Cricut Alternative: 5 Cutting Machines Worth a Look

Last updated: October 2026

The closest Cricut alternative is the Silhouette CAMEO 5α (about $279.99, October 2026): a 12-inch cutter that runs on Silhouette Studio, which installs on your computer and is sold as free Basic software with one-time upgrades instead of a subscription. For smaller projects, the Silhouette Portrait 4 is the compact option, and the Brother ScanNCut is the alternative that works without a computer at all.

How we picked: compiled from manufacturer specifications, published prices and owner feedback patterns. We have not tested these machines ourselves. Our method.

Why people look for a Cricut alternative

Cricut machines are popular for good reasons, but a few of Cricut’s own published terms push some buyers to look elsewhere. Here is what Cricut itself says, not hearsay.

1. An account and internet connection are part of the setup. Cricut’s Terms of Use say that to register or use a Connected Device, you must have a compatible computer or mobile device “and a high-speed internet connection.” The same terms say you may be asked for account information to use the services.

2. Design Space is cloud-based. Cricut’s Design Space FAQ says it needs a high-speed broadband connection to download, install, sign in and use some search features. It describes Design Space as cloud-based so projects follow your account. There is an Offline feature on desktop and iOS, but the FAQ says Android does not have one, and you must be online first to save items for offline use.

3. No Chromebook support. The same FAQ says Design Space requires Windows or Mac and is not compatible with Chromebooks.

4. Features and content can change. Cricut’s Terms of Use state that “the Software and its features may change from time to time” and reserve the right to amend or remove digital content.

5. The content library is a subscription. Cricut says Design Space itself is free, but Cricut Access, which adds its large library of images, fonts and ready-made projects, is a subscription. Cricut’s Maker 5 page lists plans from $9.99 a month.

None of these are hidden. Some people are fine with them. If any of them is a dealbreaker for you, the machines below take a different approach.

Comparison table

Prices are each manufacturer’s own listed price in October 2026.

Machine	Price (Oct 2026)	Max cut width	Connection	Software model	Best for
Silhouette CAMEO 5α	about $279.99	12 in.	USB 2.0, Bluetooth	Silhouette Studio, installed; free Basic, one-time paid upgrades	Direct swap for a 12-inch Cricut
Silhouette CAMEO 5α Plus	about $399.99	14.6 in. cut width (15 in. material)	USB 2.0, Bluetooth	Silhouette Studio	Wider vinyl, signs, larger shirts
Silhouette Portrait 4	about $199.99	8.5 x 12 in. area	USB 2.0, Bluetooth	Silhouette Studio	Alternative to the Cricut Joy line
Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E	about $449.99	11.7 in. scanning width	Wireless; standalone	On-machine screen plus CanvasWorkspace	No computer, scanning drawings, quilting
Brother ScanNCut DX SDX85 bundle	about $385.99	Not stated on bundle page	Wireless; standalone	On-machine screen plus CanvasWorkspace	Lower-cost ScanNCut entry (bundle)

For reference, the Cricut machines on cricut.com in October 2026 were the Joy Xtra (about $149), Joy 2 (about $99), Maker 4 (about $329), Explore 5 (about $199, out of stock), Maker 5 (about $349, out of stock) and Venture (about $499).

Silhouette CAMEO 5α: the closest like-for-like swap

If you want a 12-inch machine that does the same core jobs as a Cricut Explore or Maker, this is the one to look at first.

Silhouette’s product page lists a 12-inch cut width, up to 16 feet of length with lined material, materials up to 3 mm thick, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth, and a dual-carriage design. It supports print and cut with a four-point registration mark system. In the box: a 12-inch standard tack mat, an AutoBlade, a sketch pen adapter, and with registration, 100 designs and a one-month Design Store subscription.

The software difference. Silhouette Studio is a desktop download for Windows and Mac. Silhouette describes its paid editions as “one-time upgrade options” with “no subscriptions required.” Basic is free. Designer Edition (about $39.99, October 2026) is needed to open SVG files, according to Silhouette’s FAQ. See Designer vs Basic for the full breakdown.

Matless cutting. The CAMEO 5 manual says standard-width media with a backing, like adhesive vinyl and heat transfer vinyl, can load without a mat. Cricut offers a similar idea with its Smart Materials line.

Who should pick it: Cricut owners or shoppers who want a full-size cutter and prefer installed software with a one-time cost.

Silhouette CAMEO 5α Plus: when 12 inches is not enough

Silhouette lists the 5α Plus at about $399.99 (October 2026). Its product page gives a 14.6-inch cut width, 15-inch material capacity, up to 16 feet in length, USB and Bluetooth, and a Cameo Plus mat in the box. Silhouette also says it has a Power Slide Lid that opens and closes automatically.

Who should pick it: people making signs or larger apparel graphics who keep running into the 12-inch limit. For comparison, Cricut lists 12-inch cut widths for the Maker 5 and Explore 5, and 11.5 to 11.7 inches for the Maker 4.

Silhouette Portrait 4: alternative to the Cricut Joy line

Silhouette lists the Portrait 4 at about $199.99 (October 2026). Its product page gives an 8.5 x 12 inch cutting area, up to 16 feet with a roll feeder, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth, matless cutting with 2 mm clearance, and automatic tool detection. A mat and AutoBlade 2 are in the box.

Compared with the Cricut Joy Xtra (about $149, 8.2 x 11.7 inches on a mat), the Portrait 4 costs more but adds a USB connection and the same installed Silhouette Studio software as the larger CAMEO.

Who should pick it: sticker makers and card crafters with limited space who want to avoid Design Space.

Brother ScanNCut: the no-computer alternative

Brother’s ScanNCut line takes a different approach from both Cricut and Silhouette. Brother says the ScanNCut DX SDX125E (about $449.99, October 2026) can create a project “right out of the box without using a computer or mobile device.” It has a 600 dpi built-in scanner with on-screen editing, cuts materials up to 3 mm thick, and includes 682 built-in designs, including 100 quilt patterns and 9 fonts. Brother’s free CanvasWorkspace software sends designs wirelessly when you want more control.

Brother also sells an SDX85 bundle (about $385.99, October 2026) that includes a rotary blade kit, an extra rotary blade, a 12 x 24 inch low tack mat, vinyl and iron-on samples and a bag. That bundle was listed as out of stock when we checked.

Who should pick it: quilters, people who want to scan hand drawings and cut them, and anyone who does not want to depend on a computer or phone app. Brother notes that wireless transfer from CanvasWorkspace needs an internet connection.

How to choose

You want a direct swap for a 12-inch Cricut: CAMEO 5α.
You need wider than 12 inches: CAMEO 5α Plus.
You want something small like a Cricut Joy: Portrait 4.
You want to work without a computer: Brother ScanNCut.

If you are still deciding between the two biggest brands, our Cricut vs Silhouette comparison goes deeper, and best cutting machine for beginners ranks the starter options by use case.

FAQ

Is Silhouette Studio really subscription-free? Silhouette says Basic is free and its paid editions are one-time upgrades with no subscription required. The Silhouette Design Store, where you can buy designs, has its own optional subscription.

Can I use my Cricut designs on a Silhouette? Silhouette’s FAQ says opening SVG files requires Designer Edition or above. If your files are SVGs you own, Designer Edition is the edition to plan for.

Does any Cricut alternative work on a Chromebook? Cricut’s FAQ says Design Space does not run on Chromebooks. Silhouette’s CAMEO 5 manual lists Windows and Mac as supported systems. Brother’s ScanNCut can work without a computer.

Is the Brother ScanNCut good for vinyl? Brother’s SDX85 bundle includes adhesive craft vinyl and iron-on samples, which shows Brother positions it for vinyl and iron-on as well as paper and fabric projects.