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- Best overall: Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine
- Best budget: Cricut Joy Cutting Machine
- Best premium: Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine
- Best for scanning artwork: Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E Electronic Cutting Machine
- Cricut Joy Xtra suits compact crafts and print-then-cut projects, with an 8.5-inch maximum material width.
- Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E adds a built-in scanner, a 12-by-12-inch scanning area and 682 built-in designs.
- Cricut Maker 3 is the strongest choice here for makers who need broad material support and more tool options.
- Compare included tools, mats and materials before choosing a Black Friday 2026 bundle; bundle contents vary.
- Pick Cricut for a streamlined app-based workflow and Brother ScanNCut for scanning and cutting without a separate design device.
Cricut Joy Xtra and Brother ScanNCut machines suit different craft-room needs, so the right Black Friday 2026 pick depends on what you want to make. Cricut Joy Xtra keeps projects compact and offers print-then-cut for home-printed designs. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E stands out for its built-in scanner and screen-based operation. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to sort out which machines fit beginners, frequent crafters and people who want to work from hand-drawn art.
My pick for most people is Cricut Joy Xtra for small-to-medium projects, especially labels, cards and printed stickers. Choose a Brother ScanNCut model if scanning artwork directly is a priority. Larger Cricut machines cover wider projects and more materials, while the compact Cricut Joy keeps the cost and storage footprint down. Use the product picks and comparison table below to match your projects to the right cutter, then check the Black Friday 2026 bundle contents before buying.
How We Picked
- Compared maximum material width, cut length and supported material thickness using manufacturer specifications.
- Considered built-in features, including Brother ScanNCut scanning and Cricut print-then-cut support.
- Reviewed included designs, touchscreen controls, software workflow and available tool options.
- Used owner feedback and product reviews to identify setup and everyday-use strengths and trade-offs.
- Prioritized useful differences for beginners, small craft spaces, larger projects and mixed-material work.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Maximum material width | Built-in designs | Scanning area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine | Compact projects and print-then-cut | 8.5 inches | Cricut Design Space library | No built-in scanner |
| Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E Electronic Cutting Machine | Scanning original artwork | 12 inches | 682 | 12 by 12 inches |
| Brother ScanNCut DX SDX85S Electronic Cutting Machine | First Brother machine | 12 inches | 251 | 12 by 12 inches |
| Brother ScanNCut DX SDX225F Electronic Cutting Machine | Fabric and quilting projects | 12 inches | 682 | 12 by 12 inches |
| Cricut Joy Cutting Machine | Simple labels and cards | 4.5 inches | Cricut Design Space library | No built-in scanner |
| Cricut Explore 3 Cutting Machine | Wider home craft projects | 12 inches | Cricut Design Space library | No built-in scanner |
| Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine | Mixed materials and advanced crafts | 12 inches | Cricut Design Space library | No built-in scanner |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine
The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is the best compact all-rounder for beginners and sticker makers, with an 8.5-inch maximum material width.
Best for: Small crafts, labels, cards and print-then-cut stickers
- Maximum material width
- 8.5 inches
- Maximum Smart Materials cut length
- 4 feet
- Supported materials
- 50+
- Print-then-cut paper size
- Letter and A4
- Compact footprint fits a small desk or craft shelf.
- Print-then-cut handles home-printed stickers and artwork.
- Cricut Design Space supports guided project workflows.
- Narrower cutting area than full-size machines.
- Cricut Design Space requires a compatible device.
Is the Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is a strong Black Friday 2026 pick for compact crafts, labels and printable stickers. The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine's 8.5-inch working width handles many home projects, while the smaller size makes storage and setup easier than with full-size cutters.
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#2
Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E Electronic Cutting Machine
The Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E Electronic Cutting Machine is the best pick for scanning original artwork, with a 12-by-12-inch scan area.
Best for: Scanning drawings, fabric projects and screen-led crafting
- Built-in designs
- 682
- Scanning area
- 12 by 12 inches
- LCD touchscreen
- 3.47 inches
- Maximum material thickness
- 3 mm
- Built-in scanner converts artwork into cut lines.
- On-machine screen supports standalone operation.
- Automatic blade adjusts to material thickness.
- The machine and interface take more desk space than compact cutters.
- Some advanced workflows have a learning curve.
Is the Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E Electronic Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E Electronic Cutting Machine is a worthwhile choice for crafters who want to scan drawings and cut without relying on a separate design device. The 12-by-12-inch scanning area and 682 built-in designs make it versatile for varied projects.
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#3
Brother ScanNCut DX SDX85S Electronic Cutting Machine
The Brother ScanNCut DX SDX85S Electronic Cutting Machine is the best entry-level Brother pick for hands-off material adjustment, with a 3.47-inch touchscreen.
Best for: Beginners who want Brother's scanner-based workflow
- Built-in designs
- 251
- LCD touchscreen
- 3.47 inches
- Maximum material thickness
- 3 mm
- Scanning area
- 12 by 12 inches
- Automatic blade sensing simplifies material setup.
- Built-in scanner supports custom artwork.
- On-machine controls reduce dependence on a computer.
- Fewer built-in designs than some ScanNCut models.
- Bundle contents and included accessories vary.
Is the Brother ScanNCut DX SDX85S Electronic Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX85S Electronic Cutting Machine is a good Black Friday 2026 option for new crafters who want a built-in scanner and automatic blade adjustment. The Brother ScanNCut DX SDX85S Electronic Cutting Machine's 251 designs give beginners a useful starting library without requiring a computer for every project.
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#4
Brother ScanNCut DX SDX225F Electronic Cutting Machine
The Brother ScanNCut DX SDX225F Electronic Cutting Machine is the best Brother option for fabric and quilting projects, with a 12-by-12-inch scanning area.
Best for: Quilters and makers who work with fabric
- Built-in designs
- 682
- Scanning area
- 12 by 12 inches
- Maximum material thickness
- 3 mm
- LCD touchscreen
- 3.47 inches
- Scanner captures shapes from paper patterns and drawings.
- Automatic blade sensing helps adjust to material thickness.
- Large design library supports a range of craft projects.
- Larger footprint is less convenient for tight workspaces.
- Fabric work can require suitable mats and accessories.
Is the Brother ScanNCut DX SDX225F Electronic Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX225F Electronic Cutting Machine suits quilters and fabric crafters who value scanning and on-machine controls. The 12-by-12-inch scanning area supports pattern-based work, while its automatic blade system helps handle varied material thicknesses.
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#5
Cricut Joy Cutting Machine
The Cricut Joy Cutting Machine is the best ultra-compact pick for simple labels and cards, with a 4.5-inch maximum material width.
Best for: Quick labels, cards and narrow projects
- Maximum material width
- 4.5 inches
- Maximum Smart Materials cut length
- 20 feet
- Supported materials
- 50+
- Machine weight
- 3.9 pounds
- Small, light design is easy to store and move.
- Works well for simple labels and card projects.
- Long Smart Materials cuts suit continuous designs.
- Narrow cut width limits larger projects.
- Does not offer Joy Xtra's print-then-cut function.
Is the Cricut Joy Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Cricut Joy Cutting Machine is a good fit for a small craft space and straightforward labels, cards and decals. The Cricut Joy Cutting Machine's 4.5-inch width limits project size, so Cricut Joy Xtra is the more flexible choice for printed stickers and broader designs.
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#6
Cricut Explore 3 Cutting Machine
The Cricut Explore 3 Cutting Machine is the best step-up choice for wider everyday projects, with a 12-inch cutting width.
Best for: Home crafters making decals, cards and home décor
- Maximum material width
- 12 inches
- Supported materials
- 100+
- Maximum Smart Materials cut length
- 12 feet
- Print-then-cut
- Supported
- Wider cutting area suits larger designs than Joy models.
- Supports a broad range of common craft materials.
- Smart Materials support enables longer cuts.
- Needs more workspace than Joy machines.
- Projects rely on Cricut Design Space.
Is the Cricut Explore 3 Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Cricut Explore 3 Cutting Machine is a solid choice for regular home crafting and designs that exceed Joy Xtra's width. The Cricut Explore 3 Cutting Machine's 12-inch cutting area supports larger decals and décor, while Cricut Design Space provides a familiar project workflow.
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#7
Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine
The Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine is the best premium option for varied materials and ambitious projects, with support for 300-plus materials.
Best for: Frequent crafters and mixed-material projects
- Supported materials
- 300+
- Maximum material width
- 12 inches
- Maximum Smart Materials cut length
- 12 feet
- Tool system
- Adaptive Tool System
- Broad material support expands project options.
- Compatible tools cover more than basic cutting.
- Full-size bed handles larger designs.
- More machine than occasional paper crafters need.
- Tool and accessory choices add setup complexity.
Is the Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine is worth considering for frequent makers who work with varied materials and want room to expand their projects. Support for 300-plus materials gives it more range than Cricut Joy Xtra, though casual label makers need less capability.
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Which is better, Cricut Joy Xtra or Brother ScanNCut?
Cricut Joy Xtra and Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E are better for different workflows: Joy Xtra offers an 8.5-inch cutting width, while SDX125E scans a 12-by-12-inch area. Cricut suits makers who prefer designing in an app and printing stickers before cutting. Brother suits crafters who want to scan a drawing or paper pattern directly on the machine.
For everyday labels, cards and home-printed stickers, Cricut Joy Xtra is the simpler recommendation. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E takes the lead for scanning original artwork and using its 682 built-in designs. Skip it if you mostly make basic labels and prefer a compact, streamlined setup. Consider the machine you will use most often, not just the longest feature list.
What is the key difference between Cricut and Brother ScanNCut?
Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E has a built-in scanner and a 3.47-inch touchscreen, while Cricut Joy Xtra works through Cricut Design Space. The Brother workflow suits designs that begin as drawings, printed outlines or paper patterns. Cricut's app-centered approach makes browsing and editing projects straightforward for users who already craft on a phone, tablet or computer.
Cricut Joy Xtra also supports print-then-cut for home-printed designs on letter and A4 paper. That feature is useful for stickers and personalized graphics, but it differs from scanning a physical original. Think about where your projects start: a digital image favors Cricut, while a hand-drawn image favors ScanNCut.
Which cutting machine is best for beginners?
Cricut Joy Xtra is the easiest starting point for many beginners, with an 8.5-inch width and a guided app workflow. Its smaller size keeps setup simple, and print-then-cut opens up sticker projects without requiring a large machine. Cricut Joy is even more compact, but its 4.5-inch width is a meaningful limitation for larger designs.
Brother ScanNCut DX SDX85S is a better beginner fit for people who want machine-based controls and a built-in scanner. The touchscreen and 251 built-in designs provide a practical starting set. Beginners should also check bundle contents: a useful selection of mats, blades and materials makes the first projects easier to start.
Which machine is best for stickers, labels and cards?
Cricut Joy Xtra is the strongest choice for stickers, labels and cards, with print-then-cut support and an 8.5-inch material width. Home printers can produce colorful sticker sheets, then Cricut Joy Xtra cuts around the designs. Cricut Joy handles smaller labels and cards when compact storage is a higher priority than wide projects.
Brother ScanNCut models also suit cards and paper crafts, particularly when the design comes from a drawing or scanned original. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E has a 12-by-12-inch scanning area, giving it an advantage for larger source artwork. Match the machine to the starting material and finished project size.
Which cutter should quilters and advanced crafters choose?
Cricut Maker 3 is the most versatile choice for advanced crafters, supporting 300-plus materials and a 12-inch cutting width. The broader tool system makes it better suited to makers who plan to explore more than basic vinyl and paper projects. Cricut Explore 3 offers a sensible middle ground for wider everyday cuts and more than 100 materials.
Brother ScanNCut DX SDX225F is a strong fabric-focused pick, with a built-in scanner and 12-by-12-inch scan area. Quilters can use the scanning workflow for paper patterns and custom shapes. Check compatible mats and tools for the specific fabric before choosing a bundle, since included accessories differ across listings.
Buying Guide
Start with your biggest project
Cricut Joy Cutting Machine has a 4.5-inch width, Cricut Joy Xtra reaches 8.5 inches, and full-size Cricut and Brother machines handle 12-inch-wide projects. Measure the designs you expect to make most often. A machine that fits your usual project saves time and material.
Choose the right design workflow
Cricut Joy Xtra is a natural fit for app-based design and print-then-cut stickers. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E is better for scanning original art and using the on-machine touchscreen. Choose based on whether your projects begin on a screen or on paper.
Check material and tool compatibility
Cricut Maker 3 supports 300-plus materials, while Cricut Explore 3 supports more than 100. Brother ScanNCut models use automatic blade sensing for material thickness. Verify that your chosen machine and included tools suit the paper, vinyl, fabric or other material in your plans.
Compare the full Black Friday bundle
Black Friday 2026 product listings can package machines with different mats, blades, pens and starter materials. Compare the included items rather than judging a bundle by its headline alone. A starter bundle is most useful when its accessories match your first projects.
Plan for space and setup
Cricut Joy and Cricut Joy Xtra take less room than full-size machines. Brother ScanNCut's touchscreen and scanner suit standalone operation but need a convenient workspace. Consider storage, computer access and the time you want to spend learning a new workflow.
FAQ
Is Cricut Joy Xtra better than Brother ScanNCut for stickers?
Cricut Joy Xtra is better for home-printed stickers because it supports print-then-cut on letter and A4 paper. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E is better when the sticker design starts as a drawing or printed original you want to scan. Choose based on the source of your artwork.
Does Brother ScanNCut work without a computer?
Yes. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125E has a built-in scanner, touchscreen and 682 designs, so many projects can be created and cut directly on the machine. A computer remains useful for some design tasks, but it is not required for every basic scan-and-cut project.
Which Cricut is best for a small craft room?
Cricut Joy is the most compact choice for simple labels and cards, with a 4.5-inch cutting width. Cricut Joy Xtra is a better small-room pick for more variety because its 8.5-inch width and print-then-cut support cover a broader range of home projects.
What is the difference between Cricut Joy and Cricut Joy Xtra?
Cricut Joy Xtra has an 8.5-inch maximum material width and supports print-then-cut. Cricut Joy has a narrower 4.5-inch width and focuses on simple, compact projects. Choose Joy Xtra for stickers and larger designs; choose Joy for small labels and minimal storage.
Which machine is best for cutting fabric?
Cricut Maker 3 offers the broadest range here, with support for 300-plus materials and a wider tool system. Brother ScanNCut DX SDX225F is a strong fabric and quilting option with a built-in scanner. Confirm compatible blades, mats and material settings before starting fabric projects.