Maker was always one of the most popular products among crafters. It was launched in 2018 at an initial price of $399. At that time, it was easily the most powerful and fastest Cricut cutting machine for creating DIY projects. It was designed to cut 300+ materials, from anything as soft as paper to stuff as tough as wood.
But, after three years, in 2021, Cricut came up with an even faster and more powerful cutting machine. They named it Cricut Maker 3 Setup.
Now, in this blog, our main motive is to throw light on the Cricut Maker vs Cricut Maker 3 comparison. So, without further ado, let’s discuss the major differences between the two Cricut specials.
Cricut Maker
Cricut specially designed Maker to create anything that was possible. The thing that gave this machine an edge over others was its power. It literally could cut over 300 materials, from soft paper to tough wood. Moreover, it has a large number of tools for creativity, ease of use, and professional-level cutting performance.
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Cricut Maker 3
With the new advanced technologies, Cricut took Maker 3 a step ahead of its predecessor. It is two times faster and ten times more powerful than Maker, which simply makes it the supreme Cricut machine. In simple terms, this ultimate smart cutting machine is everything Maker was but faster, more precise, and more powerful.
Cricut Maker 3 Vs. Cricut Maker: Key Differences
Though these two machines have a lot of similarities, there are a few differences as well. This comparison table will clear everything up for you.
| Feature | Cricut Maker | Cricut Maker 3 |
| Supported tools | 13 | 13 |
| Number of Materials | 300+ | 300+ |
| Current Price | $249.99 | $379.99 |
| Color | Several Options | Soft Blue Only |
| Design Space | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | USB & Bluetooth | USB & Bluetooth |
| Smart Materials | No | Yes |
| Max Material Width | 12 inches | 12 inches |
| Max Material Cut Length | 24 inches | 144 inches |
| Weight | 4.8 Kg | 6.9 Kg |
| Cutting Speed | Standard | 2X Maker’s Speed |
| iPad docking slot | Yes | Yes |
| Pro-level performance | Yes | Yes |
| Size | 22.6″x 7.09″ x 6.22″ | 22.6″x 7.09″ x 6.22″ |
| Cutting System | Normal | Smart |
| Matless Cutting | No | Yes (for smart materials of length 6” and above only) |
| Deep Cutting Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Fabric Cutting | Yes | Yes |
| Launch Year | 2018 | 2021 |
As you might have noticed by now, the two machines are almost identical. The only major differences are visible in the smart materials, cut length, and cutting speed sections.
So, we can say that the basic outcome of this table is that Cricut Maker 3 can do everything its predecessor can but a lot faster, mainly because of its cutting speed and material cut length.
Cricut Maker Vs Cricut Maker 3: Price Comparison
Though the two machines were launched with a gap of three years, their starting price difference wasn’t much. Maker and Maker 3’s starting prices were $399.99 and $429.99, respectively.
The current price of Maker is $249.99, while Maker 3 will cost $379.99.
However, simply buying a machine will not make you all set for getting started with a project. You’ll also need a few other supplies, like blades, vinyl, pens, markers, etc. Therefore, please check out their prices as well for your preferred choice of machine before making a purchase.
Cricut Maker Vs Maker 3 Bundles Pricing Comparison
Here’s a table to guide you through the prices of different Maker 3 and Maker bundles available right now on the official Cricut website.
| Bundle Name | Price With Cricut Maker | Price With Cricut Maker 3 |
| Essentials | $259.99 | $399.99 |
| Materials | $279.99 | NA |
| Everything Materials | $279.99 | $429.99 |
| Smart Material and Tools Pastel Variety | NA | $479.99 |
| Vinyl & Paper Learning Kits | NA | $429.99 |
Conclusion
After going through all the similarities and differences between these two machines in this Cricut Maker vs Cricut Maker 3 comparison guide, there’s a very straightforward conclusion that comes out.
If you’re looking to finish your projects as soon as possible or run a business that depends on it, Maker 3 is the one to go with. Without a doubt, it’s the fastest and the most powerful Cricut machine.
However, if you’re someone who just wants to enjoy making crafts for personal experience and money matters to you, then Maker should be the clear choice because of its low cost.
FAQs
What is so special about the Cricut Maker 3?
Cricut Maker 3 has all the features that its predecessor had. But the things that make it special include its cutting speed, its smart cutting system, and smart materials support.
What can the Cricut Maker 3 do that the other machines can’t?
It can handle smart materials, which is unique in itself compared to all the other Cricut machines. It means that other models can only cut materials up to a length of 12 inches, while Maker 3 can go 12 feet (144 inches) long per cut.
Is Cricut Maker discontinued?
After the launch of the new Cricut machine Maker 3, there have been rumors that the previous version has been discontinued. However, it’s just fake news. Cricut is still going strong with the Cricut Maker machines and doesn’t seem to stop manufacturing anytime soon.
SOURCE: Cricut Maker Vs Cricut Maker 3: How Are They Different?