Best Cheap Vinyl Cutters

1. Cricut Joy

The Cricut Joy is a recent addition to the market of vinyl cutters, and it just might blow you away.

It’s perfect for small projects like cardmaking, keeping it simple and quick and easy to take on the go. The machine itself weighs no more than 4 pounds, and you’re sure to get plenty of joy out of its ability to cut wirelessly.

The best part is the price — so low that it makes it one of the most appealing cutters out there, just the thing for anyone on a tight budget.

Don’t let it’s cost fool you: it’s not just cheap, it’s ahead of its time. This model boasts innovations such as matless cutting and compatability with Smart Materials that keep it fresh and modern.

2. Cricut Explore Air 2

It may come before the more recent Cricut Maker release, the Explore Air 2 is a Although Cricut have recently released their amazing Maker machine, the Explore Air 2 still holds its own as one of the best.

Great pricing for under $300 as well as plenty of sales and discounts that can be found elsewhere to give you the best deal possible.

3. Brother ScanNCut 2

The ScanNCut 2 may be a more expensive choice, but that doesn’t stop it from being loved and appreciated for its desktop machine qualities and high value.

Due to the built-in 300 DPI scanner, many crafters find themselves choosing this model when they want to do extensive print work then cut work.

4. Cricut Explore Air

Don’t let the fact that this is an older model fool you. It offers a cheap but quality option that keep the Explore Air a strong contendor.

Because it’s been around for a while, you can find great deals second-hand, perfect for anyone who’s on a tight budget. Just remember that the reliability of the machine may reflect the cheaper cost.

Here are some highlights and possible lowlights of this classic machine.

5. Silhouette Cameo 3

The Silhouette’s Cameo 3 was a major rival of the Cricut Explore Air 2 until the new Cameo 4 was released. An upgrade from the Cameo 2, the cheaper price than the 4 makes up for the fact that it’s not quite as powerful. If you like the Sillhouette models, you will not be disappointed!

For this model Amazon is your best bet to find a good deal. Most top retailers only carry the more recent Cameo 4 model, but you won’t find the prices you will second-hand!

6. Sizzix Big Shot

The Sizzix Big Shot has gained enough popularity it could almost be deemed a cult among the craft cutting world, and when you take a look at this machine you can see why.

This machine is like a diamond in the rough for small projects such as cards and stickers, which is perfect since it can only cut up to 6″ wide. This is the true definition of a budget vinyl cutter, but gives you both cutting and emobssing options making it a steal.

The unique factor of this machine is that it doesn’t operate electronically, but rather with a crank. Yep, that’s right, a crank — so if you don’t mind some maual labor the Big Shot is the ideal machine for you!

7. Sizzix Eclips 2

Although the Big Shot is seen as the number one cheap vinyl cutter for most, we recommend a careful considerion of the Eclips 2 and all it has to offer as well.

This machine was designed to rival the Silhouette Cameo and Cricut Explore, and does run electrically. We’re wouldn’t consider it better than those two modles, but many fans are dedicated to the Eclips 2.

It is hard to find this model, however. We’ve spotted some in local craft stores, but Amazon is probably going to be your best bet.

8. Silhouette Portrait 2

We bring you back to the Silhouette once again. The Portrait 2 is one of the premium budget vinyl cutters on the market.

Similar to the Big Shot, this is an ideal machine for beginners or small craft makers thanks to its low price point, general operation, and simple software.

The Portrait 2 is the recent release that succeeds the original, very popular, Portrait machine. This makes it easier to find and gives you more options for shopping online or in stores.

9. Cricut Cuttlebug

The Cricut Cuttlebug bears a strong similarity to the Sizzix Big Shot above, and just like the one we saw earlier, is operatted by a crank. But the best feature of all is that it’s extremely cheap.

For a manual cutting machine, it has a strong and passionate following. Maybe that’s due to its versatility, as well as the fact that it’s a perfect pick for anyone who wants to get into the crafting world without breaking the bank.

10. USCutter Vinyl Cutter MH 34in

The USCutter is an inexpensive option that allows you to tackle large projects, perfect if you’re considering or interested in using your machine for commercial as well as personal use.

Because of its capacity to print sizeable items such as posters and banners, it comes on its own stand, ready to be set up in an unobtrusive corner or at the end of a table.