Finding a good Mac-compatible vinyl cutter is not difficult these days. The market is full of different products that can match the requirements of most users out there.
Choosing the best vinyl cutter for Mac is a different story though. There are many factors to compare, including precision, speed, noise, and compatibility with your machine.
Top 5 Best Vinyl Cutters for Mac:Depending on the needs of your business, it can sometimes be worth spending more on an expensive, high-end model if you’re purchasing it as a long-term investment. If you just need something for home use and don’t plan on making many cuts every day, your search will be a bit easier.
- Best all-around model
- High-end hardware with solid performance
- Lifetime support
- High quality cutting performance offers some of the best results on the market
- Very fast operation
- Advanced control mechanism allows this machine to cut through any type of vinyl
- Great balance of price and features
- Compact and lightweight design
- Various customization options
- Perfect for beginners
- Quiet and unobtrusive operation
- Capable of performing longer cuts (up to 12 ft.)
- Cheaper than most other models
- Advanced safety system protects your projects from simple mistakes
- Versatile cutter fit for a variety of applications
Top 5 Best Vinyl Cutters for Mac Reviews
To help you in your search for the best vinyl cutter for Mac, we’ve prepared reviews of what we believe are the best models on the market right now.
Mac users generally have a good range of products to choose from, and as long as you understand your requirements well enough, you should be able to find something that works well for you in the list below.
1 – Roland CAMM-1 GS-24 Vinyl Cutter w/ Stand
- Can perform up to ten cuts in one press
- 20 inches per second cutting speed allows for easy handling of large batches
- Easy to use, high-end hardware
- Standard software is not available for Mac – but there is a plugin for Adobe products
Roland is a well-known brand in this market, and the Roland CAMM-1 GS-24 is one of their most successful products. This is a great cutter that offers a number of different features, and it can easily be the best vinyl cutter for Mac users who want a model that can do a little bit of everything.
The cutter is capable of performing multiple cuts in one run and operates at up to 20” per second. Combined with its capabilities for stacking up to 10 cutting layers, this is a versatile machine that should work well for users running large-scale operations.
The only downside is that the model doesn’t come with any directly compatible vinyl cutter Mac software. The default program associated with the cutter – Roland CutStudio – is only available for PC. However, the company does offer a plugin that you can easily integrate with Adobe’s products, allowing you to use the cutter on Mac just as easily as on a PC.
If you’re looking for the best Mac-compatible vinyl cutter/plotter that works out of the box with minimal additional setup, the lack of a native Mac application may be a dealbreaker. But as long as you’re willing to take the extra steps to configure the cutter’s plugin, that’s a moot point.
The Roland CAMM-1 GS-24 is a great all-around choice for users who don’t need any specialized features but still want to work on large cutting batches with minimal hassle.
2 – GCC Puma IV 24” Professional Vinyl Cutter
- Advanced performance with up to 60 inches per second cutting speed
- Up to 500g of down force
- Optimized workflow accessible to beginners
- One of the most expensive 24-inch models on the market
The GCC Puma IV 24” is a high-quality vinyl cutter compatible with Mac computers. It cuts with a high level of precision and can apply more down force than most other models in its price range – up to 500 grams.
The cutter comes with a copy of GreatCut 3 by default but is also compatible with CorelDRAW and Adobe’s line of products – including Illustrator – which should be enough for most users.
This is a professional vinyl cutter for Mac that can easily handle more complicated jobs and offers an advanced cutting speed of up to 60” per second. Many competing devices can’t even reach half of that, making the GCC Puma IV 24” a fantastic choice for users who want to cut large orders on a daily basis.
The GreatCut software for Mac is a mixed bag according to some users, but many find it more than enough for their needs. The cutter itself is very simple to operate and is suitable for beginners, despite the high-end hardware and professional-grade output.
If you’re willing to spend more, the GCC Puma IV should be one of your first choices. It’s a high-end machine developed for those who know exactly what they need and makes no compromises in its cutting quality.
3 – USCutter SC2 Vinyl Cutter Plotter for both PC and Mac
- Quiet and fast operation
- Large memory
- May require a separate software purchase if you’re running the latest version of macOS
- Provided stand is a bit unstable without additional tightening
The USCutter SC2 is a good all-around model that doesn’t offer anything spectacular, but also doesn’t cost as much as most advanced models on the market. This makes it a good Mac vinyl cutter for small business use. It has an established following on the market, with some users praising it as the best vinyl cutter for both Mac and PC.
The model is suitable for small shops with lots of neighbors close by thanks to its quiet operation. At the same time, it doesn’t compromise cutting quality or speed.
In fact, the company boasts an improved motor design which allows the cutter to work significantly faster than their previous models. The memory has also seen a huge improvement, coming with 128 MB instead of 128 KB like previous models.
This USCutter Mac-compatible vinyl cutter comes with a choice of two programs – VinylMaster Cut, which is only available for Windows; and Sure Cuts a Lot Pro 4, available for both Windows and Mac.
Both programs are well-known and have a good reputation on the market, especially when it comes to ease of use. However, the version of SCAL provided might not be compatible with recent versions of macOS.
A good choice for users who want a nice mix between features and affordability, the USCutter SC2 doesn’t shine with anything spectacular but will get the job done better than most other models in its price class.
4 – Cricut Maker 3 Mac Compatible Vinyl Cutter
- Versatile operation, capable of cutting more than 300 different materials
- Single cuts can go up to 12 ft.
- More than a dozen different cutting tools
- Expensive
Cricut is one of the best-known brands on the vinyl cutter market, and the Cricut Maker 3 is a particularly prominent model in its line-up. This is a versatile Mac vinyl cutter for crafters who know what they’re looking for and are not willing to make any compromises.
Capable of cutting more than 300 different materials with a high level of efficiency, this is a solid model that brings a lot to the table.
One of the most noteworthy features of the Cricut Maker 3 is that it can make a single cut of up to 12 ft., much more than many competing models. Cricut has put a lot of effort into improving the performance of this model, cutting twice as fast as previous cutters the company has released.
This is probably the best Mac-compatible vinyl cutter for small projects. But don’t let that limit you – the Cricut Maker 3 can work just as well for larger-scale jobs that require many batches to be cut through the day. It’s not the cheapest model on the market, but it’s clearly designed for users who know exactly what they need in terms of performance and features.
A premium model designed for professionals, but also suitable for beginners willing to spend a bit more on their purchase, the Cricut Maker 3 is a solid choice for those looking for something that ticks every box.
5 – Silhouette Cameo 4 Plus
- Significantly cheaper than other models with similar performance
- Up to 5000g of down force can cut through most materials with ease
- Not as versatile as other models like Cricut Maker
If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Silhouette Cameo 4 Plus is perhaps the best vinyl cutter for Mac under $400. Don’t let the low price fool you, as this model can apply up to 5000g of down force, effortlessly cutting through materials up to 3mm in thickness.
It’s also a safe model for inexperienced users, as the integrated blade detection system ensures that you won’t make any beginner mistakes in your projects. The Cameo 4 is also noticeably faster than other models by Silhouette and even many other cutters in its price range.
Its quiet operation makes it suitable for more compact shops, especially in combination with its relatively compact design. The low price isn’t the only main drawing factor of this model, as it’s also more versatile than many other cutters in its price range.
Usually, investing in a cheaper Mac-compatible vinyl cutter comes with some performance and quality compromises, but not in the case of the Silhouette Cameo 4 Plus.
This is a solid, affordable Mac vinyl cutter for hobbyists and even some professionals. As long as you don’t expect the best performance on the market, the Silhouette Cameo 4 Plus is well worth its price.
How to Choose the Right Vinyl Cutter for Mac
Choosing the best vinyl cutter for macOS comes down to striking a good balance between several factors. You should pay attention to the maximum cutting width, precision, and speed of each model as your main criteria.
If you’re planning to use your cutter for commercial work, you should especially pay attention to the speed and overall noise level. Many models which work faster are also louder.
You should also pay attention to what vinyl cutter is compatible with Mac in the first place – as you’ll quickly find out, compatibility can be an issue with some models. While there’s a good variety of vinyl cutter software for Mac, some models might not support all programs available on the market. Finding a good, Mac-compatible vinyl cutter might limit your search range a bit if you insist on proper compatibility.
Look into the ease of installation and maintenance as well. Some models are very easy to set up, while others may require advanced assistance.
Likewise, some models require constant attention to keep them in a good running condition, while others can run for months with practically no maintenance, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
The exact brand shouldn’t matter in most cases, as long as you can find a model that meets your overall criteria in terms of performance, precision, and speed. However, some brands do come with certain advantages, such as better warranty options and support.
If you’re investing in a model for commercial use, advanced customer support is a feature you should not overlook.
Top Mac Compatible Software for Vinyl Cutters
Finding the right cutter is only one part of the equation. You must also take a deeper look on the software side of the market, as finding the right application can make all the difference.
1 - Design Space
Design Space might not strike with any advanced, complex features, but it does the job well enough and it offers a simplified interface suitable for beginners and experienced users alike. This Mac-friendly software for vinyl cutters is suitable for novice users who want something they can easily navigate, and it supports a variety of export options that can make it as versatile as some of the titans on the market.
The program might look simple, but it actually does a lot of complex work under the hood. You just need to set up your design and it will do the heavy lifting for you, including controlling your tools and managing materials. This immediately makes it a better choice than some of the more complex alternatives out there.
2 - Silhouette Studio
If you’re looking for a more advanced Mac-compatible vinyl cutter tool, Silhouette Studio is something you should definitely check out. It provides additional options that give you more precise control over your cutting jobs, and you can set various parameters yourself instead of relying on the application to determine the ideal ranges. If you have more experience and want to be in full control over your cutting, this is the best tool for the job.
The program is also a bit more expensive than most competing tools if you want to go for the most advanced tiers. But if you know what you’re looking for and need something that fits the bill for professional work, the price is well worth it. Plus, it’s still cheaper than some of the top tools on the market.
3 - Easy Cut Studio
Easy Cut Studio is compatible with a wide range of cutters and can work well for experienced users and beginners alike. Everything is exactly where you’d expect to find it, and navigating the interface becomes a breeze once you’ve familiarized yourself with the basic layout. Those looking for a hassle-free tool to facilitate vinyl signmaking with a MacBook should appreciate what Easy Cut Has to offer.
The editing tools are particularly good, with a wide range of features that can allow you to set your graphics up exactly as you want them. The program is designed around a “what you see is what you get” approach for cutting, and each cut you make within the tool itself is guaranteed to be replicated exactly in the final cut.
4 - Cutting Master
While it’s not a standalone application, Cutting Master is a very useful plugin that supports both CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator. It provides you with advanced control over your cutting, including settings that many other similar plugins don’t offer. You can control many aspects of your plotter’s operation, and even set up batch copies with a few clicks. If you need a plugin and not a separate tool, this is one of the best options.
5 - Graphtec Studio
A very popular application on this market, Graphtec Studio provides a standard suite of vector editing tools along with advanced project management features. You can draw any type of shape easily, and can modify and combine shapes using a variety of different tools. Tracing is one of the best features of Graphtec Studio, as it works significantly better than in most competing tools on the market.
The only downside to Graphtec Studio is that its interface may seem a bit outdated. If you already have some experience with similar tools, finding your way around the menus of Graphtec Studio should be easy and straightforward.
6 - Sure Cuts a Lot
Another popular application used by professionals and hobbyists alike, Sure Cuts a Lot works well with a wide range of vinyl cutters and is designed to combine flexibility and advanced editing performance in one convenient package. It takes a while to learn how everything works and where different options are located, but once you’ve got the basic idea, it’s very easy to find what you’re looking for.
If you plan on working with multiple cutters, Sure Cuts a Lot should be one of your top choices, as the application is well-known for its wide range of supported devices out of the box.
7 - Adobe Illustrator
Adobe is a titan in the design industry, and Illustrator is an extremely powerful application used by thousands of professionals around the world. It’s the default standard for a vector design powerhouse, offering practically anything you can think of. It costs quite a bit more than competing tools too, but if you want a full package that includes all the bells and whistles common for these tools, this is one of the best choices you can make.
Illustrator might require plugins to work with specific devices, but setting those up is easy enough and doesn’t require any advanced skills. The application also enjoys a lot of support, both from its developers and the community.
8 - Inkscape
Inkscape is often overlooked, but it deserves a mention on this list. It’s one of the few completely free tools on this market, but it still manages to match the feature sets of even some of the best premium applications. Inkscape’s interface seems a bit dated and clunky at times, but users familiar with open-source software should have no problem navigating it and shouldn’t be bothered by the general presentation.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen our Mac-compatible vinyl cutter reviews, you’re ready to start your search for the best vinyl cutter for your Mac. As you can see, the market offers plenty of products that can fit the needs of a wide range of users.
No matter if you’re looking for a cheap device to use every once in a while, or an advanced cutter with high output and high rate of reliability, there’s always something for you out there – all it takes is to compare what’s available.
