7 Best Vinyl Sticker Machines

1. Silhouette America Curio Cutter | Best Budget

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The Best Budget pick goes to the Silhouette America Curio Crafter. It’s one of the more popular machines for working with vinyl stickers, decals, and much more.

• Best feature 1: Cuts vinyl, paper, and many other materials with ease
• Best feature 2: Leading Silhouette Studio 4 design software
• Plus points: Dual carriage, 5mm clearance, 4 unique functions, exceptional value
• Minus points: Small base, no auto-blade, no Bluetooth, learning curve

Compatible Materials: Vinyl, paper (including specialty papers), iron-on heat transfer, cardstock, vellum, sticker paper, and an impressive range of specialty materials.

Silhouette America Curio Highlights

Silhouette America’s Curio has a compact design that fits easily onto most worktops. The 5.5lb weight keeps the machine steady as it performs its magic. The durable sintered tungsten alloy deep-cut blade can cut materials up to 2mm (optional). Another standout feature is the dedicated online Silhouette Studio 4 software and design store. It’s one of the best design/editing programs around.

The Curio connects to any regular PC or Mac computer with a USB cable and the included software. This machine boasts four unique functions, i.e., etching, stippling, embossing, and debossing. The instruction book is not the most ‘beginner-friendly’ of manuals. However, there are a plethora of online video tutorials that offer excellent guidance for new users.

In the box of a new Silhouette America Curio:

• 1 x regular base removable platform
• 1 x embossing mat
• 1 x cutting mat
• 1 x standard cutting blade
• 1 x wide embossing tool
• 1 x fine embossing tool

There are optional accessories if you need to expand your kit. They include a larger base, bigger mats, a deep-cut blade, sketch pens, and a stippling/etching tool.

The Not So Good

The restricted cutting size is sure to be a deal-breaker for those who need more. The standard base only has a 6 x 8.5” cutting area. You can always upgrade to the larger 8.5 x 12” base if you need to. Silhouette America’s Curio Cutter is also missing an auto-blade and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s an impressive machine overall, but some novice users may find its learning curve a challenge.

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2. Cricut Explore Air 2 Mint Sticker Machine | Best Value

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Cricut Explore Air 2 Mint Sticker Machine gets the Best Value slot. It has seemingly unlimited uses but with a single purpose. That is, to bring your beautiful artwork into the real-world.

• Best feature 1: Cuts premium vinyl and 100+ other materials
• Best feature 2: Endless project opportunities
• Plus points: Easy to use basic functions, app control, fast & quiet, precise cutting, value
• Minus points: No WiFi, learning curve for advanced features, vague instructions

Compatible Materials (100+): Premium vinyl, HTV iron-on vinyl, specialty paper, cardstock poster board, adhesive foils, faux leather, and much more.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Mint Machine Highlights

Cricut’s Explore Air 2 Mint is a competent cutter that’s quiet, fast, and ultra-precise. It takes minutes to set up and is easy to use at the basic level. The machine serves three purposes, i.e., cuts, writes, and scores. It uses the Cricut premium fine point blade with protective housing. The cutting area with a standard mat is 12 x 12”. Designers on-the-go can work anywhere using the Design Space app.

The Design Space software is available for iOS and Android OS, plus Windows and Mac computers. New users should watch the superb online tutorials available on video sharing sites like YouTube.

In the box of a new Cricut Explore Air 2:

• Cricut Design Space app & software
• Over 50 free projects
• Over 100 free images
• 1 x German carbide premium blade
• 1 x USB and power cord
• 1 x accessory adapter
• Getting Started guide
• Pen & cardstock sample project
• Cricut 12″ x 12″ StandardGrip cutting mat

The Not So Good

This cutting machine is easy to grasp at a basic level. However, some users may find its learning curve a tad steep with more complex multicolor projects. The online instructions are vague too. Explore Air 2 has wireless capability, but only via Bluetooth, not WiFi. That restricts the range when you want to cut wirelessly. It’s unlikely to be a deal-breaker but needs pointing out nonetheless.

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3. Cricut Maker Champagne Vinyl Cutter | Top Pick

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Another Cricut product makes the first three. The Top Pick here goes to the Cricut Maker, Champagne Vinyl Cutter. It’s a bestselling product and rates highly among those who own one.

• Best feature 1: 2x fast mode for cutting vinyl and paper
• Best feature 2: Rotary blade cuts through most fabrics
• Plus points: Future-proof cutter, Knife blade, wireless cutting, integrated iPhone mount
• Minus points: Price, slower cutting with specialty blades, best accessories not included

Compatible Materials: Vinyl decals, iron-on, paper crafts, leather crafts, sewing projects, balsa models leather crafts, and balsa models. The new rotary blade also cuts through most fabrics.

Cricut Maker Champagne Cutter Highlights

Cricut has thought carefully about the design of this cutter. The attention to detail makes a big difference when it comes to user experience. It designed the machine for tablet and smartphone use with a secure ledge on the top to set mobile devices. There’s also a charging port on the right side. That means you can charge your tablet or phone directly from the Cricut Maker.

Standout Features

Cricut’s Maker stands out for lots of reasons. It offers much more cutting pressure than the Air. The versatile rotary blade is ideal for vinyl and other tricky materials. Other options are a knife blade, a fine point blade, a deep-point blade, and a bonded fabric blade. The cutting area potential is 12 x 24,” and the clearance is 2.4mm. It also boasts an Adaptive Tool System that future-proofs the machine.

The offline Design Space software mode is another welcome feature that’s accessible via the app. And the built-in Bluetooth offers the convenience of wireless cutting. This model also gives you access to 100s of digital sewing designs. It’s an exceptional machine with an outstanding reputation. It’s perfect for serious hobbyists or folks who are ready to do business out of their pastime.

In the box of a new Cricut Maker Champagne cutter machine:

• 1 x rotary blade w/ drive housing
• 1 x premium fine point blade w/ housing
• 1 x fine point pen
• 2 x 12 x 12 cutting mats
• Design apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac computers
• Lots of free ready-to-make projects
• Some material for your test projects

The Not So Good

This cutting machine offers exceptional value, but some users may not be able to justify its higher price tag. The superb rotary and knife blades do slow the cutting down by a considerable amount. Also, the standout accessories that make this a truly versatile machine are not included in the box.

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4. Xyron Create-A-Sticker, Mini Sticker Maker

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Xyron is well-known for its fun, affordable, and easy-to-use sticker makers. It’s Create-A-Sticker, Mini Sticker Maker is restricted in features, but an excellent beginner machine for young enthusiasts.

• Best feature 1: Includes 10ft of permanent adhesive
• Best feature 2: Compact, lightweight, portable design
• Plus points: Super-easy to use, no heat, no batteries, no electricity, refills available
• Minus points: Toy-like appearance, limited features/functions, fragile build

Compatible Materials: Only the non-toxic, acid-free, permanent adhesive supplied by the maker.

Xyron Mini Sticker Maker Highlights

Not everyone wants an all-singing, all-dancing vinyl sticker machine. If that’s you, this is the product you’ve been looking for. It’s ready for use right out of its box. This is a lightweight, tiny device that you can use anywhere and easily store away when not needed. It’s so easy to operate. Even kids with no experience can start printing within minutes.

How it Works

The Mini Sticker Maker is ideal for producing simple stickers and labels. Think of school projects, scrapbooks, and planners, etc. All you need is a flat object with your design on, no wider than 2.5”. You then feed it into the front and turn the knob on the side. The new project comes out the rear with a perfect edge-to-edge adhesive back. That’s it, no heat, no power, no mess, and it’s refillable.

The Not So Good

It’s a safe-to-use toy-like machine that adds a sticky back to your flat designs. It doesn’t offer any creation tools or cutting features. It only costs around 20 dollars, so it’s a fun and affordable way to introduce kids to the world of custom stickers, albeit limited in scope. The machine seems fragile and may easily break with rough handling. It’s something to think about if you have boisterous kids.

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5. Silhouette Portrait 2 Electronic Cutting Tool

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Meet the Silhouette Portrait 2, an electronic cutting tool. It’s a highly versatile machine and one that’s ideal for the novice just starting. It’s small and compact, yet not short on features.

• Best feature 1: Cuts vinyl, heat-transfer material, and some fabrics
• Best feature 2: Built-in optical scanner
• Plus points: AutoBlade, wireless cutting via Bluetooth, 50 exclusive designs, includes software
• Minus points: Only 210g max cutting force, no storage area; advanced features cost extra

Compatible Materials (100+): Adhesive vinyl, heat transfer material, paper, magnet paper, card stock, vellum, transparencies, craft foam, and certain fabrics.

Silhouette Portrait 2 Cutting Tool Highlights

The Portrait 2 is Silhouette’s most compact machine and weight a little over 3.5 lbs. It has plenty of powerful features despite its smaller size. It’s easy to use too, which makes it an ideal product for enthusiastic beginners. The Portrait 2 cuts over 100 material types, including adhesive vinyl for sticker creators. It has an auto-adjustable blade, 2mm clearance, and wireless cutting via Bluetooth.

Plethora of Useful Options

The machine’s cutting area is 8 x 12” using the mat. Alternatively, you can cut from a vinyl roll without a mat for extra-large projects. It’s easy to customize unique plans with the Silhouette Portrait 2 using its free software. Or, you can also choose from over 100,000 readymade designs from the online store. And the Silhouette Studio app lets you design what you want from wherever you are.

In the box of a new Silhouette Portrait 2 Cutting Tool:

• 1 x Silhouette AutoBlade
• 1 x copy of Silhouette Studio Software
• 50 cutting designs available for download
• 1 x User subscription to Silhouette’s Design Store (1 month)
• 1 x 8” cutting mat
• 1 x Bluetooth adapter
• 1 x power cable
• 1 x USB cable

The Not So Good

The maximum cutting force is only 210g, which makes it quite weak compared to some machines. It’s compact design also means there’s no storage compartment of any kind. Users who want to exploit some of the product’s advanced features must pay extra for them.

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6. Brother Standalone CM350E ScanNCut2

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The penultimate pick is for the Brother Standalone CM350E ScanNCut2. You can use this cutter right out of its box without the need to connect it to a PC or mobile device.

• Best feature 1: Cuts vinyl and most other types of material and fabrics
• Best feature 2: Built-in scanner
• Plus points: Easy to use, large LCD touchscreen, 4 ways to save, 4 cutting speeds, WiFi
• Minus points: Instructions not novice-friendly, fragile LCD support, limited LCD control

Compatible Materials. Scans and cuts practically every material type up to 2mm thick. That includes all vinyl types, papers, foam, fabrics, and much more besides.

Brother CM350E ScanNCut2 Highlights

There are lots of bells and whistles to this cutting machine, most of which are highly practical. It boasts a capable built-in 300 DPI scanner and a handy, 4.85” LCD touchscreen display. The scanner can turn any image into a workable project. You can store newly scanned plans in one of four ways. They include saving to the cutter machine, a PC via USB, an external drive, or wirelessly online.

The Brother CM350E ScanNCut2 is a hi-tech machine that’s super-easy to use. It has 4 cutting speeds in all. Control can be push-button, or you can use the stylus for on-screen edits. This model comes with a standard 1.0mm cutting blade complete with holder. There’s also an optional 1.5mm deep-cut blade with 12 adjustment levels. The cutting areas are 12 x 12” and 12 x 24” with mats.

Connectivity options are WiFi or directly to a computer via USB. Design highlights include 631 built-in projects. You also have access to designs on-the-go via the free cloud-based CanvasWorkspace.

In the box of a new Brother Standalone CM350E ScanNCut2:

• 1 x standard cut blade
• 1 x standard cut blade holder
• 1 x 12×12” standard cutting mat
• 2 x red and black color pen set
• 1 x pen holder
• 1 x spatula
• 1 x touch pen for LCD
• 1 x accessory pouch
• 1 x instruction guide

The Not So Good

The instructions are okay for experienced users, but a raw novice may struggle to understand them. The integrated touchscreen display is a welcome feature, but its physical support feels weak. My advice would be to treat it gently just in case it’s as fragile as it seems. The touchscreen options are lacking somewhat, so it’d be great to see more user control directly from the LCD.

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7. USCutter MH | 34” Vinyl Cutter Plotter Bundle

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Last of the current lineup of vinyl sticker machines goes to the USCutter MH. It’s a 34” Plotter bundle that comes with some useful extras. That means new users can hit the ground running.

• Best feature 1: Well-established pro-level vinyl cutter
• Best feature 2: Rugged machine for home cutting business
• Plus points: Easy to use, versatile machine, adjustable rollers, fast, pressure settings
• Minus points: Needs plenty of space, not compatible with Mac

USCutter MH 34” Vinyl Cutter Highlights

Consider the 34” USCutter MH Vinyl Cutter if your home business is starting to take off. It’s an affordable pro-level floor-standing device that’s been a favorite choice for over 10 years. This is a big beast that should last for a long time with careful owners. You can use it with VinylMaster Cut software and other popular programs like Flexi and Sure Cuts Alot, to name a couple.

USCutter’s MH 34” is rugged and versatile. Its 3 pinch-rollers are fully adjustable, as are the speed and pressure settings. The heavy-duty dual roller system makes light work of feeding vinyl into the machine. The USCutter MH has a maximum cut width of 30.63” (2.5ft) and a 96” (8ft) cutting length. The included VinylMaster Cut software (Basic) is a dedicated program for vinyl signage making

In the box of a new USCutter MH 34” Vinyl Cutter:

• 1 x Vinyl Cutter Plotter w/ heavy-duty floor stand
• 1 x copy of VinylMaster Cut & Design software
• 2 x roll black and white Greenstar sign vinyl
• 1 x roll TransferRite Ultra 592U, high-tack transfer tape
• 1 x Roll TransferRite Ultra-clear 1310G medium-tack transfer tape
• 3 x vinyl cutter Roland replacement blades
• 1 x professional hobby knife
• 1 x squeegee

The Not So Good

This machine needs space, and that’s sure to be an issue for some folks working from home. Find a permanent place for it if you can, and leave it fully assembled. The MH vinyl cutter is not compatible with Mac, so that restricts its use to Windows users only. There’s no basket to store the material. Storage would be a big plus, as it would help to keep the work area tidy and reduce static issues.

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