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The Cricut cutting machine has come a long way since it was first introduced. While they once used cartridges with somewhat limiting design choices, they’re now computer integrated so you can design on the fly from your smartphone or iPad. Today, along with cricut design software, many Cricut machines can cut more than 300 different materials so the possibilities are endless.
| Image | Title | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Cricut Maker, Champagne | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
 | Cricut Explore Air 2 Mint | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
 | Cricut Explore Air Wireless Cutting Machine | Prime | Buy Now |
But not all Cricut machines are created equal. How can you figure out which is the right one for you? Do you need a machine that can do just about anything such as a vinyl cutting machine or something that’s a little more basic? Are you upgrading from an old machine or are you looking to buy your very first Cricut?
When it comes to choosing the best Cricut machine, the most important thing to consider is how you’re going to use it. If truth be told, all Cricut machines perform well and are built to last. The main differences between them are how much power they have, the materials they can be used with, and much they cost.
Let’s take compare Cricut machines and find out which are the best on the market.
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Cricut Maker
First up is the Cricut Maker. This is hands down their most advanced machine and can be used for a wide range of crafting.
What can it do?
There isn’t much the Cricut Maker can’t do. If you’re looking for a machine that can help you make everything from paper crafts to iron-on decals, this is the one for you. In fact, it’s such an amazing machine, it even cuts leather and balsa wood.
This machine has an expandable suite of tools. Most have to be purchased separately which isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it means you only have to buy the tools you need. Options include a rotary blade that glides and rolls to quickly cut through virtually any fabric you can think of without any backing material and a knife blade that makes extra-deep cuts in thick materials and even tackles balsa wood.
The Cricut Maker is indispensable when it comes to sewing. It comes with hundreds of sewing patterns. Just choose the one you want and add your fabric to the machine. The Cricut Maker cuts and marks all the pieces so you don’t have to spend time cutting and measuring. All you have to do is sew.
There are helpful design apps for various platforms that make it easy to create your own designs. You can upload your own fonts and images for free or choose from the vast Cricut pattern library.
What materials does it work with?
There is an extensive list of materials that the Cricut Maker can cut. Here are just a few of the more than 300 materials you can choose from: acetate, aluminum foil, burlap, canvas, cardstock, chambray, Chantilly lace, chiffon, construction paper, corduroy, corrugated cardboard, craft foam, denim, duct tape, EVA foam, faux suede, felt, flannel, gauze, glitter vinyl, jersey, Kevlar, khaki, leather, linen, magnetic sheets, mesh, moleskin, muslin, organza, rice paper, ripstop nylon, tulle, vellum, window cling, and wrapping paper.
What’s included?
The Cricut Maker comes with a rotary blade and premium fine point bland with corresponding drive housing, a fine point pen, two 12’ x 12’ cutting mats, design apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. They also give you 50 free ready-to-make projects, 25 of which are sewing patterns as well as some materials to get you started. The machine also has a helpful docking slot for your tablet or smartphone and can even charge your device using the convenient USB port.
Who’s it for?
If you’re a jack-of-all-trades crafter who enjoys everything from paper crafts to model building to sewing, this is the machine for you. No other model comes close to its power and versatility.
Cricut Explore Air 2
The Cricut Explore Air 2 isn’t as powerful as the Cricut Maker but is the perfect choice for someone who likes a lot of versatility without any features that they might not need. Fast Mode makes it twice as fast as previous models plus it’s loaded with amazing features that any crafter will love. For paper crafts, vinyl stickers, and custom-designed apparel, the Explore Air 2 is just what you need.
What can it do?
You can upload your own designs for free or choose from a large selection of pre-made designs and projects. Their Design Space design software has more than 50,000 images and 920 patterns to get you started. And that’s not all. You can also create your own designs on your computer, tablet, or smartphone wherever inspiration strikes. Plus, it uses Bluetooth technology to wirelessly transfer your designs from your device to the machine or a printer that works with Cricut.
The Smart Set Dial is easy to use and makes sure that you get the right depth and pressure with each cut, no matter what the material. There’s also a double toolholder so the machine cuts and writes or scores at the same time allowing you to make more progress in a single step.
In addition to the cutting blade, the Explore Air 2 can also be used for writing. Use Cricut pens to create cards and other projects for a hand-written look. There are more than 370 fonts to choose from or you can upload some of your own.
What materials does it work with?
This machine works with more than 100 different materials. Here are just a few: vinyl, iron-on vinyl, cardstock, faux leather, adhesive foil, specialty paper, poster board, pearl paper, vellum, party foil, faux leather, washi sheets, thin fabrics with backing, and balsa wood.
What’s included?
The Air Explore 2 comes with a German carbide premium blade, USB cord and power cord, accessory adapter, pen and cardstock samples, and a 12” x 12” Standard Grip cutting mat plus access to the Design Space software
Who’s it for?
If you’re a crafter ready to take it to the next level or if you want to upgrade your current Cricut but feel the Maker is more than what you need, the Air Explore 2 is a great choice.
Cricut Explore Air
The Cricut Explore Air has fewer features than the Explore Air 2. It’s still a pretty versatile machine as it can cut more than 60 materials but it doesn’t have the range of the more expensive models. You’re still getting a high-quality machine that’s perfect for basic projects. If you want something with a little more simplicity, the Explore Air is the way to go.
What can it do?
The Explore Air as integrated Bluetooth technology for wireless cutting. You can upload your own designs for free using the free Cricut Design Space online software and iPad app. Something special about this machine is that it still works with Cricut cartridges that the earliest models used. If you had one of the early machines with a lot of cartridges, the Explore Air is a good way to put them to use.
That’s not all.You also get access to the Cricut Image Library where you’ll find more than 50,000 imagine, fonts, and projects to get you started.
This machine features a dual carriage for cutting and writing or scoring in one step which saves a lot of time and comes in really handy with large projects. There’s an easy-to-use Smart Set dial that lets you change material settings quickly without having to worry about complicated settings.
What materials does it work with?
The Cricut Explore Air can handle more than 60 materials, including paper, vinyl, cardstock, thin fabric, poster board, thin birch, burlap, canvas, sticker paper, construction paper, adhesive-backed cork, craft foam, faux suede, felt, cardboard, leather, watercolor paper, magnetic sheets, photo paper, stencil film, tattoo paper, and vellum.
What’s included?
The Explore Air comes with a storage bag, USB and power cords, German carbide premium blade, a 12” x 12” standard grip cutting mat, an accessory adapter, metallic silver pen, and samples of iron-on, cardstock, and vinyl. The machine itself has integrated storage compartments to prevent clutter and create more space for you to work.
Who’s it for?
If you had a previous version of a Cricut and are looking for a way to use your cartridges, the Explore Air is a good choice. It’s a high-quality machine but quite stripped down compared to more expensive models. For basic arts and crafts, however, it’s a seriously solid choice.
Cricut Explore One
If you’re looking for the budget model, the Cricut Explore One delivers the quality you’d expect from a Cricut at an affordable price. This is the perfect starter machine. It’s easy to learn, simple to use and does everything you’d expect budget Cricut machine to do.
What can it do?
The Cricut Explore is a smart cutting machine that cuts and scores a variety of materials. You can also use it with Cricut pens to write custom invitations, address envelopes, or make creative frameable word art. Some accessories, like the Scoring Stylus and Deep-Point Blade, are sold separately.
Design on the go with your laptop, iPad, or iPhone using Design Space software where you can access thousands of free fonts and images or make your own designs from scratch. This machine makes ultra-precise cuts and features a Smart Set dial so you don’t have to make any specific adjustments for different materials—just turn the preset dial to the right setting and you’re ready to get started.
What materials does it work with?
The Cricut Explore can cut about 100 materials including acetate, aluminum foil, burlap, canvas, cardstock, cardboard, cork board, craft foam, denim, duct tape, felt, flannel, leather, linen, photographs, vinyl, vellum, watercolor paper, wooden veneer, wrapping paper, and many more.
What’s included?
You get the Cricut Explore One machine, premium fine-point blade with housing, a 12” x 12” Standard Grip mat, USB cable, and power adapter. Also included are a free trial membership to Cricut Access for new subscribers, 25 ready-to-make projects, and some materials to get you started.
Who’s it for?
This is the perfect starter machine that fits comfortably into any budget. If you’ve never used a Cricut before or need one for a specific project, the Explore One is a great investment.
Which Cricut Machine is Best?
It’s really hard to say which Cricut is best because it really depends on how you want to use it.
If you’re really into crafting and DIY and know how to sew, you can’t go wrong with the Circut Maker. Its ability to cut fabric and sewing patterns alone is worth it if that’s something that’s useful to you. This is the most powerful machine that Cricut makes and is also the most versatile. It can be used to cut over 300 materials so you can make just about anything you can imagine.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a good choice for a serious crafter. It works with over 100 different materials and is a good choice for someone who wants versatility at a more reasonable price. It’s loaded with amazing features but isn’t overwhelming. It’s ideal for paper crafts, vinyl, and other projects and the Smart Set Dial makes it easy to get the right cut.
For something even more basic, there’s the Cricut Explore Air. It works with more than 60 different materials and, while it doesn’t have the versatility of the more expensive models, it’s a high-quality machine that’s perfect for basic projects. This machine is also compatible with Cricut cartridges, which were used on the early models before computer integration.
Finally, there’s the Cricut Explore One. Although this is their budget model, it works with more than 100 different materials. This is a great starter machine. It’s really simple to use thanks to the Smart Set Dial and gives you an idea of the kinds of things you can do with a Cricut.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade or wondering what all the fuss is about, choosing the right Cricut machine takes your crafting and creating to the next level. There’s no one way to choose which is best. The real question is, which one is best for you?
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