Silhouette Cameo 5 is the closest competitor in the market to Cricut’s cutting machines; indeed, many crafters choose this machine over the Cricut. With this powerful and precise machine, one is able to work with over 100 different materials. And the Silhouette Studio design software is one thing that makes the Cameo 5 a breeze to use.

The machine has a 12″ cutting width and can accommodate up to a 24″ length with the cutting mat or up to 16 feet with the roll feeder attachment. Matless cutting is also available, albeit with reduced dimensions.  The toolhead can hold two tools, and you can purchase specialty tools such as a rotary blade or a kraft blade for more functionalities. Overall, this is the best Cricut alternative for DIY and professional projects.

Among the most talked about features, users are raving about the print-and-cut function and its improved precision. In fact, some users are experiencing more accuracy and consistency in the machine overall, probably thanks to Silhouette’s patented Intelligent Path Technology. Many are also noting that the new Cameo 5 is significantly quieter than the previous version, but keep in mind, the noise level depends on the materials and settings used for cutting.

• Compatible materials: Fabrics, cardstock, vinyl, wood, among many others
• Software: Silhouette Studio
• Price: ~$330

Silhouette Cameo 5

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Vevor is a popular brand for equipment and tools, and they produce several types of vinyl cutting and plotting machines. The Smart 1 Desktop Vinyl Cutter is most similar to the Cricut machines, and that similarity isn’t lost on reviewers. They write the Smart 1 has similar core functionality and is compatible with some Cricut accessories, while also being less expensive and subscription-free.

The Smart 1’s primary functions include cutting, writing, and fold-line creation, and according to the manufacturer, it’s compatible with over 100 different materials, including vinyl, cardstock, and heat transfer materials. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity and a mobile app, designs can be created and edited on a mobile device, then sent to the cutter. The machine and software also support the upload of images created in popular design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw.

Besides the Smart 1, Vevor offers other desktop and standing vinyl cutting and plotting machines. Sizes include 14″, 28″, 34″, and 53″, and prices range from $205 to $710.

• Compatible materials: Vinyl, cardstock, heat transfer, among others
• Software: Exact Cut, Superb Cut mobile app
• Price: ~$153

Vevor Smart 1 Vinyl Cutter

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The USCutter 14-inch MH is considered an entry-level vinyl cutter and plotter. You can use the USCutter as a plotting machine by mounting a pen in place of the blade. While working with a blade, the USCutter’s LCD allows you to adjust the speed and pressure of the cut. And as you might imagine, there is an initial learning curve to getting the settings right for the best performance.

Many users state that the USCutter machines are durable and have excellent customer support. Other vinyl cutters in the USCutter MH series include the 28-, 34-, and 53-inch variants. The size, work platform size, and floor stand differ between the six options.

• Compatible materials: Vinyl, heat transfer paper, cardstock
• Software: VinylMaster Cut
• Price: ~$231

USCutter 14 inch MH

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The feature that sets the Brother ScanNCut SDX125E apart from other Cricut alternatives is its built-in scanner. For people interested in sewing and quilting, this cutting machine is the perfect companion. There are 682 built-in designs to get you started, including 100 quilting patterns, and these designs are accessible and editable via the touchscreen LCD. Apart from these, you can scan any picture, drawing, or pattern and have it ready for cutting.

There are a few more electronic cutting machines in the ScanNCut DX series. The Brother ScanNCut SDX85, a smaller version of the SDX125E, is available in five different colors. Also, there is a Disney-themed Brother ScanNCut SDX230DI, the biggest in the DX series with the highest number of built-in designs, including some unique Disney designs.

• Compatible materials: Cardstock, paper, vinyl, fabric, among others
• Software: Brother CanvasWorkspace (free), Artspira (subscription)
• Price: ~$400

Brother ScanNCut DX (SDX125EGY)

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The Silhouette Portrait 4 is a digital cutting machine for DIY craftwork beginners with a decent work platform of 8.5″ x 12″ with a cutting mat. The Portrait 4 is smaller and lighter than the Cameo 5, making it more desk-friendly and portable.

Many users suggest the Portrait as an alternative to the Cricut Explore and the Cricut Joy. Compared to the Silhouette Cameo 5, this machine lacks certain functionalities and cutting force. The low cutting force therefore makes the machine appropriate for creating custom labels and stickers.

Such machines usually need cutting mats to feed the material, but this isn’t the case with the Portrait. You can cut various materials without using a mat because of its kiss-cut action and pop-out cutting feature.

Although there have been some positive reviews of the Portrait 4’s speed and accuracy while cutting, it’s not uncommon to find complaints about the AutoBlade that comes with the machine. Some users recommend purchasing and using the Manual Blade instead.

• Compatible materials: Paper, cardstock, vinyl, heat transfer paper, among others
• Software: Silhouette Studio
• Price: ~$200

Silhouette Portrait 4

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Crafter’s Companion Gemini II is a minimalistic electronic die-cutting machine with a large work platform of 9″ x 12.5″. Offering high pressure, it can cut through thicker materials, such as heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, and multiple layers of fabric. And thanks to improvements, it does all of that faster and quieter than the previous model. According to the manufacturer, the Gemini II can cut full-size plates in 13 seconds.

The Gemini II cuts or embosses designs on the material using metal dies and embossing mats, being compatible with universal versions of both. It’s also possible to use multiple dies simultaneously. You only need to feed the cutting plates and dies with the material through the machine per the instructions, and your work is done.

Just as the previous version of the machine, the Gemini II has pause, reverse, and resume functionality. In the event of a mistake, you can stop the crafting process midway. New in the latest version is an optical sensor that recognizes the cutting plates and automatically starts the machine. There are also USB charging ports on the machine if you want to watch tutorials and workshops on your mobile devices while you’re crafting.

• Compatible materials: Cardstock, paper, vinyl, fabrics, wood, leather, craft metal
• Price: ~$300

Crafter's Companion Gemini II Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine

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This gorgeous Sizzix crafting machine gets high marks just for its incredible design: It’s one of the sleekest-looking models out there. But it’s not just good looks that make the Big Shot Switch Plus a standout.

Users rave about its excellent quality, portability, and quietness while running. The machine is compatible with all Sizzix dies and embossing folders, and it features auto start, a full-width sensor,  and an integrated storage area. Another winning aspect of the Big Shot Switch Plus is its cutting functions. Numerous happy customers report that it “cuts like butter.” The Big Shot Switch Plus is also available in a black Tim Holtz-inspired version.

• Compatible materials: Cardstock, paper, fabric, thin metals, cork, chipboard, among others
• Price ~$330

Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus

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An ideal option for quilters and cloth crafters is the GO! Big Electric fabric cutter from AccuQuilt. It’s fast, easy to use, and big! The cutter can accommodate die sizes up to 14″ x 16″. The large size isn’t a disadvantage, however, as the Go! Big Electric can be easily folded up for transport.

Users rave about this machine’s ability to cut through multiple layers of fabric at once. It can handle a wide variety of fabrics, from fleece to denim. Note that only one die is included, so additional dies have to be purchased separately. Fortunately, it’s compatible with hundreds of the dies in AccuQuilt’s Go! collection.

• Compatible materials: Fabrics
• Price: ~$630

AccuQuilt Go! Big Electric

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As an alternative to the electronic cutting machines, there are quite a few manual die-cutting machines on the market. These machines typically have a crank handle or a lever, which makes it possible to emboss or cut with a variety of materials. They’re simple to use and allow one to see exactly how a cut will look. You’ll be wholly hands-on and directly connected to the craft you’re creating.

With manual cutting machines, you can use both custom and readily available dies, and many die sets are available for purchase. If you’re a beginner, these machines are the best and the least expensive way to get started.

Some of the brands discussed above also manufacture manual die-cutting machines. For example, Crafter’s Companion offers two manual models in their Gemini series: the Gemini Midi and Gemini Mini. The former has a 6″ x 9″ platform size, and with half the width, the latter is capable of cutting and embossing 3″ x 9″ materials. The manufacturer touts even pressure with each turn of the hand crank, and suction cups on the bottom of the machines help to keep it steady while in use.

In addition to Crafter’s Companion, you’ll find a variety of manual die-cutting models via Vevor, Sizzix, and AccuQuilt.