. If using all kinds of vinyl and other materials (leather, light wood, etc.), you might do better with such an upgrade.
Read also: How to Cut and Score on Cricut Explore Air 2.
Your decision should be based on the things you plan to cut with your new machine, and both Maker and Maker 3 can cut vinyl, cardstock, and over 300 other materials, score, and engrave. They both use the free Cricut Design Space software for laying out your designs and bringing them to life. They support the same tools and blades and have many fans among hobbyists and crafters who use digital cutting machines for home crafts and business projects. They are very similar, however, the original Maker doesn't support Smart Materials for longer and faster non-stop cuts up to 75 feet long and always requires a mat because of this. Both machines have the same buttons to operate them, so you won't notice a difference in their specs when using a standard 12" x 12" or 12" x 24" mat and regular (including third-party) vinyl, cardstock, sticker paper, fabric, etc. If you don't need extras such as extra long cuts, you can stick with your current device (considering it works well and doesn't require an immediate upgrade).
As for me, after doing all the research and watching numerous videos on the difference between the two Makers, I will either get a cheaper version on sale or better wait for another year or two in hopes of seeing a next-generation release with more options, improvements, features, and specs. My Air 2 can cut, score, print then cut, and write, and it works great with thick 12" x 12" cardstock and vinyl, which is perfect for my projects.
Is it possible to cut Cricut Smart Materials using a regular mat?
Absolutely! Whether you have the latest Maker 3 or not, it is possible to cut the leftovers of Smart vinyl, cardstock, and stencil using the regular 12" x 12" and 12" x 24" mats.
Are Cricut Maker and Maker 3 power cords interchangeable?
No, you cannot use one machine's power cord on the other generation device. Both Makers come with their own connectors that are not interchangeable.
Are Maker and Maker 3 blades interchangeable?
Yes, you can use the same Cricut blades on both machines if they are designed for the Maker series.
P.S. According to Cricut, they have no current plans to discontinue support for the original Maker. Thus, if you have one and it still runs great, there is no need to hurry and upgrade to the newer generation, no matter the price.