There is no modern tool more lauded in the crafting world than the Cricut. Cricut personal cutting machines enable you to bring your designs into reality, and no commercial crafter should go without one.
How do you know which cutting machine is appropriate for you? Buying a new Cricut is no small investment, so a little research can ensure you purchase the perfect match.
Continue reading to get the lowdown on what makes each Cricut model unique. Scroll to the bottom to see a complete Cricut comparison chart.
The Ultimate Cricut Buyer’s Guide
Are you ready to own your very own vinyl-cutting machine? Are you looking for the best gift for the crafting enthusiast in your life?
Whether you are shopping for yourself or a loved one, this Cricut comparison guide will help you find the right choice.
Cricut manufactures top-of-the-line digital cutting machines, and you cannot go wrong purchasing a Cricut machine. This device’s reliability and quality are well-known throughout the crafting community.
There are quite a few options when choosing a Cricut. You won’t be disappointed if you can afford a brand-new Cricut Maker 3. If this is your first vinyl-cutting machine, you might want to save money by buying an older model to try out first.
The following is a complete Cricut comparison for every available model to help you select the best machine for your crafting ventures.
The Latest Cricut Models
Do you want the latest and greatest that Cricut has to offer? If so, you should purchase a brand-new Cricut.
While the newest Cricut models are expensive, you will get the latest features and top-tier support from the Cricut team. Technology is constantly improving, and the Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Explore 3 ensure you stay on the cutting edge of crafting tech.
You can find the latest Cricut models for sale at your favorite crafting store, the Cricut website, or Cricut’s Amazon Store.
Cricut currently sells three models: Cricut Maker 3, Cricut Explore 3, and Cricut Joy. Check out the following newer model Cricut comparison!
Cricut Maker 3
The Cricut Maker 3 is the best cutting machine money can buy. This is the most advanced Cricut model and can handle almost anything you need to cut.
You can design with over 300 different materials using the Cricut Maker 3. This includes thick leather, tough nylon, and balsa wood.
The robust cutting force and ten different tool attachments make the Cricut Maker 3 the most powerful digital cutting tool on the market.
The Cricut Maker 3 does so much more than just cutting. Use the Engraving Tip, Debossing Tool, Scoring Wheel and Stylus, Cricut Pens and Markers, Foil Transfer Tool, and Perforation Blade to accomplish any design you can possibly imagine.
Pros:
- Cuts through almost anything
- 13 different tools and attachments
- Compatible with Smart Materials
Cons:
- Expensive
Cricut Explore 3
The Cricut Explore 3 is perfect for casual crafters new to vinyl cutting machines. This model handles the exact dimensions as the Cricut Maker 3, with slightly less power.
Two interchangeable blades and one scoring stylus attachment enable the Cricut Explore 3 to cut over 100 materials.
You won’t be able to carve through rigid material like wood or leather. If you intend to work with such materials, consider purchasing the Cricut Maker 3 or an older Cricut Maker model.
Additional attachments and tools include Cricut Pens and Markers, Scoring Stylus, Foil Transfer Tool, and a Bonded-Fabric Blade.
If you want a new machine to help you with most crafting tasks, you should spend a few extra dollars to get a Cricut Explore 3 instead of the smaller Cricut Joy.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- It cuts most standard crafting materials
- Compatible with Smart Materials
Cons:
- Cannot cut through thick material
Cricut Joy
The Cricut Joy is an adorable miniature Cricut machine. Don’t let its diminutive size fool you! The Cricut Joy is a tiny powerhouse and traveling crafter’s must-have.
The cutting machine has a smaller feed—5.5 inches instead of the standard 13-inch feed for larger models. It has one Joy Fine-Point Blade attachment that can cut through 50 different types of materials.
The Cricut Joy can assist you with more than lightweight cutting jobs. Cricut Joy Foil Transfer Tool and Cricut Joy Pens and Markers enable you to create stunning designs and stationery.
This smaller model is only a few dollars cheaper than the more versatile Cricut Explore 3. Consider buying the Cricut Joy for kids and adults who require something safer and easier to use than larger models.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Compatible with Smart Materials
Cons:
- Not much cheaper than the more powerful Cricut Explore 3
- A limited selection of compatible materials
Older Cricut Models
If you are on a budget, you might want to purchase an older Cricut model. Luckily, you can find used Cricut machines online at huge discounts!
The following Cricut models are retired but still handy and practical. Cricut no longer supports these devices, which means repairs could be more difficult in the coming years.
Still, if you are a tech-savvy crafter, you should get years of solid use out of an older Cricut machine. Explore the following older model Cricut comparison to see if a used Cricut is right for you.
Cricut Maker
An original Cricut Maker offers the power to handle rugged materials with a substantially lower price tag. You can purchase this model brand new on Amazon or second-hand for even cheaper.
This older model doesn’t cut as quickly as new Cricut machines, but you won’t sacrifice precision or power.
The Cricut Maker can handle just about any material that a brand-new Cricut Maker 3 can, except for Smart Materials. You will also enjoy a diverse selection of tools and attachments.
Pros:
- Cuts through almost anything
Cons:
- No longer available from Cricut
- Difficult to find
- Slower than the Cricut Maker 3
Cricut Explore Air 2
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is the world’s most popular vinyl-cutting machine. You can find this model for sale all over the web for excellent prices.
This machine is as versatile as the Cricut Explore 3 but operates considerably slower. You will also be limited on the length and type of material you can use compared to a Cricut Maker.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 cannot cut through balsa wood or thick fabric. This model is a terrific fit if you only want to cut vinyl, foil, and paper.
Of course, the Cricut Explore Air 2 does more than cut paper and vinyl. This machine is compatible with the same excellent attachments as the new Cricut Explore 3.
Pros:
- Many used machines are available online
- It cuts most standard crafting materials
Cons:
- No longer available from Cricut
- Cannot cut through thick material
Cricut Cake and Cricut Cake Mini
The full-size Cricut Cake and Cricut Cake Mini are usually available online from Amazon. Since they are no longer manufactured, you might need to purchase a used or open-box Cricut Cake.
This little cutting machine is ideal for those who want to create intricate edible shapes and designs. This machine is constructed from food-safe materials, making it a superb choice for professional bakers.
The Cricut Cake and Cricut Cake Mini rely on cartridges instead of a computer with Cricut Design Space software installed. Still, other Cricut models are not food-safe, so if you want to create breathtaking edible designs, look no further.
Pros:
- Food-safe components
Cons:
- No longer available from Cricut
- Difficult to find
- Requires Cricut Cake cartridges
Must-Have Cricut Accessories
Depending on what you are creating, your Cricut may not be complete without a few essential add-ons. Explore the following Cricut accessories to take your crafting to the next level.
Cricut EasyPress 2
The Cricut EasyPress 2 is the go-to hot press for crafting enthusiasts. This press ensures a more even heat distribution than standard hot irons.
Cricut Autopress
The Cricut Autopress is the ultimate tool for heat transfers. Enjoy this advanced, high-tech transfer press suitable for various textiles and surfaces.
The adjustable heat control enables you to work with any material without the risk of scorching or warping.
Cricut Hat Press
Do you design and sell custom hats? If so, you absolutely need the Cricut Hat Press.
Using a standard clothes iron can leave your custom hat with creases. The Cricut Hat Press fits most hat sizes for a clean and secure transfer.
Cricut Mug Press
Like the Cricut Hat Press, the Cricut Mug Press is a must-have for quality commercial products. You can ensure your design will stay put on those favorite mugs that get the most use.
Cricut Comparison Chart
There are many factors to consider when shopping for an expensive tool like a Cricut. We scoured the internet to gather the most noteworthy facts about available Cricut models to help you in your search.
The following Cricut comparison chart breaks down each machine to tell you which Cricut model is the best for you.
| Model | Cricut Maker 3 | Cricut Explore 3 | Cricut Joy | Cricut Explore Air 2 | Cricut Maker | Cricut Cake |
| Feed Width | 13 in | 13 in | 5.5 in | 12 in | 12 in | 12 in |
| Feed Length | 12 ft | 12 ft | 4 ft | 2 ft | 2 ft | 2 ft |
| Cutting Speed | Ultra-Fast | Ultra-Fast | Standard | Fast | Fast | — |
| Cutting Strength | Strong | Standard | Light | Standard | Strong | — |
| Max Cutting Thickness | 2.4 mm | 2.0 mm | 0.5 mm | 2.0 mm | 2.4 mm | — |
| Food Safe | X | X | X | X | X | ✓ |
| Cricut Pens and Markers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Foil Transfer Tool | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Fine-Point Blade | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Deep-Point Blade | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Scoring Stylus | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Bonded Fabric Blade | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Knife Blade | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Rotary Blade | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Engraving Tool | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Debossing Tool | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Wavy Blade | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Perforation Blade | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Scoring Wheel | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Smart Materials | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | X |
| Paper | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Vinyl | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Foil | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Transfer Sheet | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Lightweight Fabric | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Magnetic Sheet | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Canvas | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Poster Board | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Cardboard | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Heavy Fabric | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Acetate | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Balsa Wood | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Leather | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Nylon | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Carbon Fiber | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Kevlar | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Gum Paste | X | X | X | X | X | ✓ |
| Frosting Sheets | X | X | X | X | X | ✓ |
| Chocolate | X | X | X | X | X | ✓ |
| Fondant | X | X | X | X | X | ✓ |
This is not an exhaustive list of everything each Cricut machine can cut. Do you want to cut rigid or strong material that isn’t listed? If so, contact Cricut support beforehand to avoid damaging your device.
Wrapping Up Cricut Comparisons
After reading this Cricut comparison guide, you should understand the differences between the top Cricut models.
Do you want to learn more about this marvelous cutting machine? If so, explore our Cricut page for tips and tricks on using your Cricut machine.
I’ve been a professional painter for the last 20 years. That Sweet Tea Life is a place where I get to slow down and visit the craftier side of painting.
I’ll share with you everything I’ve learned painting hundreds of pieces of furniture and sets of kitchen cabinets.
Aimee Engebretson
Saturday 7th of March 2020
Hi, the chart on your page is really small and I can't read it even when zoomed in. I'd love to see it - is there somewhere else you have it? Thanks!
Thea Osborne
Saturday 7th of March 2020
Hey there! You may want to open in a different browser, however I just updated with a new chart (Including the VERY new Cricut Joy) that should be easier to see. Let me know if you still need any help!
*Also, I edited your website url a tad. Be sure to share the secure version of your links in comment threads! <3 Happy Blogging!
Thea Osborne
Wednesday 22nd of January 2020
Starting today through 1/28, Cricut is featuring a Winter Wonderland Sale! The sale features 50% off EasyPress Totes, 30% off Vinyl, Paper, and Craft Tools, and 20% off Mats! http://shrsl.com/226wz (afflink)
Victoria Hernandez
Wednesday 15th of January 2020
Hi there!
Thank you for the information on the Cricut machines. I’ve been wanting to purchase one for awhile now. I only have an IPad. Will I be able to use all the functions of the Cricut with just using an IPad?
Regards, Victoria.
Denise
Friday 17th of January 2020
Yes you can use an iPad with the Cricut
Thea Osborne
Thursday 16th of January 2020
YES! Now, you may not be able to get quite as detailed with the computer however, I know many that have great great success with only their iPad! Here is a great group you can join to ask others about their experience. https://www.facebook.com/groups/DesignSpaceFans/
Thea Osborne
Wednesday 15th of January 2020
Through 1/21, Cricut is featuring a Cricut Access Exclusive Sale! The sale features 40% off all Accessories and Materials, 30% off Machine Totes, 20% off Bulk Supplies, and snag $30 on a Maker Machine. http://shrsl.com/226wz (afflink)
Cricut.com is offering Free Economy Shipping on orders $100+ Use code JANSHIP.
Denise
Friday 17th of January 2020
You can also purchase the Cricut Maker thru Costco.
Thea Osborne
Tuesday 14th of January 2020
FREE Shipping on orders of $99 or more with promo code JANSHIP http://shrsl.com/226wz (afflink)
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with beautiful crafts from the heart. Save big and make something your love will love.