Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
Outbyte Driver Updater · freeOne free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.
Scan My Drivers Free →ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Maker 3 comes down mainly to workflow: Maker 3 is the better default for most new buyers because it supports compatible matless Smart Materials, cuts up to 12 feet, and offers a faster Smart Materials workflow. The original Maker is the better value when it is substantially cheaper and your projects are mainly mat-based.
Both machines remain broad-purpose cutters for paper, vinyl, fabric, leather, and certain wood products, with the Maker tool ecosystem and documented support for 300+ materials. The central question is whether longer, faster, matless Smart Materials projects justify paying more for Maker 3.
Key takeaways
- Both Cricut Maker models cut 300+ materials and support the Maker tool ecosystem, including tools for fabric, thicker materials, scoring, debossing, and engraving.
- Cricut Maker 3 is designed for compatible Smart Materials to feed directly into the machine without a cutting mat.
- Cricut documents Maker 3 for Smart Materials cuts up to 12 feet, while the original Maker is documented for cuts up to 2 feet.
- Cricut says Maker 3 can cut compatible Smart Materials up to twice as fast as the original Maker when using Fast Mode; this is a manufacturer specification, not independent testing.
- The original Maker is still the better value when it is substantially cheaper and your projects are mainly mat-based.
What is the difference between Cricut Maker and Maker 3?
The main difference between Cricut Maker and Maker 3 is the material-feed workflow: Maker 3 is built for compatible Smart Materials that can be loaded without a mat, while the original Maker is intended to use a mat for those materials. Cricut describes the key differences as “speed, length, and Smart Materials compatibility for cutting without a machine mat” in its Maker 3 Quick Start Guide.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesMaker 3 is not a completely new cutting platform. Both machines belong to the Maker family, support two tool clamps, work with 13 tool categories, and are documented for cutting 300+ materials. The upgrade is most valuable for long vinyl or iron-on projects and repeated Smart Materials workflows, rather than for ordinary mat-based cutting.
#1 Best Overall
- BUNDLE INCLUDES – Cricut Maker 4, Fine-Point Blade, Materials Sampler (Smart Vinyl, Matless Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Matless Heat Transfer Vinyl, Cardstock, Transfer Tape), Fine Point Pen, Light Grip Mat, Weeder & 30 bonus images in Design Space app
- ENDLESS CREATION & PERSONALIZATION - Cricut Maker 4 works with 300+ materials, including leather, wood, vinyl, iron-on HTV, cardstock, stickers & more. This machine not only cuts, but it also draws, foils, scores, engraves, debosses, perforates, & more
- COMPATIBLE WITH INKJET PRINTER - Create full-color designs for stickers & more with the Print-Then-Cut feature, compatible with most inkjet printers
- NO DESIGN EXPERIENCE REQUIRED — Design Space is the easy-to-learn design software that connects to all Cricut cutting machines. Our free content library includes 3,000+ images and 100+ fonts. Add our optional Cricut Access Subscription* to unlock more
- BONUS DIGITAL CONTENT – Bundle includes 30 additional premium-quality images with purchase
| Decision factor | Original Cricut Maker | Cricut Maker 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | 300+ materials and the Maker tool ecosystem | 300+ materials and the Maker tool ecosystem |
| Matless Smart Materials | Not intended for matless Smart Materials use | Designed and tested for compatible Smart Materials without a mat |
| Maximum documented cut length | Up to 2 ft / 0.59 m | Up to 12 ft / 3.65 m with Smart Materials |
| Maximum material width | 12 in / 30.5 cm on a mat | 13 in / 33 cm for Smart Materials; 12 in / 30.5 cm on a mat |
| Speed | Fast Mode is available for some materials and settings | Up to 2X faster than the original Maker for Smart Materials, according to Cricut |
| Tool categories | 13 | 13 |
| Roll Holder | Not listed as compatible | Compatible and useful for roll management, but not required for rolls up to 75 ft |
| Best match | Mat-based projects and bargain buyers | New buyers, long designs, banners, signs, and repeated Smart Materials projects |
The machine specifications in this table come from Cricut’s official comparison chart, the Maker 3 product documentation, and Cricut’s original Maker Quick Start Guide.
Is Cricut Maker 3 worth it over the original Maker?
Cricut Maker 3 is worth the extra cost when you will regularly cut long designs, use compatible Smart Vinyl or Smart Iron-On, make banners and wall graphics, or repeat apparel projects. Maker 3 lets compatible Smart Materials feed continuously through the machine without dividing a long design across multiple mat-sized sections.
For a painter, the difference matters most when a project involves stencils, long lettering, masking designs, wall graphics, or repeated labels. Maker 3’s matless workflow can reduce setup for those jobs, but it does not make every material mat-free. Cardstock, ordinary vinyl, specialty media, and many other materials still require the appropriate mat and settings.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Cricut documents Maker 3 for Smart Materials cuts up to 12 feet in one pass. Cricut documents the original Maker for cuts up to 2 feet, making cut length the clearest practical difference for long projects. Cricut also says Maker 3 can cut Smart Materials up to 2X faster than the original Maker using Fast Mode; that claim is a Cricut specification rather than an independent speed test. See Cricut’s official Maker 3 support documentation for the stated limits and comparison.
Can the original Cricut Maker use Smart Materials?
The original Cricut Maker can use Smart Materials when the material is placed on a compatible machine mat, but Cricut does not intend the original Maker to use Smart Materials matlessly. Cricut states that Smart Materials are designed and tested for Maker 3 and later machines, and warns that using Smart Materials without a mat on previous-generation Maker machines can cause jams, reduce precision, or damage machine parts.
Cricut’s official guidance says, “Smart Materials have been rigorously tested to cut without a mat on Cricut Maker 3 machines.” Cricut’s 2021 Maker 3 announcement also says, “Smart Materials are not intended for use with previous-generation Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machines unless placed on a machine mat.” Read the complete Cricut Smart Materials guidance before attempting a matless project.
Rank #2
- COMPLETE CRICUT EXPLORE 5 KIT: Start crafting right out of the box with the Cricut Explore 5 cutting machine plus Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On (HTV), printable vinyl, cardstock, insert cards, and project inspiration. Create decals, labels, stickers, greeting cards, personalized gifts, and custom apparel without purchasing additional supplies. 30% more compact than previous models.
- CUTS 100+ MATERIALS WITH PRECISION: The Cricut Explore 5 smart cutting machine works with vinyl, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), cardstock, printable materials, paper, felt, and more. Create custom home decor, business products, apparel, scrapbook projects, stickers, and event decorations with clean, accurate cuts. Compatible with Cricut Smart Materials for continuous matless cuts up to 12 feet long. Easily make wall decals, signs, banners, labels, and bulk crafting projects while reducing setup time and material waste.
- RAINBOW ESSENTIALS BUNDLE: Make a wide variety of projects right out of the box and save even more! The Essential Bundle includes the all-new Cricut Explore 5 Cutting Machine as well as must-have tools and materials like Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets, and Printable Vinyl. In addition you will receive 6 Smart Vinyl Sheets (9.5" x 13"), 6 Smart Heat Transfer Vinyl Sheets (9.5" x 13"), and access to 400+ Projects and How-To's in Design Space.
- CREATE STICKERS, SHIRTS, CARDS & MORE: Make custom stickers, vinyl decals, labels, greeting cards, iron-on shirts, tote bags, party decorations, wedding projects, and personalized gifts. This all-in-one Cricut bundle provides the most popular materials needed for a wide variety of projects. Designed for first-time Cricut users and growing makers, this bundle makes setup simple and crafting approachable. A thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, Mother’s Day, graduation, weddings, or anyone starting a DIY journey.
- BEGINNER-FRIENDLY CRAFTING MACHINE: Bluetooth connectivity and Cricut Design Space provide an easy setup experience with guided project tutorials and templates. Ideal for first-time Cricut users, hobby crafters, teachers, and small business owners. With step-by-step design flows, customizable templates, AI-image generation, and a huge content library, it makes personalization feel effortless. Our free out-of-the box content library includes 3,000+ images, 100+ fonts, and 1,000+ projects to help get you started.
Does Maker 3 cut faster?
Maker 3 is rated by Cricut as up to 2X faster than the original Maker when cutting Smart Materials in Fast Mode. The speed advantage applies to the documented Smart Materials workflow, not automatically to every material, blade, design, or setting.
Cutting speed can still vary with the material, tool, pressure, design complexity, and whether the project uses a mat. Treat the 2X figure as a manufacturer comparison and not as a promise that every project will finish in half the time.
What stayed the same between Maker and Maker 3?
Both machines retain the broad Maker capability rather than splitting into different material families. Cricut documents both models for 300+ materials and 13 tool categories, covering cutting, writing, scoring, and decorative effects. Both can be used for paper, vinyl, fabric, leather, and certain wood products when the correct blade, settings, and material conditions are used.
The accessory requirements also remain important. Fabric projects may require a Rotary Blade, thicker materials may require a Knife Blade, and scoring, debossing, engraving, and perforating require compatible QuickSwap tools. Cricut’s blade and machine-tool documentation explains which tool categories support those tasks. Many advanced tools are sold separately.
| Project | Likely accessory or setup | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Paper, cardstock, and ordinary vinyl | Appropriate machine mat and Premium Fine-Point Blade | Both models |
| Fabric cutting | Rotary Blade and suitable FabricGrip or other appropriate mat setup | Both models |
| Thicker materials | Knife Blade, suitable material, and appropriate settings | Both models |
| Scoring, debossing, engraving, or perforating | Compatible QuickSwap tool | Both models |
| Long vinyl or iron-on designs | Compatible Smart Materials; a mat is not required on Maker 3 for the supported workflow | Maker 3 |
Who should buy Cricut Maker 3?
Buy the C ricut Maker 3 when the following description fits your projects:
Rank #3
- 12 IN (30.5 CM) CUTTING MACHINE: Cricut Explore 5 is the newest generation of our Cricut Explore machines — perfect for making a variety of projects like custom decals, personalized apparel, full-color stickers, cards, and so much more. You can even make in multiples! 30% more compact than previous models, Cricut Explore 5 features an aesthetic new look and simplified interface for a more intuitive experience – all with the same dependable 12 in (30.5 cm) cutting performance. Available in a brand-new Taupe color.
- COMPATIBILITY: Precision-cuts 100+ popular materials, including vinyl, iron-on, cardstock & printable materials, plus this machine writes, draws, foils, scores & cuts intricate designs with precision. Works with six tools, including Deep Cutting Tool (sold separately) for working with thicker materials like foam & rubber. Plus, it features a new hassle-free snap-in pen holder.
- BUNDLE & SAVE: Make a wide variety of projects right out of the box and save even more! The Essential Bundle includes must-have tools and materials like Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets, and Printable Vinyl. *Materials and accessories value based on comparable Cricut products sold separately. Bundle also includes 25 additional premium-quality images with purchase, plus 1 font.
- FULL-COLOR POSSIBILITIES: Print your design with your home inkjet printer, then your Cricut cutting machine automatically recognizes & precision-cuts around inkjet-printed images to create full-color stickers, decals, apparel & more.
- NO DESIGN EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Use your mobile or desktop device and connect through Bluetooth to Design Space, our free, easy-to-use app that helps you turn your ideas into something one of a kind. With step-by-step design flows, customizable templates, AI-image generation, and a huge content library, it makes personalization feel effortless. Our free out-of-the box content library includes 3,000+ images, 100+ fonts, and 1,000+ projects to help get you started. Additional content can always be purchased a la carte, or go all in with a Cricut Access Subscription to unlock our ever-growing library for a small reoccurring monthly or annual fee.
- You plan to cut long vinyl or iron-on designs.
- You want banners, signs, wall graphics, or other designs longer than a normal mat.
- You expect to repeat apparel, label, or stencil projects.
- You value loading compatible Smart Materials without a cutting mat.
- You are buying new and do not already own an original Maker or its accessories.
- You want the faster Smart Materials workflow and accept that the speed claim comes from Cricut.
The strongest case for Maker 3 is not that it is better at every type of cutting. Maker 3 is better for long, fast, Smart Materials-based workflows. For a first-time buyer who is undecided and the price difference is reasonable, Maker 3 is the safer default because it preserves the original Maker’s tool range while adding the newer feed workflow.
Who should buy the original Cricut Maker?
The original Maker is a sensible purchase when a legitimate new, refurbished, or used unit costs meaningfully less than Maker 3 and your projects will mostly use ordinary materials on mats.
Choose the original Maker when you already own Maker accessories, do not need matless cutting, mainly cut paper, cardstock, ordinary vinyl, fabric, or similar mat-based materials, and prefer lower total cost over longer cuts and faster Smart Materials projects.
A used Maker is not automatically a bargain. Compare the complete deal with a new Maker 3, including the machine’s condition, warranty, included tools and mats, machine history, seller reputation, shipping, returns, and the cost of replacing worn blades or missing accessories.
Recommended Free Tools
How much do Cricut Maker and Maker 3 cost to own?
The machine price is only part of the ownership cost. Depending on your projects, budget for cutting mats, Smart Vinyl or Smart Iron-On, replacement Premium Fine-Point Blades, a Rotary Blade, a Knife Blade, QuickSwap tools, pens, cardstock, transfer materials, and specialty media.
Rank #4
- DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE-This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account
- LET’S MAKE - Make more than you ever dreamed possible with Cricut Maker 3, the ultimate smart cutting machine. With the ability to cut more than 300 materials, and compatible with more than 13 tools to cut, score, write, deboss, engrave, and more.
- ACCESS TO BEGINNER’S GUIDES, EXPERT-LED COURSES and WORKSHOPS – Build the skills to create w/ confidence w/ the Learning Plan built into Design Space upon registering your machine. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started on day 1.
- EXTRA LONG, PRECISE CUTTING FOR LARGER PROJECTS – Cricut Smart Materials allow you to go bigger than ever before - cut a single image up to 12 ft (3.6 m), or repeated cuts up to 75 ft all without a mat in one go.
- DESIGN APP WITH ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES – Use with Cricut Design Space, our free app to kickstart and customize your projects. Design Space assists you through selecting your materials and utilizing the right tools. (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac)
Cricut’s original Maker guide lists LightGrip and FabricGrip mats in the original machine’s box, while the Maker 3 product page lists a Premium Fine-Point Blade and housing plus practice material. Bundle contents vary, so verify the exact listing rather than assuming a particular mat, blade, or tool is included.
Cricut’s comparison chart displayed a $399 MSRP and a $349 price for Maker 3 when the chart was crawled. That price is a dated snapshot, not a permanent current price. Check the current Cricut comparison chart and the specific retailer listing for today’s price, stock, warranty, shipping, returns, and bundle contents.
If you are comparing a discounted original Maker with a Maker 3, calculate the total purchase cost rather than comparing machine prices alone. A cheaper used machine may need a replacement blade, mats, or missing specialty tools; a Maker 3 bundle may include accessories that change the value calculation.
Do you need a mat with Cricut Maker 3?
You do not need a mat for Maker 3 when you use compatible Smart Materials in Cricut’s supported matless workflow. You still need a mat for many ordinary materials and project types, and “matless” does not mean that every vinyl, paper, fabric, or specialty material can be fed directly into Maker 3.
An optional Roll Holder is useful for frequent long-roll work because it helps manage and align the material. Cricut says Maker 3 can use Smart Materials rolls up to 75 feet without the holder, so the accessory is a convenience rather than a requirement for those rolls.
Best Value
- CRICUT MAKER 3 & DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE- This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 80 images & 12 fonts. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register & the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account
- LET’S MAKE - Make more than you ever dreamed possible with Cricut Maker 3, the ultimate smart cutting machine. With the ability to cut more than 300 materials, and compatible with more than 13 tools to cut, score, write, deboss, engrave, and more.
- EXTRA LONG, PRECISE CUTTING FOR LARGER PROJECTS – Cricut Smart Materials allow you to go bigger than ever before - cut a single image up to 12 ft (3.6 m), or repeated cuts up to 75 ft all without a mat in one go!
- ACCESS TO BEGINNER’S GUIDES, EXPERT-LED COURSES & WORKSHOPS – Build the skills to create w/ confidence w/ the Learning Plan built into Design Space upon registering your machine. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started on day 1.
- DESIGN APP WITH ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES – Use with Cricut Design Space, our free app to kickstart & customize your projects. Design Space assists you through selecting your materials & utilizing the right tools. (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac)
Which accessories matter for each machine?
Buy accessories according to the material and technique rather than the machine name. A Maker 3 still needs mats for many projects, while the original Maker still benefits from the same task-specific blades and tools when used with suitable materials.
- Smart Materials: Smart Vinyl and Smart Iron-On enable Maker 3’s headline matless workflow, but they are not a universal replacement for mats.
- Cutting mats: Mats remain relevant for the original Maker and for many Maker 3 projects. A 12 x 12 mat is useful for common mat-based work, while a FabricGrip mat is intended for suitable fabric projects.
- Rotary Blade: A task-specific choice for fabric projects.
- Knife Blade: A task-specific choice for thicker materials.
- QuickSwap tools: Useful for scoring, debossing, engraving, and perforation when the specific tool is compatible.
- Roll Holder: Worth considering if you frequently cut long Smart Materials rolls; it is not required simply to use a roll up to the documented length.
Maker vs. Maker 3: a simple buying decision
- Choose Maker 3 if long cuts, matless Smart Materials, or repeated vinyl and iron-on production are central to your work.
- Choose the original Maker if the discount is substantial and almost all projects will be cut on mats.
- Do not choose based only on material count. Both machines are documented for 300+ materials and 13 tool categories, so the original Maker does not give up the core Maker ecosystem.
- Compare the complete package. Include blades, mats, specialty tools, Smart Materials, warranty, seller reputation, and the condition of a used machine.
- Verify current availability. Cricut’s Maker-family pages can show changing model names, refurbished units, bundles, and stock status.
For most new buyers, the Cricut Maker 3 cutting machine is the better default choice because it combines the original Maker’s broad tool and material compatibility with longer, faster Smart Materials workflows. The original Maker remains the value choice when a reliable, substantially discounted unit will be used mainly for mat-based projects.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cricut Maker is best for beginners?
Cricut Maker 3 is generally better for beginners buying new because it retains the original Maker’s broad material and tool compatibility while adding a simpler matless workflow for compatible Smart Materials. The original Maker can be the better beginner value when it is substantially discounted and the beginner expects to make only mat-based projects.
Can the original Cricut Maker use Smart Materials?
The original Cricut Maker can use Smart Materials only when the materials are placed on a machine mat. Cricut does not intend previous-generation Maker machines to use Smart Materials without a mat because matless use can cause jams, compromise precision, or damage machine parts.
How long can Cricut Maker 3 cut compared with the original Maker?
Maker 3 is documented for compatible Smart Materials cuts up to 12 feet, while the original Maker is documented for cuts up to 2 feet. Maker 3 is therefore the better choice for long banners, signs, wall graphics, and continuous vinyl or iron-on designs.
Does Cricut Maker 3 really cut faster?
Cricut says Maker 3 can cut compatible Smart Materials up to 2X faster than the original Maker when using Fast Mode. The figure is a manufacturer specification for the documented Smart Materials comparison, not an independent test of every project.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe Bottom Line
Bottom line: Buy Cricut Maker 3 for compatible matless Smart Materials, cuts up to 12 feet, and faster repeated vinyl or iron-on workflows. Buy the original Cricut Maker when it is substantially cheaper, you already own Maker accessories, and your projects will mostly use ordinary materials on mats.
Quick Recap
