# Best cutting machines for cards and paper crafts Source: https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cutting-machine-for-cards Publisher: Blade & Mat. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://bladeandmat.com/how-we-pick Card making asks a cutter for fine detail in cardstock, clean score lines for folds and a pen for written messages. Cricut also sells Insert Cards and Card Mats that let the machine cut the front of a folded card without cutting the back. Whether a bundle includes a card mat, scoring and a pen makes a bigger difference here than raw cutting force. This guide compares card-focused bundles and machines on what each listing states: card mat in the box, scoring support, pen or writing support, card supplies included and cut width. If you only make cards, a small Joy machine can be enough. If cards are one craft among many, a 12 inch Explore or Maker gives room for larger paper projects and invitations in batches. ## Picks ### 1. Cricut Explore® 5 Essential Bundle + Digital Content, Taupe Card mat: Not stated; Scoring: Yes; Pen/writing: Writes and draws; Card supplies in box: Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets; Max cut width: 12 in (30.5 cm) The newest Explore cuts 100+ materials at 12 inches wide, writes, draws, foils and scores. The Essential Bundle adds Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, cardstock and insert cards. Best value for vinyl, shirts and cards. What the listing offers: - Lowest price of the full-size Cricuts here while keeping the 12 in (30.5 cm) cutting width. - Print Then Cut works with a home inkjet printer for full-color stickers and decals, according to the listing. - Bluetooth connection to Design Space on mobile or desktop, with guided design flows and templates. Limits to know: - Works with six tools, not the Maker's larger set, so no engraving or debossing for leather and wood. - The listing gives no maximum material thickness, so check before planning chipboard or thick craft foam. ### 2. Cricut Maker® 5 Essential Bundle + Digital Content, Slate Blue Card mat: Not stated; Scoring: Scoring Tool included; Pen/writing: Writes and draws, snap-in pen holder; Card supplies in box: Printable Vinyl and materials for up to 65 projects; Max cut width: 12 in (30.5 cm) The newest Maker. The listing states it cuts 300+ materials, including leather and foam core up to 3 mm, engraves metal and acrylic, and works with 13 tools. The pick for crafters who want one machine for everything. What the listing offers: - Listing states 3 mm cutting for thicker materials like leather and foam core board, plus engraving on metal and acrylic. - Works with 13 tools to cut, engrave, write, foil, score and deboss, and has a new snap-in pen holder. - Essential Bundle includes the Scoring Tool, Engraving Tool and materials the listing says cover up to 65 projects. Limits to know: - Specialty tools beyond those in the bundle are sold separately, so the full 13-tool range costs extra. - The listing does not state how it connects to your phone or computer; check the product page before buying. ### 3. Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine Card Making Bundle Card mat: Included; Scoring: Not stated; Pen/writing: Pen set included; Card supplies in box: Insert cards, sticker paper, paper supplies; Max cut width: Not stated A card-first bundle: Joy Xtra, card mat, insert cards, a pen set, printable sticker paper and paper supplies for birthday cards, invitations and thank-you notes. The simplest way to start cards. What the listing offers: - Card mat, insert cards and a pen set are all in the box, per the listing. - Printable sticker paper adds layered sticker details to cards. - Compact and portable for crafting at home, in classrooms or at events. Limits to know: - The listing does not mention scoring, so folds rely on pre-scored insert cards. - Cut width is not stated, which limits larger invitation sheets. ### 4. Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine Bundle Ultimate Card Making Kit Card mat: Card Mat 2x2 included; Scoring: Yes (Maker 4 scores); Pen/writing: Not stated in this bundle; Card supplies in box: Card-making supplies, vinyl, iron-on, Infusible Ink; Max cut width: Not stated A Maker 4 bundled with Card Mat 2x2 and card supplies, plus vinyl, iron-on and Infusible Ink. For crafters who make cards often but also want the Maker for other projects. What the listing offers: - Card Mat 2x2 is included for cutting card fronts in batches. - The Maker 4 also scores, draws, foils, debosses and perforates, per the Maker 4 listing. - Extra vinyl, iron-on and Infusible Ink cover decals and shirts as well. Limits to know: - Costs much more than a Joy machine if you only make cards. - The bundle listing does not detail which pens or scoring tools are in the box. ### 5. Silhouette Curio 2 Precision Vinyl Cutter Machine - White Card mat: Electrostatic bed, no mat needed; Scoring: Not stated; Pen/writing: Heat Pen sold separately; Card supplies in box: Not stated; Max cut width: 12 x 12 in flatbed A flatbed with 20 mm vertical clearance aimed at acrylic, leather and metal engraving, with an electrostatic bed instead of sticky mats. The Silhouette answer to the Maker's thick-material tools. What the listing offers: - 20 mm vertical clearance fits thick acrylic and leather that roll-fed cutters cannot take. - Optional Engraving Tool and Heat Pen cover metal and acrylic engraving and foil. - Automatic tool and material thickness detection, with Bluetooth for wireless cutting. Limits to know: - Every specialty tool is listed as sold separately, which adds to the cost. - A 12x12 flatbed, so it does not cut long vinyl or fabric runs. ### 6. Cricut Joy 2 Essential Bundle + Rainbow Sampler Card mat: Not stated; Scoring: Yes; Pen/writing: Writes and draws; Card supplies in box: Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets; Max cut width: Not stated The next generation of Cricut's ultra-compact cutter. The listing says it works with 75+ materials, scores and foils, and now does full-color stickers with a home inkjet printer. Good for cards, labels and quick decals. What the listing offers: - Works with 75+ materials, more than the Joy Xtra's stated 50+, and adds scoring for cards. - Rainbow Essentials bundle includes Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, cardstock, insert cards and printable vinyl. - Bluetooth connection to Design Space on a phone or computer, according to the listing. Limits to know: - Built for quick everyday projects, so it is not the machine for large shirt backs or thick materials. - The listing does not state the cut width or thickness limit. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.