Cricut’s Maker series represents the premium tier of consumer cutting machines, and buying a bundle is almost always better than purchasing the machine alone. Bundles fold in the accessories and materials you’ll need immediately, typically at a 15-25% discount versus buying components separately. With both the original Maker and the newer Maker 3 still available, there’s a bundle for every budget and project type - here’s how the top five compare.
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricut Maker 3 + Everything Bundle | Full-featured starter kit | $$$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Cricut Maker 3 + Rotary + Knife Blade | Fabric and thick material cutting | ~$150-400 | ★★★★★ |
| Original Cricut Maker Bundle (Discounted) | Budget-conscious crafters | ~$60-150 | ★★★★☆ |
| Cricut Maker 3 + EasyPress 3 Combo | Apparel and heat-transfer projects | $$$$ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cricut Maker 3 + Explore Air 3 Dual Bundle | Gifting or two-machine household | $$$$$ | ★★★★☆ |
1. Cricut Maker 3 Everything Bundle - Best Overall
Cricut’s flagship bundle ships with the Maker 3, rotary blade, knife blade, fine-point blade, scoring stylus, multiple mats, and a curated selection of Smart Vinyl and Smart Iron-On. It’s designed to eliminate every “I wish it came with…” complaint from first-time Maker buyers, and it delivers - most buyers report completing their first five projects without a single additional Amazon order.
2. Cricut Maker 3 + Rotary and Knife Blade - Best for Makers and Sewists
This focused bundle drops the material packs in favor of the two highest-value specialty blades - the rotary blade for fabric and the knife blade for wood and leather. It’s the right choice if you already have vinyl and mats from a previous machine and want the Maker 3 specifically for its expanded material capabilities rather than a full starter kit.
3. Original Cricut Maker Bundle - Best Budget Option
The original Cricut Maker (released 2017) is still manufactured and sold as a discounted bundle, typically running $100-$150 less than the Maker 3. It has the same 4kg cutting force, accepts all the same specialty blades, and connects to the same Design Space software. Its only practical limitations are the lack of Smart Materials support and a slightly slower cut speed - neither matters for most project types.
4. Cricut Maker 3 + EasyPress 3 Bundle - Best for Apparel Crafters
Pairing the Maker 3 with the EasyPress 3 creates a complete heat-transfer workflow without the learning curve of a traditional heat press. The EasyPress 3’s Bluetooth-guided temperature and timing instructions make it nearly foolproof for iron-on vinyl, Cricut Infusible Ink, and standard HTV from brands like Siser EasyWeed. Combined, these two machines handle the full production run from cut to finished garment.
5. Cricut Maker 3 + Explore Air 3 Dual Bundle - Best for Two-Machine Households
Some Amazon listings bundle the Maker 3 and Explore Air 3 together at a combined discount - a surprisingly practical setup for households where one person does fabric work and another focuses on vinyl and paper. You get the Maker 3’s full material range alongside the Explore Air 3’s faster speed for simpler materials, with two complete setups for shared-crafting households or small craft businesses.
What to Look For
- Machine generation - Maker 3 adds Smart Materials support and 2x speed vs. original Maker; both use the same blades and software
- Specialty blade inclusion - a bundle without at least the rotary blade underutilizes what makes the Maker series unique compared to the Explore line
- Warranty coverage - Cricut machines carry a 1-year limited warranty; confirm the bundle seller is authorized to ensure warranty validity
- Material roll length - bundles with 3-foot material samples are adequate for testing; look for 12-foot rolls for meaningful project capacity
Final Thoughts
For most first-time Cricut Maker buyers, the Maker 3 Everything Bundle is the clear choice - the upfront cost is higher but the total system value and avoided follow-up purchases make it the smarter investment. Budget-focused crafters who don’t need Smart Materials will find the original Maker bundle is still an excellent machine at a significantly lower price. Whichever generation you choose, prioritize bundles that include the rotary blade - it’s the accessory that justifies the Maker upgrade over the Explore line.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy the original Cricut Maker bundle or the Maker 3 bundle?+
The Maker 3 is the better long-term investment - it cuts up to 2x faster, supports matless Smart Materials, and receives ongoing software updates. Original Maker bundles are still sold at a discount and remain fully functional machines, making them a good value if budget is the primary concern and you don't need matless cutting capability.
What is the difference between Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 3 bundles?+
The Maker series uses 10x more cutting force than the Explore Air 3 and accepts specialty tools like the rotary blade, knife blade, engraving tip, and debossing tip. Explore Air 3 bundles are cheaper and excellent for paper, vinyl, and iron-on, but cannot cut thick materials or fabric without stabilizer. Choose Maker bundles if material variety is important.
Are Cricut Maker bundles on Amazon genuine products?+
Yes - Cricut is an authorized Amazon seller and most bundles are sold directly by Cricut or by verified Amazon sellers. Look for listings that show "Ships from and sold by Amazon" or "by Cricut" to ensure you receive a machine with a valid warranty. Third-party marketplace bundles sometimes include knockoff accessories.