Today we will compare the Cricut Maker 3 vs Explore 3 from every angle to understand better which machine is right for you according to your needs and budget.
It is very exciting to enter the Cricut world. But, if you don’t research enough, you could buy the wrong Cricut machine or equipment. On the other hand, if you already have a Cricut machine, you may wonder whether you need to upgrade or if the equipment you already have will work with these new Cricut machines.
No matter what part of your journey, this comparison of Cricut Maker 3 vs Explore 3 will provide you with all the information you need to see which is right for you and your budget.
For the serious crafter who wants to work with a variety of tools and materials or anyone who wants to sell their work, it’s probably worth spending on a more costly and comprehensive machine.
Some serious crafters get everything they need from the Cricut Explore 3; it’s definitely no slouch. If it does everything you want to make, why pay more money on Cricut Maker?
Here are some of the similarities between Cricut Maker 3 vs Explore 3. Both Cricut Maker 3 and Explore 3 are great cutting machines. They both are high-quality, heavy, and strong.
Sometimes you buy products that you think are about to break. These Cricut machines feel sturdy and are built with class and good taste. With both Cricut machines, you will have:
Both Cricut machines work free with the same software, Cricut Design Space.
Upload your personal projects and designs.
Free Ready to Cut Projects: Each Cricut machine has over 100 free projects. Projects ready to cut typically cost money that you can get through individual purchases or a monthly or annual subscription called Cricut Access.
Both Cricut machines cut over 100 different materials – the most common – including paper, vinyl, fabric, leather, and more.
With both Cricut machines, you can cut, draw, score, and add foil effects with the “Foil Transfer Kit.”
Both Cricut machines cut 2x as fast as their predecessors when using smart materials.
Both Cricut machines have a sampler sheet of Smart Vinyl, Iron-on, and Smart Sticker cardstock.
The Cricut Maker 3 is the top machine in the Cricut family. You can use this machine to create almost any type of project you can dream up. The Cricut Explore 3 does almost as much as the Cricut Maker 3 with little money. So, which machine performs best for you? Let’s take a look at what both these machines have to offer.
Comparison: Cricut Maker 3 vs Explore 3
Cricut Maker 3
Cricut Explore 3
Material compatibility |
300+ |
100+
Insertable tools |
13 |
5
Cuts |
Yes |
Yes
Writes |
Yes |
Yes
Scores |
Yes |
Yes
Debosses |
Yes |
No
Engraves |
Yes |
No
Commercial-grade performance |
Yes |
No
Print-then-cut |
Yes |
Yes
Works with Design Space app |
Yes |
Yes
Bluetooth connectivity |
Yes |
Yes
USB connectivity |
Yes |
Yes
Utilizes Smart Materials |
Yes |
Yes
Maximum material width |
13 inches |
13 inches
Maximum material length |
12 feet |
12 feet
Color |
Soft pastel blue |
Soft mint green
The Cricut Maker 3 includes two clamps inside the machine that can hold up to a dozen interchangeable tools, so you can cut, write, and score more than 300+ materials, including leather and basswood. You can use the same size material in the Cricut Explore 3 as you do in the Cricut Maker 3, up to 13 inches by 12 feet with the smart materials, or up to 13 by 12 inches on the cutting mat.
But, instead of a dozen tools, you can use with Cricut Maker 3, you can only use 5 in Cricut Explore 3. You can cut, write and score but not deboss or engrave. You can use more than 100+ materials with the Cricut Explore 3, and you can’t use thicker materials like basswood and leather.
Cricut Maker 3 | Cricut Explore 3
Cricut Maker 3 machine | Cricut Explore 3 machine
Power Cable | Power Cable
Fine Point Blade | Fine Point Blade
Free trial subscription plan to Cricut Access (for new users) | Free trial subscription plan to Cricut Access (for new users)
Materials for practice cuts | Materials for practice cuts
While you can’t cut thicker materials with the Cricut Explore 3, you can still do quite a bit. You can use more than 100+ different materials like paper, cardstock, vinyl, HTV, infusible ink, and more.
You can cut, score and write. You can use the print-then-cut feature, which involves sending a design to your printer and then inserting it into the Cricut machine to be cut out. This is great for making cards and stickers. Also, you can put a pen in the tool clamp and write on your creations directly. Make no mistake; the Cricut Explore 3 is still a serious cutting machine with plenty of space for newbies. You’ll still need some dedicated area in your house for doing projects. You can undoubtedly start a small business using Cricut Explore 3, and you won’t be able to cut thick materials like wood and leather. If you don’t see yourself taking advantage of Cricut Maker 3, why pay the extra money?
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