If you are thinking of purchasing a new ScanNCut DX then you need to be aware that there are two different model numbers. This applies to the US and Australia and most likely other countries as well.
In this post, I will be doing a comparison between the two US model numbers – the SDX125 and the SDX225. And just to make things even more confusing, there is an SDX125i model and an SDX125e model as well.
Bear in mind, that these are the model numbers for the US.
And by the way, if you are wanting to check out the features of the ScanNCut DX machines, you can read our post here.
What You Need to Know Before Buying the ScanNCut DX
As most people in the crafting business know, Brother also sells sewing machines. And their business model for selling sewing machines is to sell them through local dealers. So you might find it difficult to buy a Brother sewing machine online unless it is one of the lower-priced models.
This same business model applies to ScanNCut machines. They tend to only allow the pricier model to be sold by independent dealers in a physical store. The cheaper model is the version that is found in larger craft or sewing superstores or online. This seems to be the case with the new ScanNCut DX. So you may see a version online at places like the Home Shopping Network and Amazon. You can get the ScanNCut SDX125e here on Amazon for instance.
It appears that Home Shopping Network (HSN) is selling the SDX125i so it is the cheaper model. This model appears to be the same as the SDX125 but with an added bonus of a pack of SVG files.
Also, note that a reader did purchase a machine from HSN and the machine was labeled as SDX125 but on the box, it was labeled SDX125i. On their website, they state that they are selling the SDX125 and there is no mention of whether it is an SDX125i.
UPDATE 1: We now have more information on this machine and it looks like there are a few differences between the two main models. Let’s get into it.
UPDATE 2: We have created a blog post on the Disney model here – Disney ScanNCut – Is it worth it?
So What’s the Difference Between the ScanNCut SDX125 vs the ScanNCut SDX225?
24″ Scan Function
This is the ability to scan the full length of a 24″ mat.
- SDX125 – not available
- SDX225 – available
PES File Import Capability
- SDX125 – not available
- SDX225 – available
PES File Embroidery Stitch Line Detection
- SDX125 – not available
- SDX225 – available
Wireless Ready
- SDX125 – yes
- SDX225 – yes
Data Transfer Via USB Cable
- SDX125 – yes
- SDX225 – yes
Maximum Object Readability
Not too sure what this means at this stage but I expect it has to do with the scanning functionality.
- SDX125 – 600
- SDX225 – 600
Built-in Designs
First up we have the built in designs. The built-in designs are cutting files that are pre-installed in the machine itself. Now personally this wouldn’t be a game changer for me since I tend to create my own cutting files, but for those that don’t, then it may make a difference.
- SDX125: 682 built-in-designs
- SDX225: 1303 built-in-designs
Built-in Fonts
With the new Canvas Workspace software, you can use fonts on your machine, so unless you don’t like using Canvas Workspace to create your own cutting files, then the extra fonts may appeal to you. For me again, it’s not a game-changer.
- SDX125: 9 fonts
- SDX225: 17 fonts
Accessories Included with Each Machine
SDX125
- Pen Holder
- Black Color Pen
- ScanNCut DX Standard Tack Adhesive Mat
- Auto Blade
- Auto Blade Holder
- Touch Pen
- Spatula
- Accessory Pouch
SDX225
- Pen Holder
- 6 Color Pen Set
- 2 Erasable Pen Set
- Black
- ScanNCut DX Standard Tack Adhesive Mat
- ScanNCut DX Low Tack Adhesive Mat
- High Tack Fabric Support Sheet
- Iron-on Fabric Contact Sheet
- Auto Blade
- Auto Blade Holder
- Thin Fabric Auto Blade
- Thin Fabric Auto Blade Holder
- Touch Pen
- Spatula
- Accessory Pouch
| SDX125i | SDX125 | SDX225 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low tack adhesive mat | YES | ||
| Auto blade holder | YES | YES | YES |
| Standard tack adhesive mat | YES | YES | YES |
| Thin fabric auto blade holder | YES | ||
| High tack adhesive support sheet | YES | ||
| Pen holder | YES | YES | YES |
| Color pens | YES (black only) | YES (black only) | YES (complete set) |
| Erasable pen set | YES | ||
| Spatula | YES | YES | YES |
| Touch pen (stylus) | YES | YES | YES |
| Accessory bag | YES | YES | YES |
| Power cord | YES | YES | YES |
| Cardstock sample sheet | YES | YES | YES |
| SVG Cutting Files - 12 Pattern Collections | YES |
Sarah says
Will not take my email address
Alanda says
What actually won’t take your email address? Are you trying to sign up to our newsletter?
Liz says
Hi, I’m looking for a used 225 DX
Alanda Craft says
We don’t sell physical products Liz. You might want to try eBay or Craigslist (or similar).
Jaime says
THANK YOU. I have a BSNC 650 (just over a year); I have a couple of questions if you can answer:
a) Big difference with previous BSNC is the auto setting of the cutter (Pressure, depth, etc.)?
b) Are the blades different, as well as, the holders?
c) I understand some of the accessories we have with older model (650) are not compatible such as mats; what about sticker, labeling, embossing, etc. packages?
d) Any discount/trade in?
Thank you in advance.
Alanda says
It’s kind of difficult for me to answer your questions at this stage as we still don’t have a machine – it’s not available in Australia until beginning of October.
So these are just my assumptions at this point based on the research I have done so far:
– In terms of the differences, you can check out our other post here – /2018/08/09/the-new-brother-scanncut-dx-machine-is-it-worth-the-upgrade/
– It looks like the blades are different as well as the holder. They are sold in different packaging and are called Auto Blades.
– Can’t really say whether the sticker etc packs are going to be different but my feeling is that they will be same. But take that with a grain of salt.
– As far as I can tell, there is no discount or trade-in offer from Brother but you may get a discount from your local dealer perhaps.
PAUL BAILEY says
HI jamie,
The only things you can not swap from the original series to the dx series is the cutting mats and the dx blades. the newmats for the dx now have a hanging hole in them so they can only be feed into the machine one way ( the original mats you could use either end.). the codeing on the top of the mats is different from the orignal mats so they cant be used in your original machines.
THE DX BLADES ARE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT, but you can use your original blade from your old models in the new dx but not using the auto blade feature, you have to set the depth and pressure on the dx if using older blades from the cm series machines. but all the other add ons, like embossing tools and glue pens, foiling, sticker sets, rhinestone set, etc can be used on the new dx models no problem they will all operate on all the dx models.
hope that helps your question
Karen says
Looking forward to your tips on the new cutter
Alanda says
We can’t wait to get our hands on one so that we can start doing videos for you. 🙂
Marianne says
I am in the states and purchased the model from HSN. It uses the same pen holder and the universal pen holder. The mat is much stickier! I am pleased with that! You can’t use the older mats, only the ones for DSX. The new mats aren’t available yet so I don’t know how much they cost. I love the new machine as I can use it when my husband is sleeping!
Alanda says
Thanks Marianne. It’s great to start getting this sort of information. We still don’t have the machine so this is very helpful.
Miranda Norris says
Hi, I’m still awaiting for the email with my download of “over 100 free ScanNCut cutting files” and wonder if there’s a hiccup in the system?
Kind regards
Miranda
Alanda says
Hi Miranda – You actually subscribed to us back in September 2017 so you would have received the Crafty Downloads then. However, if you don’t have them, just click on the Contact option from the menu above and send us an email to let us know and we will send them to you.
Laurie Schaerer says
I am trying to find a cutter that will cut shapes into matboard – the heavy “cardboard” used when matting/framing photographs. Typical matboard is about 3mm thick. I called Brother to see if the SDX225 will cut matboard, and this was their response: “It will cut a piece of 3mm foamboard but we have not tested it on matboard”. Do you know if this machine will cut matboard?
Thank you.
Alanda says
We haven’t tested it either Laurie and I had trouble finding anyone on the net who has tried it. It could possibly do it but too difficult to give it a definite yes without trying it ourselves. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful on this.
PAUL BAILEY says
Its not so good at cutting mat board Laurie, it will but not very well, because the matboard is very dense it needs a lot of pressure and when i tried it the board dint seem to stick to the mat well. it kept moving and even when i taped it down the edges where not smooth and it even though i did it it increment depths it didnt seem to cut on the previous cut line and slighly shifted a wee bit o gave up in the end. NOw 3mm fooam no problem because its not so dense as matboard , but constuction board that was ok.
Lene Frost says
Hi Alanda
Thank you so much for your comparison of the machines. Awesome.
A bit sad with the number of built in shapes. I would love that but I don’t sew so I kinda wouldn’t need the big one only the small. The price difference is significant. So I still need thinking?
Thanks again and lots of greetings from Denmark.
Sincerely
Lene Frost
PAUL BAILEY says
Lene dont think the bigger machine is not for you because of the quilting shapes, because these shapes can be used for all sorts of things from card making to home decor its a shape so it can be utilised in what ever size or form not just for sewers and quilters and vice a versa about the other shapes in the machine can be used by everyone what ever field of craft you do, Your imagination is not held back be this machine it gives you even more creativity.
JANIS LITYNSKY says
Thank You for all the info you give us. Much appreciated. Please could you tell me if the SCAN N CUT SDX225 will accept SVG FILES. Thanks in advance. Janis.
Alanda says
Yes it does Janis.
PAUL BAILEY says
Hi Ladies, The scanner on the dx machines is ones that brother uses in their printers, so its normally 300 dpi which is magazine quality for printing, on the dx machines they have upgraded to 600 dpi so its super quality for scanning and has also included a smoothing rendering button on the machine so when you scan a drawing for example and the edges look a bit blocky pressing this function on your dx machine renders a more smoother line. also the dx can now have 900 cut or drawing lines at any one tine on your screen. before i think it use to 600, on the cm series. so you dont get the message to many lines to scan into the machine memeory etc.. so i dont have to split up the scanning page into sections to download on to the machines memory. Hope that explains it for you. Paul PLaisance de gers France
Mariam says
Hi,
How is the performance of sdx225 for fabric cutting, haven’t read good reviews about the sdx125 fabric cutting.
Has anyone had experience with it?
Thanks
Nancy Parrish says
I had no idea the DX125 would NOT read to the end of the 24” mat. ;Does that mean it won’t print on the long roll vinyl as well? Really interested in these features.
Alanda says
The vinyl roll feeder is a different thing. It will just roll through and cut whatever you need to cut.
Beverly A. Abernathy says
I am interested in your Brother Scan N Cut SDX 225. What is the price? Will it come with the roller?
Alanda says
We don’t sell these machine Beverly. You can find stockists on the Brother Website. Here is the link https://www.brother-usa.com/products/sdx225
Danita G Simon says
I just went to your link and The Brother website says it is discontinued. What is it now?
Alanda Craft says
I just took a look at the Brother website and it looks like the SDX125 may now be the SDx125TS https://www.brother-usa.com/products/sdx125ts
Creolanne says
Bonjour, je suis en France. Je souhaite avoir le kit de demarrage gravure pour la scan n cut sdx 1200. Car il me semble que cela existe aux États-Unis ” chomas créations” et pas en France.
Comment puis-je me le procurer ?
Cordialement.
Alanda Craft says
You could try Amazon. If you have no luck there, I would contact Brother directly. Go to the brother.com site and send them a message.
April says
Sooo much knowledge here! Can’t thank you guys enough. I am just now learning about this world of digital crafting. I’m a scrapbooker and have always done it the old fashion way.
Love the idea of a scanncut capability!
However, I have no idea what SVG and PES files are.
Can you tell me what they are and how they would be helpful and used for me?
What is the 3 pattern collection activation card that you stated comes with the SDX125e and why is that a good/helpful item to have?
Thank you so much
Alanda Craft says
PES files are embroidery files that you use with some embroidery machines like Brother, Bernina and BabyLock. Some embroidery files include an applique portion which the ScanNCut can recognize and cut.
And SVG files are a type of image file that can be recognized by the ScanNCut and converted into cutting files. You can find a ton of SVG files for free online.
Becky Thompson says
I want to thank you so much for this particular blog post. I do a lot of tutorials on YouTube for use of the SNC and my viewers ask me all the time the differences between the 125 & 225 and I always refer them here. I actually enrolled in one of your courses years ago on how to use my CM650 and you’re the ones who taught me all about it. I love that you have such thorough and detailed, yet easily understandable content. Thank you!
~Becky Thompson, Power Tools With Thread on YouTube
Alanda Craft says
Thanks so much Becky. It’s always nice to get such good feedback. 🙂
Georgina Brown says
Hi looking to buy a brother scanncut I make cards and like decoupage suffer with arthritis
Wondering what the difference is between the sdx and the sdx hobby plotter please.
Alanda Craft says
I can’t see any difference between the machines. As far as I can tell, ‘Hobby Plotter’ looks like a word they use for the ScanNCut in some European countries.
Sharon says
I sure wish Michael’s would still sell and offer Brother products. They took them out of the store over 3-4 years ago. Also, we used to have a “Cynthia’s Sewing Center” that was a wonderful place, but for health reasons, the owners had to close up last May (2019). I guess I should give up ever finding a Brother Sewing Machine now! LOL Thanks for your comments on the Scan n Cut.
lana Dean says
Thanks, to becky at Powertools with thread for giving me your website and I was able to better understand the benefits of purchasing the DX 125 V Dx 225 I will wait until I find a reputable Brother”s dealer before I make a purchasing the brother Scan N Cut online.
Thank you
Ladies
Alanda Craft says
Glad we could help!!
Joanne says
Im new to die cutting and don’t understand a lot of the terminology you have used. Can you direct me to someplace that I can get comparisons in laymen terms. I am in the UK now, but will be moving to the US sometime. Are the power cords interchangeable?
Alanda Craft says
This is the only comparison page we have at the moment. I’m not sure about the power cords. That’s something you might need to contact Brother directly about.
Elizabeth K Starks says
hello. I purchased a DX225 INNOV-IS but the receipt says a dx225 f. does anyone know if this is the same machine or am I being sold something I didn’t want.
Alanda Craft says
Hi Elizabeth, yes they are the same machine. The difference is in the accessories that you may receive with your machine.
Donna Singletary says
Thanks you and Becky Thompson, of Power Tools are the greatest!
Alanda Craft says
Thanks Donna 😊