Cricut Explore 3 vs Maker 3: Which Machine Is Best for You?
Are you in a dilemma and unsure which one is better: Cricut Explore 3 vs Maker 3? You don’t have to worry about it, as I will clear all your doubts through this blog. Do you know both machines are robust and suitable in their own way? Yes, the Cricut Explore 3 might be fit for some, or for some, the Maker 3 could be their first preference.
But how do I decide if I want a Cricut Maker 3 or Explore 3? Well, that is what I am going to discuss in this blog. As a pro crafter, I have noticed many people need clarification about buying craft machines. And I understand their confusion because Cricut has many different models for its cutting machines.
Now, let’s delve into this blog together to learn more about the difference between the Cricut Explore 3 and Maker 3.
Cricut Explore 3 vs Maker 3: Performance
Regarding performance, I would say that Cricut Maker 3 is faster than the Explore 3. Maker 3 is considered the most powerful machine as it can cut more than 300 hundred materials, while Explore 3 is only limited to 100 materials.

During operations, I found both machines quiet and quick. Also, I noticed Explore 3’s cutting pressure is standard. It can easily cut materials up to a thickness of 2 mm. On the other hand, Cricut Maker 3 is ten times ahead in terms of pressure; hence, it can cut up to 2.4 mm in thickness.
Overall, the Cricut Maker 3 is a more powerful and versatile machine than the Explore 3. However, Explore 3 is a decent crafting machine that serves the basic needs of crafters.
Cricut Explore 3 vs Maker 3: Tool Compatibility
Okay, so let’s talk about tool compatibility. Tool compatibility means how compatible your tools are with the cutting machine. If you don’t know, Cricut Explore 3 and Maker 3 both work with 6 basic tools to meet your crafting needs. Below is the list of 6 tools compatible with Cricut Explore 3:
- Fine-Point Blade
- Pens & Markers
- Scoring Stylus
- Bonded-Fabric Tool
- Foil Transfer Tool
- Deep-Point Blade
Below is the list of 7 tools compatible with Cricut Maker 3:
- Rotary Blade
- Knife Blade
- Scoring Wheels (Single & Double)
- Engraving Tool
- Debossing Tool
- Wavy Blade
- Perforation Blade
All the tools mentioned above are designed to perform specific operations.
Cricut Explore 3 vs Maker 3: Adaptive Tool System

The incredible features, such as the adaptive tool system, are only available in the Cricut Maker 3 and not in Explore 3. This feature is unique to the Cricut Maker model. But why did Cricut add this unique feature to Maker models?
With these unique features, your Maker 3 can manage the location of the blade to the most optimal position for upcoming cuts by lifting and rotating the blade.
Thus, you get high-quality, precise cuts on intricate projects even when you are working on thicker materials. Cricut Explore 3 has Cut Smart Technology, which enables you to cut the materials by dragging the blade across it.
One more advantage of this Adaptive Tool System is that it makes the Cricut Maker 3 compatible with the QuickSwap Housing System, making it easy to swap the tools by snapping on the desired tip you want.
It also includes the single and double scoring wheel, debossing tip, wavy blade, engraving tip, and perforation blade.
Cricut Explore 3 vs Maker 3: Cutting Force and Materials
The cutting force in my Cricut Maker 3 is 10x compared to my Explore 3. This is the only difference that makes the Maker 3 cut more materials. On the other hand, the Cricut Explore 3 can cut more than 100 materials, including various types of lightweight & specialty materials.
However, Maker 3 can cut more than 300 materials, including basswood, leather, and matboard.
Final Words
That’s all in this blog. By now, you might have understood the basic difference between Cricut Explore 3 and Maker 3. They both vary in terms of operation, performance, and ability to cut a large amount of materials. However, when comparing both machines, Cricut Maker 3 is always one step ahead of Explore 3. Before making a purchase, you can also check the Cricut Maker 3 price or the Cricut Explore 3 price. Despite these, both are amazing machines that cut the material precisely.
FAQs
Question 1: Is Cricut Maker 3 better than Cricut Explore 3?
Answer: Although both of them are cutting machines and can cut materials such as vinyl, cardstock, and Infusible Ink. However, you can cut more materials on Cricut Maker 3 than on Explore 3. Also, Maker 3 cuts more materials and handles thicker materials. Since it is the robust machine in Cricut’s lineup, it is indeed better than Explore 3.
Question 2: Can I cut Smart Materials on Cricut Explore 3 and Maker 3?
Answer: Yes, you can! You can easily cut Smart Materials on Cricut Explore 3 and Maker 3 without a cutting mat. There are many benefits to using Smart Materials, as you don’t need to use the cutting mat, and hence, you can make larger projects quickly. Besides, Smart Materials include Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, and Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock.
Question 3: How many materials can I cut on Cricut Maker 3 and Explore 3?
Answer: Well, Explore 3 can cut materials up to 100, including cardstock, vinyl, and Smart Paper Sticker. Meanwhile, Maker 3 can cut over 300 materials, so Cricut Maker 3 can cut three times more materials than Explore 3. So, if you want to try different types of materials for your crafts, go with the Maker 3 cutting machine.
Read more: install cricut design space app
Source: Cricut Explore 3 vs Maker 3
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