Which Cricut is Right For Me? Comparing the Cricut Maker, Explore Air 2, & Joy.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

So, you’re thinking about buying a Cricut machine! Congrats, you’ll absolutely love it, but, you may be asking yourself what machine should I get. Maybe you’re not sure where to start or wondering whats the difference between each machine? Well, I completely understand, there’s a lot of information on each machine, and I’m here to help explain the basics of what each of them do.

So, let’s compare the Cricut Maker, Explore Air 2, and Joy and see what features each have to help you pick the best machine for you!

Which Cricut is Right For Me?

For this comparison guide I’ll only be focusing on the 3 newest machines (Maker, Explore Air 2, & Joy), all of which are compatible with Cricut Design Space. These are also the only 3 that Cricut is still making. Each machine has a variety of features, but determining what’s best for your needs is essential when selecting which to buy.

So which Cricut should you buy? Read on to learn more.

Similarities

To get started with comparing each machine, it’s probably a good place to share what they all have in common. No matter what machine you choose, all are great for DIY projects.

Key Features

Cutting, that includes iron-on, cardstock, vinyl, paper, and more.
Writing
Bluetooth® wireless technology available for all
Free Design Space® software for iOS, Android™, Windows®, and Mac®
Able to upload and use your own images and fonts for free in Design Space

Now, lets move on to their differences. Knowing what each machine can’t do will help you decide which one is best for you.

Cricut Explore Air 2

Let’s start off with the most popular machine, the Cricut Explore Air 2. I love this machine, it’s no wonder it’s their most popular with the ability to cut and create so many things as well as being offered at a reasonable price point.

The Explore Air 2 is the ultimate DIY machine, it has the ability of Fast Mode for up to 2x faster cutting and writing, as well as the ability to cut everything from cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on to a range of specialty materials like glitter paper, cork, and bonded fabric.

Key Features

Max material width x length: 12″ x 2′
Material compatibility: 100+ options
Tools & Capabilities: 5+ (for cutting, writing, scoring)
Machine Colors: Several available
Price: $249.99

>>> Shop Cricut Explore Air 2 <<<

The Explore Air 2 comes with the Fine-Point Blade which is perfect for cutting a wide variety of craft materials. It also has the ability to use the Scoring Stylus and Deep-Point Blade.

The Explore Air 2 also works with the Print then Cut feature; meaning you can use a home printer to print, then use the Explore Air 2 to cut out the printed image perfectly.

You have a Smart Dial on the machine itself to select the material that you want to cut. Or, you can use the custom setting, which allows you to choose from a variety of materials on your computer to cut.

Cricut Joy

Next up is the small but very mighty Cricut Joy! It weighs only 3.9 lbs and can be taken anywhere. Not only can cutting mats be used, but Cricut Joy offers Smart Materials for long, continuous cuts without a mat.

The Joy is perfect for quick, everyday, fun projects. Think organizing labels, name tags, greeting cards, or even labeling kids school supplies, they Joy is perfect for any quick project.

Key Features

Max material width x length: 5.5″ x 20′
Material compatibility: 50+ options
Tools & Capabilities: 2 (for cutting & writing)
Machine Colors: Only 1, Aqua & White
Price: $179.99

>>> Shop Cricut Joy <<<

The Cricut Joy does so much, but if you love making your own custom greeting cards then the Cricut Joy is a must have! It’s really so simple with the specialized Card Mat to create custom cards in no time.

I also love being able to quickly cut a vinyl label or iron-on name to add to my kids school supplies. The Joy can cut over 50 materials including iron-on, cardstock, vinyl, paper, and of course the Smart Materials which allow for no mat. But what’s great is that the Joy is also compatible with mats so you don’t have to rely on only using Smart Materials.

Finally, when it comes to using the Joy, everything will be setup within Design Space, making the machine that much easier to pull out and use.

Cricut Maker

Finally, there is the Cricut Maker. It’s the ultimate for professional-level cutting performance and versatility. This is the machine for you if your love of crafts turned into a business, or if you’re an avid DIYer looking to have more options.

Not only do you get commercial-grade performance with the Maker, but you can cut over 300 different materials. That includes basswood, leather, matboard, almost any type of fabric, and so much more.

Key Features

Max material width x length: 12″ x 2′
Material compatibility: 300+ options
Tools & Capabilities: 12+ (for cutting, writing, scoring, debossing, engraving & more)
Machine Colors: Several available
Price: $399.99

>>> Shop Cricut Maker <<<

The Cricut Maker allows you to create 3D art, jewelry, sewing patterns, and endless amounts of home decor ideas. Just like the Explore Air 2, you have the ability of Fast Mode for up to 2x faster cutting and writing, as well as the ability to use the Print then Cut feature.

If you’re comparing just the Explore Air 2 and the Maker, then think of the Maker as a step up. It’s more expensive, but you get so many more options when it comes to cutting, especially if you plan on cutting wood or fabric.

Finally, like the Joy, material selection will be setup within Design Space since the Maker doesn’t have a Smart dial.

So, what machine will it be? Maker, Explore Air 2, or Joy? They’re all amazing options, but from someone who has experience with Cricut machines I say the best overall option considering price & function, is the Cricut Explore Air 2. If you’re looking to create small quick projects, or just get started into the world of Cricut crafts, then the Joy is for you. Lastly, if you want to have endless options then the Maker is your answer.