Cricut Maker 3 vs. Cricut Explore 3 - Which should I buy?

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if you haven't been living under a rock you've heard that Cricut has TWO brand new machines on the market. The Cricut Maker 3 and the Cricut Explore 3. The big question everyone's asking is which new Cricut should I buy? If you're a Cricut beginner asking the same question, this video is for you! Watch and enjoy Video - Cricut Maker 3 vs. Cricut Explore 3 - Which should I buy?

Use code “YOUTUBE” at checkout for your special discount!

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[capnscarleg]

You're the first review I've seen that pointed out what is no longer included. Thanks so much!

[mimistans]

Since my daughter is “borrowing ” my Cricut, (and has been borrowing for most of the year) I am thinking about getting the Maker. (And keeping it a secret from her).

[cherylscraftsandcreations]

I'm trying to get my boys to get me the Cricut Maker 3 for my Birthday next month. Every time I pass one in the stores I tell them that is what I want for my Birthday.

[pop-popmoose]

I opted for the Maker 3, even though it was way more expensive. I do love the machine but I was mildly disappointed that they included no mat whatsoever. Almost understandable since it can cut without a mat. The lack of the cutting wheel, that is included with the less expensive maker, has me livid! Cricut is showing their greed again. The mats and cutting wheels are expensive for the consumer. Not nearly as expensive for Cricut. They are cheaping out to the tune of $100 for the end user. It probably cost them less than $20 for the mats and cutter. Add to that is the fact the Maker 3 is a couple hundred more than the Maker, makes this offensive. Cricut wont respond to any messages either. Pure greed from Cricut.

[Esha]

I BOUGHT THE CRICUT JOY WHEN IT CAME OUT WITH MY OWN MONEY. Trust me smart material isn’t all that smart. It is not what Cricut makes it out to be! I think the material is too thick on that backing and weeding and transferring my designs to my product isn’t as simple as it is with and regular vinyl and htv. I cut my Oracle to 5.5 and told my Cricut Joy it was smart vinyl and it did the same thing as my smart material, it cut it perfectly… I’m buying the original Maker. Cricut is starting to remind me of Apple and they are pissing me off. These companies need to stop trying to manipulate us customers! After all of my research and watching reviewers who received free machines and those that have not I have concluded the original maker would be a better buy! One thing, I would like to give credit to the honesty of Tanner -Makers Gonna Learn- when it comes to the reality of the extra money that needs to be spent on top of purchasing the CM3.

[SighMN]

Watching a lot of reviews (both from people who bought the machines themselves, and others who were sent them by Cricut), there is a large discrepancy. People who were supplied the machines are much more positive about the small changes, and the people who bought the machines to test were not at all positive. The consensus is that these machines are not that much of an upgrade unless you are going to be cutting larger vinyl projects. The "smart" materials are basically wider materials with a thicker backing.

Matless cutting is something that other brands have had for a few years if not more. I think these two machines are a missed opportunity on much larger innovations. I really wish that Cricut machines had better functionality to detect what is on the mat to avoid waste.

[supremecaldwell]

I’m forced to wait this one out, Tanner. I was leaning towards the Maker 3 but realistically speaking, I didn’t see myself cutting more than the standard cardstock, poster boards and such materials. I’ve had the Maker for years and not once have I used my rotary blade (still haven’t started my quilting projects 🤫). I’m more interested in the “new” pressure. I was making boxes and my Maker recently would not score kraft board or poster board deep enough even after adjusting to more pressure AND using the #2 scoring tip! I can’t see myself buying the Maker 3 with hopes that Cricut will come out with more 13” materials. Most of the materials that I’ve cut in the past 4 years could’ve been cut on my Explore Air 2 but I love the pressure and capabilities of the Maker. With all that being said, if the Air 3 has more pressure than the original Maker, that’s where I’ll be investing my coins. I’ll continue to use my Maker for the adaptive tools seeing as how I don’t cut anything larger than 12” with them anyway. Thanks for these videos! 🤓

[nicoletanaka]

I thought the whole purpose of the maker was that this was going to be the ultimate machine and they were going to be making all these add on to purchase for the maker I am kinda disappointed that now they have another machine instead of adding more for those of us who already bought the maker??

[kyliepurdie]

Brand new to Cricut, and I just bought the CM3. Loving it so far, lots to learn. Just got my membership to MGL just today!

[tks]

I bought the Cricut Explore 3 - 55% because I wanted the color to coordinate with my new heat press (LOL). I only need mine for vinyl. Thanks for the content! This video was extra confirmation of my well researched decision.

[jeanetteerwin]

I have wanted to buy a Cricut for years but haven't because I'm so confused on which to buy. I thought this video would do that, but didn't. I understand why I should buy the Explore, but what is the difference with the Maker? What does Maker do that the Explore doesn't.

[CountryChick]

I have the cricut explore air 2 and I love it. I really want to upgrade it to the original maker. Because I really like the engraving tool. I don’t know if I would use the rest of the tools on the maker. But I also really like the new explore 3 Machine because I like that you can do bigger projects and I just like the explore in general but I always wanted a maker. but I always here good and bad about the maker and Always good stuff on the explore. I always hear explore is a better Machines. I use my cricut daily. So I just want someone opinion on it. What machine should I upgrade to.

[milesschifano]

Thank you . You helped me make my decision. I was sold when you told me the maker is heavier and may have an improved motor. On the flip side...the mfg could have just thrown some weights in it to fool guys like me. Anyway great video and very informative, clear and precise.

[vickiel]

I've never had a cricut at all! Trying to decide what I want, and what I can afford. What I am going to use it for, etc.

[minitorestrepo]

Great advice! If I buy another one I am leaning toward The Cricut Explorer 3, I already have the Maker and the Joy.

[el-_-pro_]

I just love you.Thanks for explaining all this details.I want to start my own business and also to make all this beautiful things for my baby boy.Thank you soo soo much.Kisses from Italy.Good blased you.

[chirpychirpy]

I want one of these makers in the worst way but its so annoying that circut still makes the buyer purchase even more after buying the most expensive item. Thank You Tanner for explaining all the differences, greatly appreciate it. Question: Must a subscription be purchased in order to use these?

[sanchorivera]

Thanks for not comparing the two at all really

[loririddick]

The cricut 3 sounds too complicated for a beginner. What is your take on that? I’m thinking I should go with the explorer 3.

[mubinasedic]

Is there anything that Cricut Explore can do, but Cricut Maker can't?
Thank you :)