Michi Photostory: Upgrading to the Cricut Maker 3 After 5 Years

October 07, 2025

Upgrading to the Cricut Maker 3 After 5 Years — Was It Worth It?

After five years of faithful crafting with my original Cricut Maker, I finally took the leap and upgraded to the Cricut Maker 3. I’ll admit, I was both excited and hesitant. My old Maker still worked well, but after so many projects, some wear and tear, and a whole new generation of features from Cricut, I decided it was time for an upgrade.

Actually, I had planned to buy a machine last December, but I couldn’t decide between the Cricut Joy Xtra and the Cricut Maker 3. Then, in February, the Cricut Maker 4 was announced, so I decided to wait a few more months. Unfortunately, there’s still no news about whether this machine will be available in the Philippines.

I checked Amazon, but the additional taxes were too steep, so I changed my mind.

I watched a lot of videos comparing the Cricut Maker 4 and the Cricut Maker 3, and honestly, the only noticeable difference seems to be the speed. I couldn't wait any longer — kasi naman, my wedding anniversary, Mother’s Day, and even my birthday had already passed, and still, no sign of the Maker 4. So I told myself, Cricut Maker 3 na lang.

Sakto, there was a 9.9 Cricut Sale, so I told my husband about it.

I added it to my cart, and when I saw that the price had dropped to ₱19,999, I immediately purchased it. A few minutes later, I realized it was still September 8, and the sale actually started on September 8 at 8 PM. Toink! Hirap talaga pag inaantok pa.

I missed the ₱999 Cricut voucher, but I’m still happy because I got the machine for ₱18,799, thanks to a Shopee voucher. That’s even cheaper than my old Cricut Maker, which I bought for ₱25,000!

It was delivered the next day, but since it arrived in the evening, I waited until the next morning to unbox it.

Here’s what immediately stood out:

1. The Maker 3 is noticeably faster than my old machine.

2. Matless cutting is a game-changer.

3. The loading system feels smoother and quieter.

4. It came with free Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Smart Paper Sticker, and Transfer Tape.

The downside is:

1. It doesn’t come with a cutting mat.

2. Smart materials can be pricier.

3. No additional blade, like a rotary blade.

To test the machine, I searched for Cricut Cuties on Cricut Design Space. For the past five years, I only had one sticker on my old Cricut Maker—but now, just on my first day, puro design na agad!