Cricut Maker 3 vs Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine
Buy the Maker 3 if you want the full Maker toolset for the least money. At $149.99 at eBay as of November 3, 2026, it costs about $229 less than the Maker 4 at $379.00 at Craft-e-Corner. Buy the Maker 4 only if you cut a lot of full-color stickers and want the built-in sticker sensor and the newest machine.
Today the Cricut Maker 3 costs $229.01 less at its best price.
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Cricut Maker 3
4.4Choose the Maker 3 if you want 13 tools, 300+ materials and the lowest price, and you don't need the sticker sensor.
- Lowest price by about $229
- Ships with blade, materials and an Access trial, so you can cut right away
- 13 tools and 300+ materials cover engraving, debossing and thick cutting
- Sold new at 5 stores, so it is easier to price-shop
What separates them
| Cricut Maker 3 | Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 at eBay as of November 3, 2026 | $379.00 at Craft-e-Corner as of November 3, 2026 |
| Stores selling it new | 5 stores | 2 stores |
| Sticker cutting | No built-in sticker sensor | Built-in sensor for precise full-color sticker cutting |
| Speed | Up to 2X faster than the original Maker | Up to 2X faster than the previous model |
| Tools | 13 tools, including Knife Blade for material up to 2.4 mm | 13 blades and tools |
| Materials | Over 300 materials | Wide range, including iron-on, vinyl, fabric, balsa wood and leather |
| In the box | Machine, Fine-Point Blade and housing, USB cable, power adapter, materials, Cricut Access trial | Machine only |
Price history
- Cricut Maker 3: lowest $149.99 on Nov 3 at eBay.
- Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine: lowest $665.99 on Nov 3 at eBay.
Prices at every store
Cricut Maker 3
- eBayNew
In stock
$149.99Free shippingObserved at 4:34 AM - Max Fuega™New
In stockReturn policy
$349.50Observed at 4:35 AM - ExoticBlanksNew
In stockReturn policy
$399.00Observed at 4:35 AM - Missouri Star Quilt CompanyNew
In stockReturn policy
$399.00Observed at 4:33 AM
Also available at
- Exotic BlanksCheck price at Exotic Blanks
Specs compared
| Spec | Cricut Maker 3 | Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible Material | Paper, Vinyl, Fabric, Leather, Metal | Leather, Metal |
| Cutter Type | Die-cut | Die-cut |
| Actual Color | Mist | — |
| color | Mist | — |
| size | 26.52 x 11.36 | — |
What reviewers say
Cricut Maker 3
Owners rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 1,629 ratings. Most praise its cutting power and material range; complaints center on the software and the cost of add-on tools.
- Cuts fabric, leather and thick cardstock cleanly
- Faster cutting than the original Maker
- Wide tool and material compatibility
- Design Space can be slow or confusing
- Extra blades and tools are expensive
- Learning curve for new users
Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine
Owners of the Maker line generally rate it highly for build quality and the breadth of materials it handles, and early Maker 4 users single out the faster cutting and sticker sensor. Complaints tend to focus on the price of accessories and the software rather than the hardware.
Questions and answers
- Is the Maker 4 worth the extra money over the Maker 3?
- Only if you cut a lot of full-color stickers. The Maker 4 adds a built-in sticker sensor, but both machines take 13 tools and cut up to 2X faster than earlier models. The Maker 3 costs about $229 less.
- Which is better for cutting vinyl and iron-on?
- Both handle vinyl and iron-on well, and both use the same 13-tool system. The Maker 3 is the cheaper way to do it.
- Which lasts longer?
- Neither maker publishes a lifespan figure. The Maker 4 is the newer machine, so it will likely get software support longer. The Maker 3 is a proven design with a large user base.
- Do I need a Cricut Access subscription?
- No. Both run on the free Design Space app. The Maker 3 includes a free trial for new subscribers, and the Maker 4 needs no subscription.
- What comes in the box?
- The Maker 3 includes the machine, a Fine-Point Blade and housing, a USB cable, a power adapter, materials and an Access trial. The Maker 4 listing includes the machine only.
- Which is better for engraving and debossing?
- Both support engraving and debossing with the 13-tool system. The Maker 3 also lists the Knife Blade for material up to 2.4 mm thick.
