Cricut Machine Comparison 2024: What You Need to Know! (2025)

Wondering which is thebest Cricut machinefor you? Today, we are going to do aCricut machine comparisonof six differentCricut modelsso you can make aninformed decision!

Are you thinking about getting a Cricut or wondering whichnew Cricut machineto buy for a friend or family member? Picking the right Cricut to suit your needs can seem a bit overwhelming, but I’m here to help!

I have owned eight different Cricut cutting machines and I definitely think they are one of the best tools for crafters.I started with theCricut Expression(back when you neededCricut cartridges) over a decade ago, then moved up to theCricut Explore Air, then theCricut Explore Air2, Cricut Maker, Cricut Joy, Cricut Maker 3, Cricut Explore 3 and now I have theCricut Joy Xtrain my craft room.

So, I know all about the different Cricut machines and thebiggest differencesbetween them all. Because I love and use my Cricut all the time, Cricut sponsored this post and asked me to write a post explaining the differences between them to help you find theright Cricut machine.

Let’s talk about what each of these amazing vinyl cutting machines can do before you decide which Cricut is theright machinefor you!

As with any new hobby, there is alearning curveso be patient with yourself when learning to use a Cricut. You don’t want to start asmall businessright away. You’ll want to get to know your new machine and the design software before trying to make money from it.

All of the Cricut machines useCricutDesign Spacesoftwareand thedesign space app, so you will need a computer, laptop, tablet, iPad, or smartphone to use any of them. Plus they all haveBluetooth connectivity.

Let’s start with the smallest Cricut machine (and cheapest) and go up from there!

Disclosure:This post contains affiliate links from Shareasale, Cricut, Awin, CreativeFabrica, and Amazon.com.I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my links (purple text).As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cricut Joy Family

The Cricut Joy machines are smaller, but they are still great cutting machines since they can cut over 50different materials.

The Joy and Joy Xtra are perfect for crafters who like to makesmall projectsand have a small craft area.

Here is what I love about my Cricut Joy:

• Cricut Joy is perfect formaking cards! With thecard matand card inserts, card making is easy peasy!
• The Cricut Joy can use the writing function, has afoil kit, can cut Infusible Ink, and has its ownline of Joy materials.
• Thebest thingabout the Cricut Joy is that it’s so much smaller than the larger machines and does not take up much room.
• With the Joy smart material, you can cut very long material but only 5.5 inches wide.
• The Joy is not able to use theprint then cut functionso you won’t be able tomake stickerswith yourown designs.

Because of the lack of the print and cut feature, Cricut came out with itsnewest machines– theCricut Joy Xtra. These machines are a bit bigger than the compact Joy, but not even close to the size of the bigger machines.

TheCricut Joy Xtrahas its own line and size ofnew materialslikesmart iron-on, Infusible Ink,smart vinyl,sticker paper, and more because of its unique size.

But it shares the Cricut joyfine point blade, Cricut Joy markers and pens, and the foil transfer kit.

But now you can make your own stickers and other print then cut projects using your homeinkjet printer(a Cricut can not print!). Themaximum sizeon the Joy Xtra is larger than the Joy and I love that it US Letter and A4 (8.5×11 inch) paper size.

Thecutting matthat you use for the Joy Xtra is specific to this machine and for using 8.5×11 inch material (like the printable vinyl andsticker paper!).

Cricut Explore Family

Now let’s move up in size andprice point. If you want the option of cutting bigger and more materials (over 100 materials!), this next family of machines might be for you.

We are talking about theCricut Explore series. As of writing this Cricut comparison, there are twoCricut Explore machinesavailable in this family – theCricut Explore Air2 and the Cricut Explore 3.

When you are comparing the Explore Air 2 and the newExplore 3, the first thing you’ll notice is that the look of the machine has changed.

The Explore 2 has a smart set dial and a cartridge port.

See Also

Cricut Explore 3: Your Ultimate Crafting & Cutting Machine

While the newCricut Explore 3looks more like the Cricut Maker in that there is no dial or cartridge part (for adding old cartridges into CDS). All the material settings are controlled by the software itself.

• Cricut Explore Air2– This is agreat machine. It is theirmost popular Cricut machinethat can make so manydifferent projects.
• Cricut Explore 3– Thenew Cricut machinein the Explore line is more expensive. This machine is built for speed and more cutting options. Themain differenceis that the Circut Explore Air 3 can cut without acutting matwith thenew Smart materials, which meanslong cutsand is twice as fast as the Explore 2 onfaster cutting speed. Plus you can use the vinyl roll holder with it.

These machines can cut up to 100different materialsincluding vinyl,iron-on vinyl, paper, cardstock, bonded fabric, cork, and much more!

This family of vinyl cutting machines can use thefine point blade,deep point blade,scoring stylus,foil transfer tool, and pens/markers.

TheCricut Explore Air2 is a great starting machine. It is definitely more affordable than the new Explore 3 and Maker line.

Cricut Maker Family

Now we are getting to the machine that has the most versatility on thetypes of projectsyou can make.

TheCricut Maker machinescan cut muchthicker materialsand offer much more extensive cutting abilities with theadaptive tool system.

Theadaptive tool systemconsists of different blades and tips that you can switch out with just one housing (save money!).

As of now, the available tools that work with both the Cricut Maker and thenew Cricut Maker3 are thefine-point blade, double scoring wheel,knife blade (for thicker materials like chipboard and bass wood),rotary blade (for fabric), debossing tip, engraving tip, perforation blade, and wavy blade.

TheMakerdoes all the same things as theCricut Explore Family, plus a bunch more.

The biggest difference is that it cuts over 300different materialsincludingthicker materialssuch as tons of different fabrics, chipboard,balsa wood, and leather.

The newer Cricut Maker 3 is faster than the original Maker and can use thenew Smart MaterialsincludingSmart Iron-on,Smart Vinyl, and Smart Paper.

Cricut Machine Comparison Checklist

When deciding between the machines, think about the following things before you make the final decision:

1. What are you wanting to cut?

• Mainly vinyl, iron-on vinyl, insert cards, andcardstock=Explore Air 2, Explore 3or Joy or Joy Xtra
• A ton of different materials including very fine paper, fabric to thicker materials =Maker or Maker 3

2.Are you wanting a machine for fabric cutting?

• Not really.Maybe just bonded fabric =Explore Air 2 or Explore 3
• Yes!! I want to be able to cut patterns out of hundreds of different types of fabric =Maker or Maker 3
• The Joy can not cut fabric.

3.Are you wanting a huge variety of blades and tips to use?

• No, I just need the standard cutting blade, a deep-cut blade, and a scoring stylus =Explore Air 2 or Explore 3
• No, I just the standard blade and to be able to use pens to write =Joy or Joy Xtra
• Yes, I want to beable to engrave, cut thickmaterial like chipboardand balsa wood, deboss, and so much more =Maker or Maker 3

4.What craft are you wanting to make the most?

• Custom cards,personalized tshirts,mugs,tumblers,labels, small projects, anything with vinyl or iron-on on it = Joy
• All of the above plus a bit bigger projects including stickers and other print then cut projects = Joy Xtra
• Personalized Tshirts, signs, mugs, tumblers, tiles, cards, stencils, totes, anything will vinyl on it, anything with iron-on vinyl, print and cut projects, draw projects, Infusible Ink projects. Everything in myUltimate Guide of Cricut Ideaslist was made with an Explore =Explore Air 2
• All of the above plus the ability to use Smart Materials without cutting mats (can make cuts up to 21 feet long!)= Explore 3
• All of the above plus sewing projects, 3D projects, engraved acrylic, chipboard decor, balsa wood projects, debossed cards, leather projects (wide variety of materials!). Make sure to check out all of these amazingCricut Maker projectsto get an idea =Maker
• All the above plus the ability to use Smart Materials and want the fastest machine = Cricut Maker 3

5.Is cost or space a factor?

• If you are limited on space to make craft projects and on money =Cricut Joy
• If you are on a limited budget and just need a great vinyl cutting machine to start a side business or to craft your little heart out =Explore Family
• If you can afford the extra cost and want the latest in cutting machine technology and the best Cricut machine =Cricut Maker 3

I hope that now you know the main differences between the Cricut Joy series, Cricut Explore family and the Cricut Maker line and that you have a better understanding of which Cricut to buy and which Cricut would suit your needs best!

If you have made up your mind and are ready to buy one of the best tools for crafters, hop on over tobuy a Cricut Explore, a Cricut Joy, or tobuy a Cricut Maker!

If you have any questions about these amazing cutting machines and which is the right machine for you, please email me at amy@leapoffaithcrafting.com. And remember there is a learning curve with any new machine, so give yourself grace!

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a creative day!