10 Best Plotter Machines 2025 in the United States

The Cricut Maker 4 is a versatile smart cutting machine designed for a wide range of crafting projects. It supports over 300 materials, from common ones like vinyl and cardstock to more advanced materials such as leather and matboard, making it suitable for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts who want flexibility. While it doesn’t print directly, it pairs well with inkjet printers using Cricut’s Print-Then-Cut feature, allowing you to create colorful stickers and designs.

Although exact cutting resolution and speed figures are not provided, the machine’s automatic operation and large active surface area (about 270 sq in) allow for efficient handling of medium to large projects. Media handling is strong thanks to the included tools like the fine-point blade, light grip mat, and materials sampler, which help beginners get started easily. Connectivity is straightforward through the Cricut Design Space app, compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac devices, providing access to thousands of images and project templates. This software is beginner-friendly and includes learning resources to build your skills.

Maintenance is simple since the machine uses blades rather than ink cartridges, minimizing ongoing costs, though blades will need replacement over time. One downside is the machine’s plastic build and moderate weight (over 21 pounds), which may affect portability. It also requires a separate printer for full-color printing. The Cricut Maker 4 stands out as a multi-function plotter machine for creative users who want to cut, draw, engrave, and more, especially if they plan to use a printer alongside it.

The HP DesignJet T650 is a reliable 24-inch plotter designed especially for professionals like architects, engineers, and designers who need precise line drawings, posters, and maps. It delivers sharp print quality with a resolution up to 2400 x 1200 dpi, ensuring clear and accurate detail. The print speed is decent for its class, producing an A1-sized page in about 26 seconds, which translates to roughly 82 prints per hour—good for moderate workloads.

This machine handles media flexibly, supporting both large rolls up to 24 inches wide and sheets up to 13x19 inches, with an automatic sheet feeder and cutter that switch smoothly between roll and sheet printing. This saves time and reduces manual handling. Connectivity options include Ethernet, USB 2.0, and Wi-Fi, making it easy to print from various devices including smartphones and tablets via the HP Smart app. The printer uses HP’s original pigment and dye-based inks, which balance vibrant colors with durability. The included HP Click software simplifies printing by checking PDFs for errors and optimizing layouts to save ink and paper. Maintenance is also streamlined with a 2-year onsite warranty and remote support, plus HP’s claim of using significantly less ink for maintenance than competitors.

While the print speed is suitable for typical office or small business use, it may not meet the demands of very high-volume production environments. It supports only USB 2.0, which is slower compared to newer USB versions. The printer is print-only and does not scan or copy, which might be limiting if multifunction features are needed. The HP DesignJet T650 represents a cost-effective, user-friendly plotter that fits well for technical professionals or small to medium offices requiring high-quality, large-format prints without a huge volume demand. Its media versatility, good image quality, and solid support make it a practical choice, though very heavy users might seek faster models.

The Cricut Explore 4 is a versatile smart cutting machine designed mainly for crafting and DIY projects rather than traditional printing. It can handle over 100 different materials such as vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, cardstock, and stickers, making it ideal for users who want to create personalized items like labels, decals, or custom apparel. Instead of traditional print resolution and ink types, it excels in precise cutting and drawing using built-in tools like fine-point blades and pens.

The machine works seamlessly with Cricut's Design Space app, which is available on multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac), allowing you to customize designs and access a vast library of images and templates. Connectivity is straightforward with automatic operation. The device supports the Print-Then-Cut feature in combination with most inkjet printers, expanding creative possibilities with full-color sticker printing. Maintenance is user-friendly, with included starter tools and beginner guides built into the app to help new users get started confidently.

It is well-suited for hobbyists and small business users focused on craft cutting and design personalization. Extensive tutorials and workshops help users learn the software and tools effectively. The included material sampler and digital content bundle offer great starting value for creative projects.