Are you trying to find a cheap vinyl cutter machine? We have a handy guide for you on the best vinyl cutter for under $300.
Vinyl cutters are fabulous machines guys! They truly make craft-life so much easier. I understand though that it can be an expensive hobby.
You need a machine, then you need tools, then you need materials and also products to adhere your designs too.
So when you make the decision to scout out cheap cutters, it is so that you can stretch your funds to purchase all those additional supplies too. Great thinking!
Fortunately, some of our favorite cutters are under $300 - so there is a win!
In actual fact you can pick up a cheap desktop vinyl cutter for around $200, but if you invest $300 you can get one of the latest releases.
Keep reading for reviews of the best budget vinyl cutters costing under $300 and a comprehensive buyer’s guide.
Cheap Vinyl Cutter Machine Reviews
So what is the best vinyl cutter for under $300? Here are some reviews to help you decide.
I will outline the top features, the pros and cons of each in detailed reviews, which should help you choose the best cheap vinyl cutter 2023 has on offer.
1. Silhouette CAMEO 4 Review
The Cameo 4 is Silhouette’s latest cutting machine. It was released in September 2019 and boy are we excited by the under $300 price for this brand new cutter!
This dual-carriage machine is Silhouette’s top die cutter yet it’s affordable.
It can work with a range of materials and connect with the most popular operating systems. If you need a potent DIY machine, this might be it.
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is a desktop vinyl cutter made for serious enthusiasts. It is a fabulous cutter for home crafters, but it is also a great option for small business who are starting out.
It offers a wide range of possibilities. Compatible materials include cardstock, fabric, vinyl, and most types of paper. The maximum supported sizes are up to 12” wide and 150 feet long.
The Cameo 4 features high-quality cutting blades with auto speed and depth.
The maximum cutting depth is 3mm, which is standard at this price range. This a dual-carriage cutter which means it can perform two different operations in parallel.
You can connect the Cameo 4 to all currently supported versions of Windows and Mac OS. Additionally, you can use Bluetooth to hook it up to your smartphone or tablet.
It also has support for Silhouette Cloud, which can be great collaborative teams. Other supported technologies include PixScan and Print & Scan.
Pros
- Dual-carriage
- PC and Mac compatible
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 3mm cutting depth
- Speedy
Cons
- Not the most elegant in looks
>>> Grab more info on the cutter in our Cameo 4 review post or click the button below to check the price.
2. Cricut Explore 3 Review
The Cricut Explore 3 is arguably the world’s most popular vinyl cutter. It retails for $299.99 however often there are flash sales on Cricut and you can get it for a little less.
It offers standard connectivity options, dual-carriage construction, adjustable blades, and a highly competent design software.
Like its predecessor, the Explore Air 2, the Explore 3 is a safe choice that you can’t go wrong with. Here are some of the reasons why.
The Cricut Explore 3 is an easy-to-use affordable vinyl cutter. While vinyl is the primary material, the Explore 3 can work with faux-leather, specialty paper, adhesive foils, cardstock, iron-on vinyl, specialty vinyl colors, and poster board.
In terms of size, this cutter can cut without the use of a mat up to a maximum of 13" x 12 foot when working with Smart Materials.
When cutting materials other than Smart Materials the Explore 3 can use the 12" x 12" cutting mats (StandardGrip, LightGrip and StrongGrip), which is on par with the majority of similar models.
You can use this cutter for vinyl stickers, greeting cards, custom home décor, as well as custom-printed t-shirts and baseball caps.
The Explore 3 is a dual-carriage model and it can perform two actions simultaneously. You can combine between cutting, writing, and scoring any way you like.
It also cuts twice as fast as the previous model, the Explore Air 2.
The cutting blades are made of German carbide and the machine has an intuitive control panel which means you manually select your material using the material selection in Cricut Design Space software. This provides a lot more choice and options for material settings.
In the compatibility and connectivity section, the Explorer 3 lets you connect to Windows and Mac computers. Bluetooth allows it to hook up with iOS and Android devices.
The Design Space design software lets you create your own designs.
Pros
- Dual-carriage
- Works with various materials
- Win, Mac, iOS, and Android compatible
- 12 x 12” cutting mat required when not using Smart Materials
- 13" x 12 foot cutting capacity when using Smart Materials
- Matless cutting when using Smart Materials
Cons
- Noisy
- Limitations with the Cricut Design Space Software and App
>>> See our informative full review of the Explore 3, check out the great Explore 3 bundle deals, or click the button below to check the price.
3. Cricut Joy Xtra Review
The Cricut Joy Xtra is one of the cheapest electronic cutting machines - you can often pick it up for under $200. This machine is super cute and truly portable.
The cutter is perfect for cutting smaller items such as labels and also has the ability to write, draw, foil and make stickers as well.
I love using this machine for all my handmade cards and sticker creations!
This cutter can cut 50+ materials, including iron-on, cardstock, vinyl, paper, and Smart Materials™.
It has the ability to cut super-long cuts without a cutting mat which is pretty cool! It cuts individual shapes up to 4 ft long or makes repeated cuts up to 20 ft long.
It is a great little cutter!
Pros
- Can Cut up to 20ft Long
- Easy to Use
- Can Cut, Write, Draw, Foil, create Stickers
- Electronic
- Small and Lightweight
Cons
- Can only cut up to 8.5" in width with Smart Materials or 8.2" using a mat
- Can only cut around 50 different types of material
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
4. Silhouette Portrait 3 Review
The Silhouette Portrait 3, the long-awaited update to the very popular original Portrait, came out in 2020. If you are after a cheap Cricut machine (around $200), then this is it.
It is a compact and lightweight machine with excellent connectivity and multitasking abilities.
If you’re looking for a cheap vinyl cutting machine that can hold its own against expensive heavy-duty machines, you may not have to look any further.
The relatively compact and highly portable Portrait 3 measures 18 (W) x 8 (D) x 9” (H) and weighs 3.5 lbs. This cutter is perfect for cutting materials up to 8 inches wide and up to 60 feet long.
The Portrait 3 excels in connectivity options. It can work with all the currently supported versions of Windows and Mac OS.
Additionally, you can connect it to iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth and control the cutting process remotely. You can also connect it to your Silhouette Cloud account as one of your 5 devices.
In terms of materials, Portrait 3 can work with paper, transparencies, vellum, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, magnet paper, and heat transfer material.
Pros
- Versatile
- Relatively affordable
- Wireless connection
- PC and Mac compatible
Cons
- Can only cut up to 8" in width
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
5. Sizzix 9” Big Shot Plus Review
The Sizzix Big Shot Plus is the beefed-up version of the Big Shot, Sizzix’s wildly popular small vinyl cutter.
It can do everything the standard Bigshot (which comes in multiple sizes) can, only that it has a bigger 3” opening. It is for cutting and embossing projects and Sizzix markets it as a hobby and small business model.
The Sizzix Big Shot Plus is based on… take a guess, the Sizzix Big Shot. The two look very much alike and they come in multiple sizes. This particular Big Shot Plus has a 9” opening.
Despite the larger size than the standard 6” model, the Big Shot Plus can easily fit any desktop. It is compact and portable, perfect for those who work in more than one location.
This cutter measures 15-3/4” (W) x 11-3/4” (D) x 7-1/2” (H) and around 16 lbs.
The Big Shot Plus is a manual vinyl cutter, which you might expect at this price. It has an ergonomic handle wrapped in a comfortable rubber grip.
The improved design is more ergonomic, which puts less stress on your hands and wrists.
This cutter can work with the entire Sizzix library, including Thinlits, Bigz, Textured Impressions, Framelits, Impresslits Embossing Folders, and Texture Fades.
Only the Bigz Pro dies are out of its reach. You can also cut and emboss multiple small dies simultaneously.
The machine is made up of ABS plastic housing, solid steel gears, unibody cast roller housing, and solid-core steel rollers.
The package includes the machine, adapter A, adapter B, platform, and two cutting pads.
The standard warranty on this model is 1 year, though you can extend it to 3 years if you register your cutter on the manufacturer’s official site (assuming you bought from an authorized dealer).
Pros
- 9” opening
- Cuts and embosses
- Sturdy
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Can get tiring in extended use
>>> Read through our detailed Sizzix Big Shot Plus review or click the button below to check the price.
6. Brother CM350 Electronic Cutting Machine Review
The Brother CM350 is a budget cutting machine that perhaps outside of its price range. With this cutter, you’ll also be able to scan and edit your designs. What’s more, it can work in standalone mode if need be.
First of all, this electronic cutting machine is jam-packed with modern features. The high-resolution 4.85” touch LCD display is the centerpiece, not the least because you can’t miss it.
You can use the LCD to create and edit your design with the help of the built-in ScanNCut 2 application. This is especially handy if you don’t have your computer around.
The Brother CM350 can also double as a scanner – and a good one at that, which is near impossible to find at this price range.
The maximum width is 12” and the included cutting mat is 12 x 12”, which you can upgrade to a 12 x 24” cutting mat if needed.
This cutter is compatible with Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10. It is also wireless-ready for use with the ScanNCut Online app and ScanNCutCanvas.
The former is an online transfer app while the latter is a cloud-based storage app. There is no support for Mac or Linux.
Pros
- Doubles as a scanner
- 85” touch LCD display
- ScanNCut onboard, online, and cloud apps
- Wireless ready
- Works in standalone mode
Cons
- The app isn’t the easiest to use on the machine itself and doesn’t support Apple devices
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
7. Gemini by Crafter’s Companion Review
Crater’s Companion makes two versions of the well-known Gemini die cut machine – the Gemini and the Gemini Junior.
The standard Gemini is the topic of this discussion. It is a die cut machine so it can both cut and emboss.
The Gemini by Crafter’s Companion is ideal for hobbyist cutting and embossing projects.
It is compact and lightweight and not intended for heavy-duty commercial use. The Gemini weighs around 15 lbs., which gives it just enough heft to not move around when it’s working hard.
Make no mistake about it. This machine works fast at a 16-second pass-through at A4 or letter size.
This is impressive considering the fact that it is a made for casual and light commercial use. Needless to say, the much smaller Gemini Junior is going to be much faster, i.e. 10 seconds for a pass-through.
This cutting and embossing machine is compatible with the majority of embossing folders out there.
Also, it can work with a wide range of materials, including vinyl, fabric, foil, cardstock, and paper. It works with thin metal dies and has a decent pressure for a hobby machine.
The highly responsive control buttons are one of the highlights of this model. They include start/stop, pause, and reverse. With them, you won’t have to do things manually anymore.
The cutting mat is 8.5 x 11” and can cut edge to edge A4 and letter-size formats.
The package also includes two clear cutting platforms, a metal cutting platform, plastic and magnetic shims, rubber embossing mat, several Gemini dies, multimedia die, 3D folder, user guide, and power cable.
Pros
- Auto feed
- Physical control buttons
- Plenty of accessories
- Versatile
Cons
- Not wireless
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
8. VEVOR Vinyl Cutter 28" Review
The Vevor 28" Cutter is aimed at dedicated vinyl cutting businesses. We won't recommend this one if you only enjoy vinyl crafting as a hobby.
The cutter comes with a stand, which is great if you are limited in desktop space. It is pretty speedy and has a cutting range from 10-800 mm/s.
The large LCD screen makes it easy to read stats, and the large buttons make it easy to set your desired speed and force. Talking about force, this cutter plotter has a cutting pressure of 10-500g.
It comes with two fully-adjustable pinch-rollers. It has a max paper feed of 28.3" and a large cutting width of 24.8".
Pros
- Improved cutting speed and efficiency
- Large 24.8" cutting width
- Comes with a stand
- Roland compatible blade holder
Cons
- No Bluetooth Functionality
- Doesn't work with Mac
>>> TIP: Purchase direct with Vevor, register on their site, and pick up the cutter for under $300.
9. Silhouette Curio Review
The Curio by Silhouette is a versatile and small vinyl cutter machine. It is among the cheapest options on the market and a great option for hobbyists.
Aside from cutting vinyl, this cheap vinyl cutter machine can do many other things.
The Silhouette Curio is a compact machine made for desktop use. It is lightweight and has a small footprint.
This modern cutter can cut thicker materials than its predecessors up to a maximum media thickness of 2mm. It also has an 8.5 x 6” base. However, you can buy the 8.5 x 12” mat separately if you have bigger projects.
The deep cut tungsten alloy blade is one of the highlights.
This highly popular little cutter can also perform stippling, sketching, etching, printing, and embossing duties, making it one of the most versatile affordable cutters.
As you might suspect, don’t expect commercial-grade quality from the Curio as it is made strictly as a hobby machine.
The Curio uses a dual head carriage, meaning it can do two things at once. For example, you can cut and score at the same time. Additionally, its cutting force of 210g is significantly lower than the other Silhouette vinyl cutters.
In terms of compatibility, you can connect this cutter to both PC and Mac via the included USB port. It uses Silhouette’s proprietary Silhouette Studio program and pulls resources from Silhouette’s own Design Store.
It is easy to control and operate and equally easy to maintain.
Additionally, you can count on Silhouette’s excellent customer support and the large tight-knit community of Silhouette users whenever a problem arises.
The package contains the cutting mat, embossing tips, USB cable, AC adapter, and installation CD with the app.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Versatile
- Strong cutting blade
- Windows and Mac OS compatible
Cons
- Strictly for hobby use
>>> Read our Curio review post, or click the button below to check the price.
Buyer’s Guide on How to Find the Best Vinyl Cutter Under $300
When shopping for a cheap vinyl machine, you should take some things into consideration.
First, consider the type of motor the cutter’s equipped with. After that, you should look into compatibility and connectivity options.
Besides that, the compatible materials are a given – everyone knows how important that is.
You should also consider other features, such as tracking precision, material size, speed and pressure adjust-ability, and noise levels.
Finally, you might as well look into the warranty and customer support quality.
Just because you are chasing cheap vinyl cutters, doesn't mean that you need to buy 'crap'. So here are some guidelines for you to follow.
1. Type of Driver Motor
There are two main types of driver motors used in vinyl cutter machines – stepper and servo motors. Let’s take a closer look at each option.
Stepper motors are affordable. They’re less sophisticated and precise than servo motors. Instead of smooth gliding, they move in small steps – thus the name.
If you’re working on small designs, a stepper driver might not be able to cut with perfectly smooth edges.
They’re mechanical in nature and quite a bit noisier. Think of the dot matrix printer – about the same kind of noise.
If you can only afford to purchase a cheap vinyl cutter, then you will most likely have to settle for a stepper driver - and then just expect to have a bit of noise as it cuts.
Servo motors are driven by digital encoders that translate the commands sent by software. They offer smooth and relatively quiet operation.
Also, they’re far more precise than stepper motors, allowing you to create complex shapes and work with fine details.
However, they can be significantly more expensive so you might not find them in cheap machines.
If you can raise your budget a bit and prefer to get a machine with a servo motor, you should hop over to our vinyl cutter reviews here.
2. Compatibility and Connectivity
Digital cutters can work with a wide range of devices, and some of the more expensive models can also work on their own.
If you’re shopping for a budget cutter, you can assume that they all support the latest Windows operating systems.
Think of it this way. If you’re a manufacturer, you can’t sell a lot of products if you don’t support Windows, though many of them support Mac OS X as well.
Decide if you want to go wireless or strictly wired. Bluetooth receivers are the most common option.
They’re mostly used to connect the cutter to online design apps, cloud-based storages, and or design stores.
You can connect Bluetooth-enable machines to iOS and Android devices. This is helpful for whenever you can’t access your computer.
3. Type of Material
While all models can cut vinyl, they can work with other materials as well, including various types of paper, such as drawing paper, cardstock, postcards, Kent paper, scrap paper, and inkjet photo.
In addition, a large number of cutters are also able to handle fabric and clothing. Some models can work with faux leather, genuine leather, and even wood. So think about what other materials you’d like to work with.
4. Tracking Precision
If you plan on working on highly detailed projects, you’ll need a cutter with high tracking precision.
Those with digitally driven servo drivers can have up to 10 times better tracking than those with standard stepper drivers (but again will probably cost you more than $300).
The quality of the built-in software also plays a role in tracking precision.
The more comprehensive apps will let you iron out minor imperfections in your design for superior tracking precision over uneven surfaces.
5. Project Size
Vinyl cutters vary in size and capacity. Desktop models typically feature 6 to 12” opening and 12” cutters are most often equipped with cutting mats of 12 x 12” to 12 x 24”. They are great for smaller projects and light workloads.
On the other hand, commercial use cutters can go over 100”. With them, you can take on the biggest and the most demanding tasks.
By commercial use, we mean production quality. That’s if you’re producing products for sale.
You may not need a commercial cutter for other business uses. If you run a design agency or print shop, for example, any of our recommended machines may serve your needs.
6. Adjustable Pressure and Speed
The pressure determines the type the thickness of compatible media. You may find 500 to 800 grams of pressure to be enough as found in most budget machines.
The more sophisticated models can adjust the pressure on their own to fit various materials and thicknesses.
You might have to take the cutting speed into account as well. Commercial machines are swift and have variable speeds.
Almost all models can adjust speed automatically, but some of them may also let you set your own speed.
7. Noise
Vinyl cutters are not quiet machines by any stretch. However, there are significant differences in noise levels. The mechanical gear on those with stepper drivers tends to be pretty loud.
On the other hand, those with digital servo motors are considerably quieter. They also tend to be more expensive and harder to operate due to the installed software.
8. Warranty and Customer Support
Finally, you may want to take the warranty and customer support into consideration before making the final decision. You might find US companies to offer the best customer support overall.
The warranty is a bit more subjective. If you’re like many Americans, you might look at a machine breaking down as an excuse to buy a new one.
In any event, the standard warranty is 12 months. These are mechanical devices so most manufacturers are not going to offer very long warranties.
Some may extend the warranty if you register your cutter on their official site. That alone is controversial as well and many people don’t bother. It might seem free but it’s not.
You’re going to have to provide your personal data and guess what they’re going to do with it? Facebook anybody?
Final Verdict
So, is there such a thing as the very best vinyl cutter machines under $300? Not really. It’s better to break them down.
For one, the Sizzix Big Shot Plus is the best option if you’re looking for a manual cutter. It’s sturdy, portable, and capable of cutting and embossing. It is also the cheapest vinyl cutter on our list.
But if you need a quality digital cutter with good compatibility, the Silhouette Cameo 4 is perhaps your best bet. It is a dual-carriage model with PC and Mac compatibility. It is way more than just a vinyl cutter, so it is brilliant for those who enjoy a wide range of DIY projects.
Now that you have found a new budget cutting machine for your home, why not hop over to our craft blog section.
We have loads of tutorials, project examples as well as step-by-step posts to help you get started. You can also grab some steps on how to use your new cutter on WikiHow here.
