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- Best overall: Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine
- Best budget: Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine
- Best premium: Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer
- Best for compact laser engraving: Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser
- Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser suits makers who want laser engraving and cutting in a compact format.
- Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine is the most versatile choice for material variety and tool-based crafts.
- Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer is built for larger laser projects and a faster work pace.
- Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is a compact option for cards, labels and smaller crafts.
- Choose by project material first: lasers and blade cutters handle different kinds of work.
Glowforge laser engravers and Cricut cutting machines serve different kinds of makers, so the best Black Friday 2026 choice depends on the materials and projects you want to tackle. Glowforge models use lasers to engrave and cut compatible materials; Cricut machines use blades and other tools for paper, vinyl, fabric and more. The Glowforge vs Cricut Maker 3 Black Friday decision is less about which brand wins outright and more about which process fits your craft space.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to narrow down seven options, from compact craft machines to powerful laser printers. My pick for most people is the Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine for its broad material compatibility and tool selection. For laser engraving, the Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is a more suitable starting point. Compare the machine type, workspace and ongoing material needs before choosing.
How We Picked
- Project fit: We separated laser engraving and cutting from blade-based cutting, since each process serves different materials and outcomes.
- Material range: We compared manufacturer-listed material compatibility and tool support, prioritizing machines that handle a useful variety of crafts.
- Workspace: We considered work area, machine footprint and the size of projects each model is designed to handle.
- Ease of choosing: We favored options with a clear role, whether for small crafts, general cutting or larger laser projects.
- Ownership context: We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback, including design software and material planning.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Material or laser spec | Work area or cutting width | Tool or machine format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser | Compact laser projects | 6W diode | 12 x 12 inches | Enclosed craft laser |
| Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer | Regular home laser crafting | 40W CO2 | About 19.5 x 11 inches | Enclosed laser printer |
| Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer | Larger laser projects | 45W CO2 | About 19.5 x 11 inches | Enclosed laser printer |
| Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine | Versatile everyday crafting | More than 300 materials | Up to 12 inches | Up to 13 tools |
| Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine | Broad material and tool support | More than 300 materials | Up to 12 inches | Up to 13 tools |
| Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine | Beginner paper and vinyl crafts | More than 100 materials | Up to 12 inches | Up to 6 tools |
| Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine | Cards, labels and small crafts | Compact cutter | Up to 8.5 inches | Small-format projects |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser
The Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is the best compact laser engraver for home crafters who want a 12-by-12-inch work area. The Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser's 6W diode laser handles compatible engraving and cutting projects in a smaller format than Glowforge's CO2 models.
Best for: Compact laser projects and personalization
- Laser type
- 6W diode
- Work area
- 12 x 12 inches
- Machine type
- Enclosed craft laser
- Smaller footprint than Glowforge CO2 models
- Laser engraving and cutting in one machine
- Clear fit for personalized craft projects
- Not designed for the power or work area of Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer
Is the Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is worth considering for makers who want a compact enclosed laser with a 12-by-12-inch work area. The Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser's 6W diode laser suits compatible small projects, engraving and personalization.
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#2
Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer
The Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer is the best mid-range Glowforge choice for makers who need a larger laser workspace. The Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer's 40W CO2 laser and approximately 19.5-by-11-inch bed suit a wider range of project sizes than the Aura.
Best for: Regular home laser crafting
- Laser type
- 40W CO2
- Work area
- About 19.5 x 11 inches
- Machine type
- Enclosed laser printer
- Larger work area than Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser
- CO2 laser platform for compatible craft materials
- Suitable for varied home projects
- Requires more room than a compact diode model
Is the Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer is a good fit for frequent home laser projects that need more room than the Aura provides. The Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer's approximately 19.5-by-11-inch bed gives crafters space for larger compatible pieces.
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#3
Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer
The Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer is the best premium laser option for experienced makers handling larger or more frequent projects. The Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer's 45W CO2 laser and approximately 19.5-by-11-inch work area make it the most powerful model in this group.
Best for: High-volume and larger laser projects
- Laser type
- 45W CO2
- Work area
- About 19.5 x 11 inches
- Machine type
- Enclosed laser printer
- Highest laser power among these picks
- Room for larger compatible workpieces
- Designed for demanding laser workflows
- Needs a dedicated workspace and laser-safe setup
Is the Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer is worth a look for experienced makers who need a powerful CO2 laser and a roughly 19.5-by-11-inch work area. The Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer's capacity makes more sense for regular, larger projects than occasional small crafts.
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#4 · Top pick
Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine
The Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine is the best versatile cutter for crafters who work with many materials. Support for more than 300 materials and up to 13 compatible tools gives it room to handle detailed, varied projects.
Best for: Versatile everyday crafting
- Material compatibility
- More than 300 materials
- Tool compatibility
- Up to 13 tools
- Cutting width
- Up to 12 inches
- Broad material compatibility
- Supports a large selection of tools
- Smart Materials support for compatible projects
- Blade cutting does not replace laser engraving
Is the Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine is worth considering for crafters who want one machine for more than 300 materials. The Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine's support for up to 13 tools makes it a flexible choice for paper, fabric and other compatible projects.
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#5
Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine
The Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine is the best updated all-purpose cutter for crafters who want extensive tool and material support. The Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine works with more than 300 materials and up to 13 compatible tools for varied home projects.
Best for: Broad material and tool support
- Material compatibility
- More than 300 materials
- Tool compatibility
- Up to 13 tools
- Cutting width
- Up to 12 inches
- Wide range of compatible materials
- Supports multiple tools and craft techniques
- Useful for both simple and detailed projects
- Does not engrave materials with a laser
Is the Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine is a strong choice for varied blade-based crafts. More than 300 compatible materials and support for up to 13 tools give it flexibility for users who want one machine for many project types.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine
The Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine is the best straightforward cutter for beginners who focus on everyday paper and vinyl crafts. The Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine supports more than 100 materials and up to 6 tools, covering common projects without the Maker line's broader tool range.
Best for: Beginner paper and vinyl crafts
- Material compatibility
- More than 100 materials
- Tool compatibility
- Up to 6 tools
- Cutting width
- Up to 12 inches
- Covers common cutting projects
- Works with compatible Smart Materials
- Simpler tool range than the Maker series
- Fewer material and tool options than Cricut Maker models
Is the Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine is worth considering for beginners focused on paper, vinyl and other common crafts. The Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine's support for more than 100 materials and up to 6 tools covers a useful range of home projects.
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#7
Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine
The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is the best compact cutter for makers who mainly create cards, labels and smaller designs. The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine's 8.5-inch cutting width suits compact projects while taking up less room than full-size Cricut machines.
Best for: Cards, labels and small crafts
- Cutting width
- Up to 8.5 inches
- Machine format
- Compact desktop cutter
- Project focus
- Small-format crafts
- Compact footprint
- Good fit for cards and labels
- Designed for smaller craft projects
- Smaller work format than full-size Cricut machines
Is the Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is worth considering when cards, labels and compact designs make up most of your crafting. The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine's 8.5-inch cutting width is practical for small projects, but less suited to large-format work.
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Glowforge vs Cricut Maker 3: Which machine is better?
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser and Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine are better for different projects: one uses a laser, while the other cuts with blades and tools. Glowforge suits makers interested in engraving and cutting compatible materials; Cricut suits crafters working with paper, vinyl, fabric and similar materials.
Choose the Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine for broad craft flexibility, with more than 300 compatible materials and up to 13 tools. Choose the Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser for a compact laser workspace measuring 12 by 12 inches. A laser and a blade cutter are not direct substitutes, so start with the material you plan to use most.
What is the difference between a Glowforge laser and a Cricut cutter?
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser engraves and cuts compatible materials with a 6W diode laser, while Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine uses blades and specialty tools across more than 300 materials. That difference shapes the kinds of projects each machine handles.
Laser machines suit engraving and cut designs on compatible materials; Cricut machines suit cut shapes, decals, cards, labels and fabric crafts. Each machine has material restrictions and setup requirements. Review the maker’s material guidance before buying, especially for laser use, and plan for suitable ventilation and a safe operating space.
Which Glowforge model is best for home crafting?
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is the best compact Glowforge pick, with a 12-by-12-inch workspace, while Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer and Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer suit larger or more frequent projects. The three models address different workspace and power needs.
The Aura is a sensible fit for smaller personalized pieces. Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer offers an approximately 19.5-by-11-inch bed and a 40W CO2 laser. Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer adds 45W power for users who prioritize a stronger laser workflow. Match machine capacity to both project size and available room.
Which Cricut machine should beginners choose?
Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine is the simpler starting point for common paper and vinyl crafts, while Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine supports more than 300 materials and up to 13 tools. Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is a compact alternative for small designs.
Pick Explore 4 if everyday cutting projects are the main goal and a smaller tool range is enough. Pick Maker 3 for projects that call for more material options and specialty tools. Cricut Joy Xtra is a practical match for cards and labels, but its 8.5-inch cutting width limits the size of many designs.
What should you compare before buying on Black Friday 2026?
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser and Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine differ in process, workspace and compatible materials, so compare those three factors before choosing a Black Friday 2026 machine. A compelling fit is more useful than buying a tool that does not suit your projects.
Check material compatibility, usable work area, software needs and the space required around the machine. Review the supplies that projects require, including blanks, mats, blades or laser-compatible materials. Skip it if the machine’s project type does not match your plans. Black Friday is a good time to compare complete machine bundles and included accessories.
Buying Guide
Choose the process first
Glowforge laser engravers use laser energy for engraving and compatible material cutting. Cricut machines use blades and tools for craft cutting. Decide whether engraving, decals, cards, fabric work or another project is the main goal before comparing models.
Match the workspace to your projects
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser has a 12-by-12-inch work area, while Glowforge CO2 models offer approximately 19.5 by 11 inches. Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine cuts up to 8.5 inches wide; full-size Cricut models support widths up to 12 inches.
Check materials and tools
Cricut Maker machines support more than 300 materials and up to 13 tools. Cricut Explore 4 supports more than 100 materials and up to 6 tools. Confirm that your preferred material appears in the manufacturer’s compatibility guidance before buying.
Plan for setup and supplies
A machine is only part of a craft setup. Account for the required materials, replacement blades or accessories, software workflow and available workspace. Laser owners also need to follow the manufacturer’s safety and ventilation guidance.
Compare the complete package
Review what each Black Friday 2026 listing includes, such as tools, mats, materials or accessories. A bundle that supports your first projects can be more useful than a machine listing that leaves essential supplies to buy separately.
FAQ
Is Glowforge better than Cricut for engraving?
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is the better fit for laser engraving because it uses a 6W diode laser and supports compatible engraving projects. Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine is a blade-based cutter, so it serves a different craft purpose.
Can a Cricut Maker 3 cut wood?
Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine supports more than 300 materials, including certain thin craft materials when paired with an appropriate tool. Check Cricut’s material and tool guidance for the specific wood type and thickness before starting a project.
Which is better for beginners, Glowforge Aura or Cricut Maker 3?
Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine is a flexible beginner choice for everyday cutting crafts, with more than 300 compatible materials. Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is the better beginner match when laser engraving is the main goal.
What is the best compact Cricut machine for cards?
Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is the best compact Cricut choice for cards and labels. Its cutting width reaches 8.5 inches, which suits many small-format designs while taking up less space than full-size Cricut cutting machines.
Is Glowforge Pro worth it for home use?
Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer suits home users who regularly make larger or more demanding compatible laser projects and have room for a dedicated setup. Occasional small crafts are a better match for Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser.
What should I compare in Black Friday 2026 craft machine deals?
Compare the machine’s process, compatible materials, work area, included tools and setup needs. Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is a compact laser option, while Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine is a versatile blade cutter for varied crafts.