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The best Cricut machines have something for everyone when it comes to laser-precise customization of crafts. Cricut machines take the guesswork out of putting your creative ideas into action, and they do it in style.
The Cricut Maker 3 is the best Cricut machines that you can get. It can cut over 300 different kinds of materials, like paper, vinyl, fabric, leather, and even balsa wood. You can use up to 13 tools that can be switched out to cut, write, score, foil, deboss, engrave.
The best Cricut machines is a good buy for people who like to be creative and want to make their own shirts, decals, cards, or fabric projects. Shirts, bags, invitations, decals, and anything else can be made with a Cricut machine by cutting materials to be put on different surfaces.
Best Cricut Machines Comparison Table
| Machine | Genre | Modes | Platform | Price | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricut Explore 3 | Cutting and crafting | Wireless, USB | Desktop | $299.99 | Visit Website |
| Cricut Explore Air 2 | Cutting and crafting | Wireless, USB | Desktop | $249.99 | Visit Website |
| Brother ScanNCut SDX125EGY | Cutting and crafting | Wireless, USB | Desktop | $599.99 | Visit Website |
| Cricut EasyPress 2 | Heat Press | 6×7 inch, 9×9 inch, 12×10 inch | Desktop | $139-$249 | Visit Website |
| Cricut Joy | Cutting and crafting | Wireless, USB | Portable | $179.99 | Visit Website |
| Cricut Mug Press US Heat Press | Heat Press | N/A | Desktop | $199.99 | Visit Website |
| Cricut Hat Press | Heat Press | N/A | Desktop | $249.99 | Visit Website |
Cricut Explore 3
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Cutting Size | 12″ x 24″ (30.48 cm x 60.96 cm) |
| Material Types | Over 100+ types |
| Tools Included | Fine Point Blade, Rotary Blade, Knife Blade, Scoring Wheel, and more |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and USB |
| Software | Design Space |
| Print then Cut | Yes |
| Wireless Cutting | Yes |
| Smart Set Dial | Yes |
The Cricut Explore 3 is the new version of the Cricut Explore Air 2, which just came out. The main difference between them is that the Cricut Explore 3 can work with Smart Materials, while Cricut’s new materials don’t require a cutting mat.
You also get a roll holder and a bigger portable trimmer. This means that, like with the Cricut Maker 3, you can make cuts up to 12 feet long all at once. The main reason why Cricut Explore 3 is better than Cricut Maker 3 is because it costs less.
- Large cutting size allows for a wide range of projects
- Wide range of materials that work together
- There are a variety of tools for cutting included.
- Wireless cutting makes it easy to use
- Smart Set Dial makes it easy to choose the material
- Compared to other Cricut models, this one has a higher price.
- The Design Space software has a steep learning curve for new users.
The Good
The Bad
Cricut Explore Air 2
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Cutting Size | 12″ x 24″ (30.48 cm x 60.96 cm) |
| Material Types | Over 100+ types |
| Tools Included | Fine Point Blade |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and USB |
| Software | Design Space |
| Print then Cut | Yes |
| Wireless Cutting | No |
| Smart Set Dial | No |
The most popular Cricut cutting machine right now is the Cricut Explore Air 2. This Cricut has a mode that cuts paper, vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock twice as fast. It also comes in mint green, pastel pink, and sky blue, which are all pretty colors.
If you have Cricut cartridges, you can use them with the Explore Air 2. But it doesn’t have a touchscreen or keyboard, so to use them you’ll need an active internet connection or an iPhone, iPad, or Android.
- Large cutting size allows for a wide range of projects
- Wide range of materials that work together
- Bluetooth lets you design without wires, and Print-and-Cut makes it easy to make changes.
- Small and easy to carry
- Compared to other Cricut models, this one has fewer tools.
- Needs a USB connection to cut. Doesn’t have a Smart Set dial to choose the material.
The Good
The Bad
Brother ScanNCut SDX125EGY
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Cutting Size | 12″ x 12″ (30.48 cm x 30.48 cm) |
| Material Types | Over 600+ types |
| Tools Included | Auto Blade, Standard Tack Mat, Touch Pen |
| Connectivity | Wireless and USB |
| Software | CanvasWorkspace |
| Scanning | Yes |
| Wireless Cutting | Yes |
| LCD Display | Yes |
With its built-in scanner, the ScanNCut has more features than any other machine. The ScanNCut is better than other machines on the market because it can scan drawings and turn them into cut patterns right away.
The Brother ScanNCut DX SDX125EGY was made for hobbyists who want a quick and clean way to cut materials like felt and foam without damaging or fraying them. Brother’s Auto Blade sensor technology automatically figures out the thickness of your materials.
- With a built-in scanner, it’s easy to take pictures.
- Lots of designs already built in
- Wireless cutting makes it easy to use
- LCD screen makes it easy to get around
- Wide range of materials that work together
- Compared to other models, the size of the cut is smaller.
- Costs that are higher
- The CanvasWorkspace software has a steep learning curve for new users.
The Good
The Bad
Cricut EasyPress 2
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Size | 6″ x 7″ (15.24 cm x 17.78 cm) |
| Temperature Range | 205°F to 400°F (96°C to 204°C) |
| Heat-Up Time | Less than 3 minutes |
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes, after 10 minutes of inactivity |
| Display | Digital LCD |
| Heat Plate | Ceramic Coated |
| Safety Base | Yes |
When we were kids and wanted to make t-shirts with iron-on designs, we had to use our mom’s iron. The EasyPress 2 is easy to use, and it comes with an online guide that tells you how to set the heat for different projects.
The EasyPress 2 is a much better choice than your mom’s iron because its base plate stays hot and has a bigger surface area. There are two sizes to choose from: 99 inches is best for standard items, while 1212 inches is best for bigger designs on t-shirts or other fabrics.
- Small size makes it easy to store and carry
- A wide range of temperatures for different heat transfer projects
- Fast heating up means you can use it quickly and well.
- For safety, the device turns off by itself.
- Digital LCD display for precise temperature control
- A small heat plate might not be right for bigger jobs.
- Compared to other heat
The Good
The Bad
Cricut Joy
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Cutting Size | Up to 4.5″ x 12″ (11.43 cm x 30.48 cm) |
| Material Types | Over 50+ types |
| Tools Included | Fine Point Blade |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and USB |
| Software | Design Space |
| Wireless Cutting | Yes |
| Smart Set Dial | Yes |
The Cricut Joy is a cutting machine that is small, cheap, and easy to use. It’s a good first cutter for people who move around a lot or who like to be ready in case they get an idea while on vacation or a road trip.
This Cricut machine is only 3.9 pounds and is easy to store and set up. It is about the size of a small Bluetooth speaker. Now, you can use the Design Space app to make your own designs for small projects and cut them out right away with Joy.
- The small size and light weight make it easy to carry.
- For convenience and flexibility, cutting can be done wirelessly.
- Smart Set Dial makes it easy to choose the material
- With Bluetooth and USB connectivity, setting up is quick and easy.
- Wide range of materials that work together
- Compared to other Cricut models, the size of the cuts is smaller.
- There were only a few tools.
- May not be good for bigger or more complicated projects
The Good
The Bad
Cricut Mug Press US Heat Press
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.5″ x 3.5″ (13.97 cm x 8.89 cm) |
| Temperature Range | 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C) |
| Heat-Up Time | Less than 5 minutes |
| Display | Digital LCD |
| Material Type | Compatible with Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets |
| Safety Features | Heat-resistant safety shield, auto-off feature |
This heat press has a patent-pending, one-of-a-kind heat plate that heats in zones. This lets you get full coverage with just one press. It has a safety feature that turns it off by itself, so you won’t have to worry about leaving it on by accident.
It doesn’t need manual temperature or pressure settings, so it’s easy to personalize mugs that work with Infusible Ink. It also doesn’t give off a lot of vapor, so it should be used in a well-ventilated room. With this machine, you can make one-of-a-kind mugs that will last for years.
- Made especially for mug heat transfers
- Small size makes it easy to store and carry
- Fast heating up means you can use it quickly and well.
- Digital LCD display for precise temperature control
- For more safety during use, the heat-resistant safety shield
- Size and types of materials that work with it are limited. (Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets)
- May not be good for other projects involving heat transfer
The Good
The Bad
Cricut Hat Press
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Size | 9″ x 8″ (22.86 cm x 20.32 cm) |
| Temperature Range | 250°F to 410°F (121°C to 210°C) |
| Heat-Up Time | Less than 5 minutes |
| Display | Digital LCD |
| Material Type | Compatible with Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets, iron-on, and other heat transfer materials |
| Safety Features | Heat-resistant safety shield, auto-off feature |
The Cricut Hat Press makes it easy to customize hats of almost any style or material. You just put your hat on the included pressing stand, follow the instructions on the Cricut Heat app to change the heat settings.
And before you know it, you have a new set of headwear for your crew. The Cricut Hat Press works well with any of the cutting machines on this list, just like the other heat presses.
- Made just for heat transfers on hats, ensuring accurate results
- With a 9″ x 8″ heat plate, you can make hats of different sizes.
- Less than 5 minutes is all it takes to get hot enough to be useful.
- Digital LCD screen for accurate temperature control and customization
- Compatible with different heat transfer materials, giving designers more options for designs.
- Only for hat heat transfers; might not work for other projects.
- Some materials or heat transfer methods may not work well with a certain temperature range.
The Good
The Bad
FAQs
Cricut’s most popular machine is the Cricut Explore 3, and for good reason! It can cut through more than 100 different kinds of materials, including cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, and special materials like glitter paper, cork, and bonded fabric.
You can make anything with the Cricut Maker because it works with almost every kind of material, from paper and fabric to balsa wood. You can also use the Cricut Image Library, which has a lot of digital patterns. Not all of them, though, are free.
Its ability to cut accurately makes it great for making cards or designing custom quilts, and I’ve come to rely on my Cricut for a wide range of craft projects. Also, the more you use the machine and learn how to use its software, the more you can do with it.