When it comes to craft cutting machines, Cricut is definitely the brand to beat. It’s exactly what Brother aims to achieve when they released the ScanNCut DX, which introduces many new features designed to make crafting easier. Take a look at the side-by-side review of the Brother ScanNCut SDX125 and the Cricut Maker below.
The Cricut Maker is Cricut's most powerful cutting machine to date. Its advanced cutting features paired with an intuitive interface make the Cricut Maker an excellent machine for beginner and experienced crafters alike.
Navigation
Brother Scan and Cut vs Cricut Maker Comparison Chart
| Model | Brother ScanNCut SDX125 | |
 | | |
| Price | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon |
| Width | 20.9″ | 21.2″ |
| Depth | 8.5″ | 7” |
| Height | 6.8″ | 5.9” |
| Weight | 12.79 lbs | 9 lbs |
| Max Cutting Area | 12″ x 24″ | 12″ x 24″ |
| Max Material Height | 3 mm | 2.4 mm |
| Cutting Pressure | Up to 1,260 gf | Up to 4,000 gf |
| Included Tools | Auto Blade, Pen, Spatula, Stylus, Adhesive Mats | Rotary Blade, Fine Point Blade, Fine Point Pen, Machine Mats |
| Software | CanvasWorkspace | Design Space |
| Auto Blade Detection | Yes | No |
| Scan and Print | Yes | No |
| On-Screen Editing | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Bluetooth |
| Colors | 1 | 6 |
Design and Size
Both cutting machines look great and solidly-built.
Design-wise, there’s not very many notable differences between the Brother ScanNCut DX and the
Aside from that, both are quiet even when cutting, which indicates some solid construction and engineering, although the ScanNCut DX is a tad quieter. Brother also added a storage compartment underneath the tray after feedback from earlier versions of the ScanNCut, while the
Cutting Power
The
For a long time since its release, the
Still, it’s plenty enough to cut numerous materials such as paper, vinyl, fabric, balsa wood, foam and more. The Brother ScanNCut DX can cut up to a depth of 3mm compared to the
Ease of Use
The Brother ScanNCut DX can be easier to operate than the
Being able to use the Brother ScanNCut SDX125 on its own is definitely a plus in portability and accessibility. No need to connect it to a computer or mobile device since you can simply use the included stylus to select and edit designs on the LCD screen. Of course, it’s still able to connect wirelessly if you prefer operating it on a PC or laptop or when you’re working on more complex designs.
There are 682 built-in designs in the ScanNCut DX, which includes 100 quilting patterns and 9 lettering fonts. Quilters will appreciate the optional seam allowance feature which makes piecing cuts together much easier. In addition, perhaps the biggest new innovation on the Brother ScanNCut DX is its Blade Sensor Technology. Its Auto Blade automatically detects the thickness of the material being used so you don’t need to make selections or adjustments beforehand.
With an onboard scanner and screen, the Brother ScanNCut SDX125 can work as a standalone cutting machine. Its inbuilt screen lets crafters design and cut even without a separate tablet or desktop.
In contrast, the
Additional Features
The Brother ScanNCut DX can scan hand-drawn designs but the
First of all, we need to mention the Brother ScanNCut DX’s namesake feature: the ability to scan your own hand-drawn designs and using them as your cut file. It’s fantastic for personalizing gifts and other items, especially since it sports scans of up to 900 dpi compared to the 300 dpi of previous generations.
However, as a dedicated crafting brand, Cricut definitely has the upper hand in providing hobbyists everything they might need for their projects. You can shop from a wider selection of additional tools such as pens, markers, iron-on sheets, self-healing mats and more, to a huge inventory of materials such as felt, faux leather, vinyl, cardstock, transfer sheets, etc. It’s also much easier and faster to get these delivered to your doorstep from Cricut, while you might need to wait awhile from Brother, which can kind of dampen your enthusiasm for crafting in the meantime.
Verdict
The
Despite the Brother ScanNCut DX looking much better on paper, we’ll have to recommend the Cricut Maker for those who are serious in pursuing their crafting adventure. It provides tried-and-tested cutting precision and power, and is especially great at welcoming new and intermediate hobbyists with its expansive design software. Moreover, you’ll receive better support in completing your projects since tools, materials and help are more readily available.
Nevertheless, the Brother ScanNCut SDX125 is an impressive cutting machine. It’s loaded with features that the
FAQs
Deciding which is better depends on how you often use your cutting machine. As its name implies, the Brother ScanNCut DX lets you conveniently scan hand-drawn art and use them as your cut file. Meanwhile, the
You can scan hand-drawn designs and save them as a cut file for manipulation or cut them directly on the Brother ScanNCut DX.
The Cricut Explore Air series offers more affordable Cricut cutting machines. Specifically, the
Yes, the