4 Cricut Alternatives [Cheap Cutting Machines 2021]
The fact that Cricut vinyl cutting machines are the best ones in the market is true to a greater extent, but they aren’t good at everything and might be a bit too expensive for many people.
To counter some of its shortcomings, you might want to try a different cutter. Therefore, we are listing plenty of Cricut alternatives that you can look at
Some of the Cricut alternatives include Sizzix, Silhouette, Brother, and Bira. So, depending upon the designs you want and ease of use of the machine, you have plenty of options.
Cricut Alternative 2021:
Following is the list of the most popular Cricut alternative:
| Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit | 10 [Editor's Pick] | Check Price |
| Bira Craft Die Cutting Machine | 9 | Check Price |
| Gemini Go Embossing Machine | 8 | Check Price |
| Silhouette Portrait 3 | 9.5 | Check Price |
You can also check out Best Vinyl Restorer if you’re into that! Along with Silhouette Alternative
1.Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit 661500 Manual Die Cutting and Embossing machine:
Why We Love It:
- Complete kit for beginners
- Die-cut your designs and emboss them through this vinyl cutter.
- Wide compatibility with the Sizzix library
- Have limitless possibilities in designing.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Cheap vinyl cutter for starters | ❌Instructions are not detailed |
| ✅Easy for you to create your designs |
Read more: Cricut Expression 2 Review
2. Bira Craft Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Combo:
Why We Love It:
- The feeding slot of this cheap vinyl plotter is 3 1/8 inches
- Compact size that makes it convenient to use
- Suction cups that will provide a firm grip.
- Option of die designing and design embossing.
- Easy to carry
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Can print ceramic and casual material with excellency | ❌Check the size before buying |
| ✅Use variable heat settings depending on printing material | ❌Bit pricy |
| ✅Has an automatic feature of shutting off | |
| ✅The base is isolated |
3. Gemini Go Embossing and Die Cutting Machine:
Why We Love It:
- Convenient to be used at outdoor locations
- Work on paper, cards, and even the fabric materials
- Blades are sharp and also put just the right pressure to give you a crisp and fine cut every time.
- Compatibility with most of the metal dies
- Finely cut design in just some seconds
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅work on cardstocks | ❌runs on batteries |
| ✅get a fine and crisp cut | |
| ✅the metal and plastic shims make the cuts perfectly |
4. Silhouette Portrait 3 Electronic Cutting Tool:
Why We Love It:
- Connect this silhouette portrait 3 with Bluetooth Devices
- Can cut magnet paper
- Lightweight and easy to use the device
- Used in classrooms and for small craft studios
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Cut a variety of different materials | ❌Expensive |
| ✅won’t take much of the space | |
| ✅Bluetooth connectivity |
FAQs:
We have provided you with the best Cricut alternatives that you can try. But you might have some queries in your mind. Therefore, we are providing you with some of the frequently asked questions that most people ask for.
What products are made using die cutting?
You can create different designs and work on different art projects through the die-cutting. For example, you can create everyday items like a tissue box and a cereal box. Moreover, you can also make special preparations in the gift cards and also create stickers.
Can you emboss without a machine?
Yes, it is very much possible to emboss without using any machine. But machines make your life easier. You can die-cut the designs and also emboss them on different materials too.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Cricut?
Considering different features, there are a lot of alternatives to Cricut. Although you might have to compromise on some of the features, the performance is still worthy. For instance, the Sizzix Big Shot. It is quite well-performing in terms of cutting and embossing designs. Moreover, it is quite affordable and cheaper than the Cricut.
What are some of the best Cricut alternatives?
The best Cricut alternative includes the Sizzix Big Shot, Silhouette Portrait 2, Gemini Go, and Bira. You can have varying features in all of them with a varied price tag too. So go for the one that suits your budget.
Is Silhouette Portrait 2 better than Cricut?
The silhouette is a strong competitor to the Cricut, but it is not a cheap vinyl cutter printer. You can enjoy wireless working in this die-cut and embossing machine. Furthermore, the design library is too large. Therefore, you can enjoy working in designing projects. Despite being powerful in performance, it is lightweight and a compact machine.
Conclusion:
You can easily find manual and digital die-cutting machines in the market. What you choose is based on your preferences and choices.
You can either go with a manual one that gives you more room for designing. Or you can choose a digital die cutting machine to make your work easier.
All of this is based upon your use and need.
Helen is a freelance writer and editor who enjoys covering lifestyle, home, and DIY topics. She also helps teach clinical skills to medical students as a standardized patient (most people never heard one, but it’s a real thing!). When not writing, she’s most likely watching comedy videos, reading, knitting, taking ballet class, or trying to get outside.
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