The 9 Best Sticker Machines
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in January of 2017. If you can turn a plain piece of paper into a work of art, a sticker maker is a tool you should add to your arsenal of gadgets. We've rounded up a list of the most worthy machines out there, including those that are easy to use, work with a variety of materials, and give you the creative freedom to express yourself. Some can even be used commercially to earn you some extra cash. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Cricut Explore Air 2
2. Xyron Creative Station Original
3. Silhouette Cameo 4
Editor's Notes
July 17, 2020:
There remain plenty of high-quality sticker and cutting machines available, whether you prefer the popular Cricut Explore Air 2 or a model from top name Xyron. In fact, we've added the Xyron X150 as an even more budget-friendly alternative to the Xyron Mini. The Mini allows you to create stickers up to 2.5 inches wide, while the X150 is only designed for pieces measuring up to 1.5 inches wide. But if you have small embellishments to add to a scrapbook, and you don't want to use craft glue, it can be quite helpful.
As for models with more capabilities and features, we've added the newest version of the Brother ScanNCut2, and replaced the Silhouette Cameo 3 with the Silhouette Cameo 4. This newer model has plenty of updates: it can cut and sketch faster than previous iterations, and boasts increased downforce, among other improvements. And, conveniently, for those who are just starting out, it is offered with various accessories bundles, so you can grab the one that suits your crafting style and needs.
June 24, 2019:
If you'd like to create custom stickers, you have two good options: a sticker-only machine, or one of today's feature-heavy cutting machines. We've added both to meet the needs of various users. In the former category, it's still hard to beat the Xyron Creative Station Original. It arrives with a roll of permanent adhesive, but repositionable adhesive is also available. These cartridges drop right into the machine, so there's no difficult instruction booklet to navigate or frustrating labor-intensive processes. That brings us to the latter category, as cutting machines do require more knowledge, practice, and involvement. But they also do so much more, making any extra learning time worth it for many users. The three top names in cutting machines, at this time, are Silhouette, Cricut, and Brother. It's tough to say which is the best, as each company has its fans and each will help you take your crafting to the next level in its own way. That said, the Brother does have one big drawback. Although it includes a scanner, it does not scan well unless the image is outlined boldly in black, which can become frustrating. But unlike Silhouette's Cameo 3 and Cricut's Explore Air 2, it has a big, color touchscreen, a definite bonus.
Special Honors
Roland DG VersaStudio BN-20 Because of the cost, you probably won't grab the Roland DG VersaStudio BN-20 for general, at-home crafting, but if you're looking to take your design business to the next level, then it may be just what you need. Far from just a sticker machine, it can also help you create decals, posters, labels, and much, much more. rolanddga.com
Vistaprint Labels If you're interested in a sticker machine because you need to label goods for sale, you might check out the Vistaprint Labels, custom-printed labelling stickers perfect for small business owners. There are both sheets and rolls to select from, as well as a variety of shapes, all featuring your logo, name, ingredients list, or (nearly) whatever you require. vistaprint.com
4. Brother ScanNCut2
5. Xyron Mini
6. Crayola Sticker Design Studio
7. Xyron X150
8. HP Sprocket
9. Xyron Disposable
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.