Cricut Maker 3 vs Maker 4: What Changed and Which to Buy?
Buy the Cricut Maker 4 at about $300 unless you find a Maker 3 bundle for noticeably less. Cricut says the Maker 4 cuts up to twice as fast on a machine mat, and it keeps Maker tool support and 12 foot matless cuts. The Maker 3 Digital Content Bundle costs about $342 and adds 75 foot repeated cuts and 30 images.
The verdict
The Cricut Maker 4 is the better buy today because it is faster and, on current listings, costs less than the Maker 3 bundle. The Maker 3 is still a very capable machine, so buy it only if you find it clearly cheaper or already own Maker 3 accessories you want to keep using with a second machine.
The Maker 4 is an evolution rather than a new category. Cricut states that the Maker 4 cuts up to twice as fast as previous models on a machine mat, and both machines load Smart Materials, Cricut's backed vinyl and iron-on that feed without a mat, for single cuts up to 12 ft. For fabric sewists, the important news is what did not change: the Maker family's rotary blade for unbacked fabric and the FabricGrip mats carry forward, so fabric results depend on the same tools.
Cricut Maker 3 vs Cricut Maker 4: side by side
| Feature | Cricut Maker 3 | Cricut Maker 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Representative listing | Cricut Maker 3 Bundle | Cricut Maker 4 |
| Price | About $342 (bundle) | About $300 |
| Speed | Baseline | Up to 2x faster than Maker 3 |
| Materials | 300+ | 300+ per Cricut listings |
| Tools supported | 13+ | Maker tool system, cut, engrave, deboss and more |
| Matless single cut | Up to 12 ft | Up to 12 ft |
| Matless repeated cut | Up to 75 ft | Check current listing |
| Fabric | Rotary blade and FabricGrip mat | Rotary blade and FabricGrip mat |
| Bundle extras | 30 digital images | Machine only on this listing |
What is the difference between Cricut Maker 3 and Maker 4?
Speed is the headline. Cricut's announcement says the Cricut Maker 4 offers cutting speeds up to twice as fast as previous models when cutting on a machine mat. That matters most for batch work: dozens of shirt decals, a stack of cards, or a craft fair order. For a single quilt applique, a faster cut saves minutes, not hours.
Almost everything else is shared. Both use Cricut Design Space, both support Print Then Cut, both cut Smart Materials without a mat for up to 12 ft, and both belong to the Maker family that uses the rotary blade and knife blade. The Cricut Maker 3 Bundle listing adds 30 digital images and states up to 75 ft for repeated matless cuts.
| Machine | Fabric without backing | Standout | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricut Joy Xtra | No rotary blade | Compact, Letter and A4 sheets | About $179 | Cards, stickers, small decals |
| Cricut Explore 5 Bundle | No, bonded fabric only | 12 in, 100+ materials, bundle of supplies | About $249 | Vinyl, iron-on and paper |
| Cricut Maker 4 | Yes, rotary blade | Up to 2x faster than Maker 3 | About $300 | Most sewists and crafters |
| Cricut Maker 3 Bundle | Yes, rotary blade | 75 ft repeated matless cuts, 30 images | About $342 | Only if found cheaper |
| Brother SDX325 | Yes, Thin Fabric Auto Blade | Built-in scanner, 140 quilt patterns | About $900 | Quilters who want standalone cutting |
Is it worth upgrading from a Maker 3 to a Maker 4?
For most owners, no. If your Maker 3 works well, the Maker 4 mainly saves time on large batches. Your blades, mats and Smart Materials are part of the same Maker system, so you are not locked out of anything by staying put. Upgrade if you sell cut vinyl or iron-on in volume and time is money, or if your Maker 3 needs repair and the cost approaches a new machine.
If you are a quilter deciding whether any Cricut is right, compare it with a die cutter first. See AccuQuilt vs Cricut Maker for multi-layer cutting and Cricut vs Brother ScanNCut for applique with seam allowances.
Choose Cricut Maker 3 if
- You find the Cricut Maker 3 Bundle clearly cheaper than the Maker 4.
- You want the 30 bonus images in the bundle.
- You rely on very long repeated matless cuts.
- Speed is not a priority for your projects.
Choose Cricut Maker 4 if
- You want the faster cutter at the lower current price.
- You batch-cut vinyl, iron-on or cards.
- You are buying your first Maker.
- You want the same fabric tools with a newer machine.
Our picks from Cricut and beyond
Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle
$249.00For vinyl, iron-on and paper crafters who do not cut unbacked fabric.
Check price
Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine
$299.99The Maker to buy now: rotary blade support and faster cutting.
Check price
Cricut Maker 3 Digital Content Bundle
$342.05Still capable, with 30 images, if the price is right.
Check price
Brother ScanNCut DX SDX325 Cutting Machine
$899.99The quilter's alternative with a scanner and 140 quilt patterns.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
This comparison is drawn from published specifications, owner manuals and the consensus of verified owner reviews, not side-by-side testing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cricut Maker 4 better than the Maker 3?
It is faster, and that is the main improvement. Cricut says the Maker 4 cuts up to twice as fast as previous models on a machine mat, while both machines share Design Space, Smart Materials up to 12 ft and the Maker tool system. On current listings the Maker 4 also costs less than the Maker 3 bundle, which makes it the easier recommendation.
Do Maker 3 tools work with the Maker 4?
Both machines belong to the Maker family, which supports Cricut's rotary blade, knife blade and other Maker tools, and Cricut positions the Maker 4 within that same tool system. Before buying accessories for either, check the compatibility list on the tool's packaging or Cricut's help center, since some newer tools are listed for specific machines.
Can the Cricut Maker 4 cut fabric for quilting?
Yes. With the rotary blade and a FabricGrip mat, the Maker 4 cuts cotton and other fabrics without a backer. It cuts from a mat, so it suits applique shapes and custom pieces more than stacks of identical squares. For volume cutting, a die cutter such as the AccuQuilt GO! Big cuts up to 6 layers per pass.
Does the Cricut Maker 4 need a subscription?
No. Design Space is free on desktop and mobile, and you can upload your own designs. Cricut Access is an optional paid subscription that unlocks a much larger library of images, fonts and projects. Many crafters try the free library first and subscribe only during busy seasons, such as holiday gifting season, when they use ready-made designs heavily.
What is the difference between Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore?
The Maker line supports the rotary blade for unbacked fabric and the knife blade for thicker materials, while the Explore line does not. The Explore 5 cuts fabric only when it is bonded to a stabilizer, using the bonded-fabric blade. Sewists and quilters should choose a Maker; vinyl and paper crafters can save with an Explore.
Sources
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.