Scrapbooking friends recently asked me the difference between the Cricut Explore and the Brother Scan and Cut. They are very similar electronic cutting machines used for Cards, Scrapbooking, and Quilting. The Brother ScanNCut includes a scanner.
Let’s compare their basic features …
Cricut
- Cuts using cartridges (either purchased or monthly subscription)
- Cuts paper, cardstock, cardboard, fabric, vinyl
- Newer models used with a computer only
- Older models that you can find from sellers include Personal Cutter 6″ for $50, Expression 12″ for $99
- Newer models include Cricut Explore One $149, Explore Air (wireless) $179, Explore Air 2 (faster) $249, and Cricut Maker (thicker materials) $399
- My recommendation — Cricut Explore Air, since it’s wireless and fast enough
- See more at Cricut website
Brother ScanNCut
- Scans images
- Cuts images loaded on the machine
- Cuts paper, cardstock, cardboard, fabric, vinyl
- Stand alone or uses a computer
- Canvas Workspace contains free projects that works with phone, tablet, or computer
- 350 model runs about $300 and the 650 model runs about $600+
- My recommendation — 650 model, if you can afford it, the screen is larger and it contains many more built in images
- See more at Brother website