Whether you are deciding on a cutting machine or laser for personal use or for your small businesses, this Glowforge vs Cricut comparison will help you make an informed decision on which will be right for you.
Most people have a hard time deciding what type of design machine they want to buy. They can’t seem to choose between the Cricut Maker or the Glowforge Plus.
There are tons of Facebook groups where you can search to find the different features of both Glowforge and the Cricut and even some that compare Cricut vs Glowforge.
But today I wanted to put all of that information in 1 place so that you can make an informed decision.
Glowforge VS Cricut
One might be better for their needs than the other, but it’s difficult to tell which one is best without looking at them side by side and comparing features.
When it comes to Cricut vs. Glowforge, many people ask which one is better. Some say that they’re both great and they have no significant preference between the two products, while others claim that one is far superior to the other.
However, what really sets these design machines apart from each other? Let’s go over each of their similarities and differences to help you decide which machine will be best for you.
In this post, I will go over some of those differences and how each machine works, and what you need to know before making your decision!
What is Cricut Maker?
The Cricut Maker is a cutting device that allows users to cut through different materials like vinyl, paper, fabric, cardstock, and more.
With this design machine, you can create any shape and size out of these materials by using pre-set designs or your own designs.
The Cricut Maker cuts various materials with a rotary blade. You can also switch the rotary blade out for other types of blades that cut differently.
Some of the other blades you can get for your Cricut include the fine point blade, the deep point blade, the bonded fabric blade, and more.
The Cricut machine comes with many items, so you will have no trouble getting started with making your many creative ideas into reality.
In addition to the items included in the box, you will also get digital products, such as ready-to-make projects, images, and fonts automatically added when you set up your new machine.
What Comes With The Cricut Maker:
- Rotary Blade + Drive Housing
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in the B clamp).
- Pen and Accessory Adapter (pre-installed in the A clamp)
- FabricGrip Mat 12″ x 12″
- LightGrip Mat 12″ x 12″
- Welcome book
- Quick Start Guide
- USB cable
- Power adapter
- Materials for a test cut
What is Glowforge Plus?
Another option for cutting machines currently available on the market is the Glowforge Plus. The Glowforge is a laser engraver and cutter that can cut thicker materials such as wood, acrylic, metal, and more.
This machine can make 2D designs. You can also use it to make intricately detailed designs by using a vector graphics program.
The Glowforge Plus comes with everything you need to bring your vision to life. Your new Glowforge also comes with a year warranty for peace of mind.
What You Get With The Glowforge Plus:
- The Glowforge laser head with macro camera and autofocus
- Power cord
- Magnetic lens replacement tool
- Steel crumb tray
- Exhaust hose
- Ring clamps for hose connection
- Pro Shields (Pro only)
Cricut vs. Glowforge Plus Comparison Chart
| Model | Cricut Maker | Glowforge Plus |
| Height | 5.9″ | 8.25” |
| Weight | 9lbs | 120lbs |
| Wireless/Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Color Options | 4 | 1 |
| Cutting Tool | Rotary Blade | Laser |
| Max Cutting Area | 12″ x 24″ | 11″ x 19.5″ |
| Software | Design Space | Glowforge |
| File Types | SVG, PNG, JPG, DXF, GIF, and BMP | JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, and other file formats |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Cricut VS Glowforge Cost Comparison
Suppose you want to stick to a more cost-effective cutter machine for your DIY projects. In that case, the Cricut is definitely the way to go as it is thousands of dollars cheaper than the Glowforge.
However, if you want a machine for more professional use, investing in Glowforge may be the best decision.
Both are great machines with unique features. Each one will do beautiful handmade projects, but which machine you get also depends on the types of materials you prefer to work with.
If you are just starting out and want to purchase your very first cutting machine. In that case, I suggest going with the Cricut initially as it is very beginner-friendly.
Size & Portability Comparison
If you are looking for something small, compact, and less overwhelming, the Cricut is definitely the way to go. On the other hand, the Glowforge is very large and heavy and more of a permanent fixture than a portable machine.
The Glowforge requires a large and sturdy surface to set it on so that it can stay put. You don’t want your expensive investment to fall and break.
The Cricut is very lightweight and portable, so it could easily be packed up in your luggage if you wanted to take it along with you while traveling.
Glowforge vs Cricut Design Programs
Each of these cutting machines has its own proprietary design programs to help make it easy for you to complete your creative DIY projects.
The Glowforge app is very user-friendly and comes with a few free projects. However, you will have to pay for a monthly subscription to pay for more designs.
You can also create your own Glowforge-compatible files from other software programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop, and more.
Cricut’s Design Space program is free and has quite a few projects, designs, images, and fonts that you can use for an extra cost.
One caveat about Glowforge is that you need a desktop or laptop to use it. Cricut, however, has a smartphone and tablet app that allows you to design and cut from anywhere.
Additional Costs
These machines will require an initial investment, but they also have some additional costs that may be incurred later.
You will want to keep these extra costs in mind when deciding which design machine would be the best option for you.
For example, the Glowforge comes with an exhaust duct that you can place in a window to filter odors and toxins out of your home. However, suppose you do not have an easily accessible window. In that case, you may need to invest in a Glowforge Air Filter that costs around $1000.
With both machines, you will also need to spend some extra money on the materials you need to create your many projects.
Cutting Power & Precision
When it comes to cutting power, both the Glowforge and the Cricut are pretty powerful in cutting various materials. Of course, the Cricut can only cut soft, thinner materials. You can cut some really thin wood with it. I prefer the Cricut Knife Blade for this.
These machines are very precise, but the Glowforge allows for less work to be done and has more of a professional finish.
While both machines create beautiful and intricate designs, the Glowforge seems to develop better details more effortlessly.
If you want to create wood signs, Glowforge will be your best bet. Of course, the Cricut can handle cutting wood, but the Glowforge makes it a lot easier.
Cricut machines use blades to cut and write on various materials. The Cricut Maker also has extra tools that can deboss, engrave, and more.
Glowforge machines, cut with powerful lasers to engrave and can cut into more substantial materials such as Plexiglas, Delrin, mylar, rubber, and more.
User Friendly
Both machines are pretty user-friendly once you get the hang of them. However, the Cricut is much more beginner-friendly. The Glowforge is great for upgrading once you get the hang of the Cricut.
However, you may actually find that the Glowforge feels less overwhelming to use. There aren’t as many parts and steps to go through before making a design.
You will also have less to do to complete your project with the Glowforge since you usually have quite a bit of weeding to do after creating designs with the Cricut.
Weeding with the Cricut just means removing all the extra leftover material in your design that is not needed.
File Types
One major difference between the Cricut vs Glowforge is when it comes to file types.
Additionally, while both machines have their own design programs (Glowforge web app or Cricut Design Space), many other software programs can be used on either machine to help your project come together nicely.
The Glowforge Plus supports the following file types:
- JPG
- PNG
- SVG
The Cricut Maker supports the following file types:
- SVG
- PNG
- JPG
- DXF
- GIF
- BMP
Materials
The Glowforge can easily cut wood, fabric, leather, paper, Plexiglas (acrylic), Delrin (acetal), mylar, rubber, Corian, foods, and more.
The Glowforge machine also can engrave the same types of materials as well as glass, coated metal, marble, anodized aluminum, and titanium. Glowforge can also engrave some phones, tablets, laptops, and more.
You can also purchase Glowforge’s own line of materials called Proofgrade materials. This line includes hardwood, acrylic, plywood, leather, and more.
The list of materials that a Cricut Maker can cut is pretty much endless. It can cut materials as light as tissue paper to thick leather. In addition, the Cricut can handle materials that include card stock, foil, burlap, canvas, cotton, and more.
Cricut also has its own line of products called Smart Materials. These materials will work without a machine mat and come in various types such as Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, and Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock.
Final Thoughts
It seems like Glowforge is more versatile and better for designing wood projects. The Cricut Maker can also cut through wood, but it’s not as easy to use for this purpose. If you’re looking to make intricate designs with a professional finish, Glowforge Plus will be your best bet. Both machines are pretty user-friendly once you get the hang of them!
Choosing a suitable machine that will fit all of your needs can be challenging, especially if you are not too familiar with the machines already on the market.
Keep in mind that a Cricut is more cost-effective, but the Glowforge is more for professionals with a really high standard. So it all comes down to what you want and need for your own special projects.
Glowforge VS Cricut A 2022 Ultimate Comparison
If you can budget the price of the Glowforge, there is so much more you can do with it. You can cut vinyl decals, paper projects, and a wide variety of materials with this co2 laser. The biggest difference between the Glowforge and a Cricut is the thickness that can be cut and the price.
The price of the Glowforge laser cutter is definitely steep and there are others so if you are sure you are interested in a laser cutter but don’t want to shell out that kind of money for the Glowforge then you should check out Best Co2 Laser Cutter.
Laser cutters are great for so many DIY projects but so is the Cricut. So ultimately the decision will be yours. I hope this post was informative and helps you to make an informed decision with the comparison of price points, the compatible materials, and ease of use for each machine.
Either is a great option, and they both cut with great precision, you will have to decide on the thickness of the material you want to cut for your business or DIY project.
