Cricut machines are electronic cutting machines that can be used to create a variety of crafts, including vinyl decals, iron-on transfers, paper crafts, and more. They are popular among both beginners and experienced crafters alike.
| PRODUCT NAME | BUYING LINK |
|---|---|
| 1. Cricut Champagne Maker | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 2. Cricut Maker 3 – DIY Machine Compatible with Matless Cutting Cricut Smart Materials | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 3. Cricut Explore Air 2, Mint | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 4. Cricut Explore 3 Machine – DIY Machine Compatible with Matless Cutting Cricut Smart Materials | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 5. Cricut Joy Machine – Compact and Portable DIY Machine For Quick Vinyl | BUY ON AMAZON |
Best Cricut Machines for Beginners
There are a few different Cricut machines on the market, but the following are the best options for beginners:
- Cricut Explore 3: The Cricut Explore 3 is a great all-around machine for beginners. It is easy to use and can cut a wide variety of materials, including vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and more.
- Cricut Explore Air 2: The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a slightly less expensive option than the Explore 3, but it is still a great machine for beginners. It cuts the same variety of materials as the Explore 3, but it is not as fast or as powerful.
- Cricut Joy: The Cricut Joy is the most portable Cricut machine, making it a good option for beginners who want to be able to craft on the go. It is also the least expensive Cricut machine, but it has a smaller cutting area and cannot cut as many different materials as the other Cricut machines.
1. Cricut Maker – Smart Cutting Machine – With 10X Cutting Force
The Cricut Maker is a powerful and versatile smart cutting machine that can be used to create a wide variety of projects, from vinyl decals to paper crafts to home décor. It cuts over 300 materials, including delicate paper, fabric, matboard, and leather. The Cricut Maker is compatible with 13 tools for cutting, writing, embellishing, foiling, and more. It is also wirelessly Bluetooth connected to the cloud-based Design Space app, making it easy to create and send projects to the machine. The Cricut Maker is a great choice for crafters of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced users.
Key Features:
- Cuts 300+ materials, including delicate paper, fabric, matboard, and leather
- 10x cutting force for tough materials
- Compatible with 13 tools for cutting, writing, embellishing, foiling, and more
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity to the cloud-based Design Space app
- Built-in storage for tools
- Reusable FabricGrip and LightGrip Machine Mat
Pros:
- Extremely versatile and powerful
- Can handle a wide range of materials and project types
- Easy to use with the Design Space app
- Well-built and durable
Cons:
- Can be expensive, especially with the additional tools and accessories
- Design Space app can be buggy at times
- Large footprint
2. Cricut Maker 3 – Smart Cutting Machine
The Cricut Maker 3 is the ultimate smart cutting machine, with the ability to cut over 300 materials, including delicate paper, fabric, matboard, and leather. It is compatible with 13+ tools for cutting, scoring, writing, debossing, engraving, and more. The Cricut Maker 3 is also wirelessly Bluetooth connected to the cloud-based Design Space app, making it easy to create and send projects to the machine.
Key Features:
- Cuts over 300 materials, including delicate paper, fabric, matboard, and leather
- 10x cutting force for tough materials
- Compatible with 13+ tools for cutting, scoring, writing, debossing, engraving, and more
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity to the cloud-based Design Space app
- Matless cutting with Smart Materials
- Extra long, precise cutting for larger projects
- Built-in Learning Plan for beginners
- Extensive content library with 50 free project templates and Cricut Access subscription for unlimited access to images, projects, fonts, and more
Pros:
- Extremely versatile and powerful
- Can handle a wide range of materials and project types
- Easy to use with the Design Space app
- Well-built and durable
- Matless cutting with Smart Materials is a huge time-saver
- Extra long cutting capability is great for larger projects
Cons:
- Can be expensive, especially with the additional tools and accessories
- Design Space app can be buggy at times
- Large footprint
3. Cricut Explore Air 2 – A DIY Cutting Machine
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a great choice for crafters of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced users. It is an easy-to-use and affordable cutting machine that can handle a wide range of materials. The Cricut Explore Air 2 is also compatible with a variety of tools, which gives you even more creative options.
If you are looking for a powerful cutting machine that can handle the toughest materials, the Cricut Maker 3 is a better choice. However, if you are on a budget or just starting out with crafting, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is a great option.
Key Features:
- Cuts 100+ materials, including cardstock, vinyl decal, HTV iron-on, glitter paper, cork, and Infusible Ink
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity to the cloud-based Design Space app
- Built-in storage for tools
- Reusable LightGrip Machine Mat
- Compatible with 6 tools for cutting, writing, foiling, and more
Pros:
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Affordable
- Versatile and can handle a wide range of materials
- Well-built and durable
Cons:
- Smaller cutting area than the Cricut Maker 3
- Not as powerful as the Cricut Maker 3
- Design Space app can be buggy at times
4. Cricut Explore 3 – 2X Faster DIY Cutting Machine
The Cricut Explore 3 is a great choice for crafters of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced users. It is a fast and affordable cutting machine that can handle a wide range of materials. The Cricut Explore 3 is also compatible with a variety of tools, which gives you even more creative options.
If you are looking for a powerful cutting machine that can handle the toughest materials, the Cricut Maker 3 is a better choice. However, if you are on a budget or just starting out with crafting, the Cricut Explore 3 is a great option.
Key Features:
- 2x faster than the Cricut Explore Air 2
- Matless cutting with Smart Materials
- Cuts 100+ materials, including cardstock, vinyl decal, iron-on, glitter paper, cork, and bonded fabric
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity to the cloud-based Design Space app
- Compatible with 6 tools for cutting, writing, foiling, and more
Pros:
- Faster than the Cricut Explore Air 2
- Can cut Smart Materials without a mat
- Affordable
- Versatile and can handle a wide range of materials
- Well-built and durable
Cons:
- Smaller cutting area than the Cricut Maker 3
- Not as powerful as the Cricut Maker 3
- Design Space app can be buggy at times
1. Cricut Joy Machine – A Compact, Portable DIY Smart Machine
The Cricut Joy is a great choice for crafters who want a compact and portable cutting machine. It is also a good choice for beginners, as it is easy to use. The Cricut Joy can cut a wide range of materials, including vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. It can also write, draw, and foil.
If you are looking for a powerful cutting machine that can handle the toughest materials, the Cricut Joy is not the best choice. However, if you are on a budget or just starting out with crafting, the Cricut Joy is a great option.
Additionally, the Cricut Joy is a good choice for crafters who want to be able to craft on the go. It is small and lightweight, making it easy to transport.
Key Features:
- Cuts 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock
- Writes, draws, and foils
- Free, easy-to-learn Design Space app
- Bluetooth wireless technology
- Compact and portable
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Versatile and can handle a wide range of materials
Cons:
- Smaller cutting area than other Cricut machines
- Not as powerful as other Cricut machines
- Design Space app can be buggy at times
Final Verdict
The best Cricut machine for you will depend on your budget, needs, and skill level. Here is a brief summary of the three Cricut machines we have discussed:
Cricut Maker 3:
- Most powerful and versatile Cricut machine
- Cuts over 300 materials, including delicate paper, fabric, matboard, and leather
- Compatible with 13+ tools for cutting, scoring, writing, debossing, engraving, and more
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity to the cloud-based Design Space app
- Matless cutting with Smart Materials
- Extra long cutting capability for larger projects
- Built-in Learning Plan for beginners
- Extensive content library with 50 free project templates and Cricut Access subscription for unlimited access to images, projects, fonts, and more
Cricut Explore 3:
- Faster than the Cricut Explore Air 2
- Can cut Smart Materials without a mat
- Affordable
- Versatile and can handle a wide range of materials
- Well-built and durable
Cricut Joy:
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Versatile and can handle a wide range of materials
If you are a beginner or on a budget, the Cricut Explore 3 is a great option. It is easy to use and can handle a wide range of materials. If you are looking for a more powerful and versatile machine, the Cricut Maker 3 is a better choice. If you need a compact and portable machine, the Cricut Joy is a good option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which Cricut machine is right for you is to consider your individual needs and budget.