How much does a vinyl cutter cost?

Cricut prices as of October 2026

Cricut prices change with sales, and bundles cost more than the machine alone because they add tools and materials. On Amazon in October 2026, for example, Cricut Maker 4 bundles were listed from about $330 to $600 and Explore 5 bundles from about $200 to $470, depending on what was in the box. Older models such as the Maker 3 and Explore 3 are still sold in bundles. Our Cricut bundle guide helps you tell useful bundles from padded ones.

Silhouette and Brother prices

Silhouette Studio Basic is free, but many buyers add a paid edition. As of October 2026, Silhouette listed Designer at $49.99, Designer Plus at $74.99 and Business at $99.99, with sale prices shown at the time. See Silhouette Studio editions explained.

Roll-fed vinyl plotter prices

Budget plotters cut sign vinyl and heat transfer vinyl from rolls, with SignMaster or VinylMaster software included in many bundles. Higher prices buy contour cutting for printed stickers, better tracking on long runs, quieter motors and stronger support. See craft cutter vs vinyl plotter and how does a vinyl cutter work for what you gain at each step.

Compare cutters for a small business →

Running costs after you buy

Supply prices vary a lot by brand and quantity, so track your own cost per finished piece. Buying vinyl in rolls usually costs less per foot than small sheets, but only if you use it. Whether you need Cricut Access is covered in do you need Cricut Access.

• Blades: fine point and drag knife blades wear, faster on glitter, reflective and thick materials.
• Mats: craft cutter mats lose their grip over time and need replacing; plotters cut from the roll without a mat.
• Vinyl and iron-on: the largest ongoing cost, bought by the sheet, the roll or the yard.
• Transfer tape: needed for every adhesive vinyl decal.
• Software: Cricut Access is an optional subscription; check cricut.com for its current price. Silhouette upgrades are one-time purchases.
• Heat press: needed for shirts in volume; see do you need a heat press for Cricut.

Which price band fits you

Under $200: a Joy-class machine for labels, cards and small decals. $200 to $400: a 12 inch Cricut Explore or Maker, or a Silhouette Cameo 5, which covers most home crafts including shirts. $400 to $700: wider machines such as the Cameo 5 Plus, Cameo Pro, Cricut Venture or a Siser Romeo, or a budget wide plotter for sign vinyl. Above $900: contour-cutting and professional plotters for a sign or shirt business.

For a first machine, see best cutting machines for beginners. For selling, vinyl shirt business equipment lays out the full setup. Wide-format options are in best large-format vinyl cutters.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a Cricut Maker? As of October 2026, Cricut lists the Maker 5 at $349 on cricut.com. Bundles with tools and materials cost more, and older Maker models sell in bundles at varying prices.

How much does the Cricut Explore 4 or Explore 5 cost? Cricut's comparison page lists the Explore 5 at $199 as of October 2026. Check retailers for older Explore models, which are often sold in bundles.

What is the cheapest vinyl cutter? Among current machines, Cricut lists the Joy 2 at $99, but it takes material only 4.5 inches wide. Budget roll-fed plotters start around $200 on Amazon.

Is a cheap vinyl plotter worth it? For sign vinyl and heat transfer vinyl on rolls, yes, if you are comfortable setting blade depth and drivers yourself. For paper, card and fabric, a craft cutter is the better buy.