10 Best Cutting Machines 2025 in the United States

The Cricut Maker 4 is a versatile and robust smart cutting machine designed for a wide range of crafting and DIY projects. It offers an impressive cutting area, accommodating materials up to 13 inches wide, which is suitable for large and intricate designs. With a cutting force strong enough to handle over 300 different materials, it excels in cutting not only common crafting mediums like vinyl and cardstock but also more durable materials such as leather and matboard. This makes it a flexible tool for both beginner and advanced users.

The included Fine-Point Blade and additional accessories like the Light Grip Mat and Weeder Tool ensure you have everything needed to start your projects right away. The machine also features compatibility with inkjet printers for full-color sticker designs, adding to its creative potential. The Design Space app provides a user-friendly platform for project planning, boasting an extensive library of digital content and guided tutorials to help users maximize the machine's capabilities.

However, the machine’s relatively large size and weight (21.4 pounds) might be cumbersome for those with limited workspace. Additionally, while the Design Space app offers many features for free, accessing the full range of content and project templates requires a Cricut Access subscription, which is an added cost. The Cricut Maker 4 is highly recommended for crafters looking for a powerful, versatile machine with extensive material compatibility and robust software support. Its ease of use and comprehensive beginner’s guides make it approachable, though the size and subscription costs could be considerations for some users.

The Glowforge Pro HD is a powerful laser cutter and engraver with a strong 45-watt CO2 laser, making it capable of cutting and engraving a wide range of materials like wood, leather, metal, stone, and even chocolate. It can handle materials up to half an inch thick, which suits many creative and professional projects. One of its standout features is the passthrough slot that allows for continuous printing on longer materials, which is great for bigger projects. The built-in camera and autofocus help you see exactly how your design will be engraved, making the process more precise and user-friendly.

Since it operates automatically and includes software for design control, it is accessible to users who might not be very tech-savvy, though some learning is still needed. The machine is fairly large and heavy (129 pounds), meaning it requires a dedicated workspace. It also boasts good safety testing and a one-year warranty, which adds reassurance. While it works with many materials, very thick or heavy metals might be beyond its reach.

As a higher-end model, it may be an investment better suited for small businesses, serious hobbyists, or craftspeople rather than casual users. The Glowforge Pro HD provides strong cutting power, versatile material compatibility, and useful features that support detailed and extended projects, but it requires some space and a bit of a learning curve.

The Cricut Explore 4 is a versatile smart cutting machine ideal for crafters who want to work with a wide range of materials—over 100 types including vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and more. Its active cutting area is quite generous at 144 square inches, allowing you to handle big projects without constant repositioning. The machine supports automatic operation and comes with a strong cutting force, making it capable of precise and clean cuts on various materials. It also goes beyond just cutting by offering drawing, foiling, and scoring features, adding creative options to your projects.

This bundle stands out because it includes helpful extras like the EasyPress 3 heat press, a variety of mats, tools, pens, and material samplers, which means you can start crafting right away without needing to buy additional accessories. The EasyPress 3 is especially useful for applying heat transfers with professional-quality, long-lasting results.

The Cricut Design Space app is easy to use and guides you through selecting materials and tools, which is great if you’re new to cutting machines. It also supports the Print-Then-Cut feature with inkjet printers, adding flexibility for making colorful stickers and designs. The machine is somewhat heavy at over 30 pounds, which might be bulky for small crafting spaces or for frequently moving it around. While it is user-friendly, mastering the full potential of its software may take some time. Also, being mostly plastic, it might feel less durable compared to some heavier-duty cutting machines. The Cricut Explore 4 with the Engagement Plus Bundle is an excellent choice for hobbyists and small business owners who want an all-in-one setup for diverse crafting projects that include cutting, drawing, and heat pressing. Its combination of a large cutting area, strong cutting force, and comprehensive accessories provides a versatile option that balances ease of use with creative flexibility.