5 best Cricut machines

A must-have device for any hobbyist looking to save time on their projects, Cricut machines allow you to accurately cut a wide range of diverse materials, achieving fantastic results every time. The best Cricut machine offers a choice of sizes for cutting and allows you to perform the task on over 100 different materials such as vinyl, felt, cardboard, leather and even tape. With the included software, you can cut, write, and mark for clean, professional results every time.

This expert review takes an in-depth look at five of the best-selling Cricut machines. Here we focus on features such as the size of the machine, usable materials, writing and marking capabilities, and wireless options, and we also highlight any other benefits worth mentioning. For each feature, we present a short list of potential pros and cons.

By researching the market, we were able to place our findings in a table and review them in detail, providing you with a final rating for each model. Based on our extensive knowledge, we also present you with a helpful buying guide that explains the highlighted features in more detail. Finally, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these machines. With all of this information, when you purchase the best model for your needs, you can choose the best Cricut machine with confidence.

Top 5 Cricut machines

Cricut Maker

The Cricut Maker tops our list, as it is considered the ultimate smart cutting machine. It cuts up to 300 different types of materials and is faster than other Cricut models for cutting and writing. With everything that makes the Cricut so popular and more, it’s the most upgradeable machine in the series. Included are powerful blades, a marking tool and pens.

The rotary blade of this machine claims to cut any fabric quickly, with the knife blade also taking care of most tasks, all on the two included cutting mats. This model has an impressive 50 ready-to-use patterns, all free, as well as 25 sewing patterns. Operating this machine couldn’t be easier, as all you have to do is choose from the simple design app, lay it out on your favorite device, and the Cricut marks all the pieces for you. As for cutting, it’s perfect for beginners, as the materials you need for your first project are included, and for professionals, as it’s a great Сricut machine for teachers or those who do a lot of projects, due to its ease of use and cutting speed. You can even use your own designs if you prefer. Additionally, this machine is designed to accommodate your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to charge these devices via its USB port, or connect wirelessly through its Bluetooth technology.

Cricut Maker app customers

Customers of the Cricut Maker appreciate not only its ease of use but also its ability to offer endless possibilities for cutting the hardest of materials while achieving accurate results.

up to 12 x 24 inches

100+, from paper and fabric to chipboard and balsa

Yes

Yes

Yes

design apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android; rotary blade, fine point blade and fine point pen included with purchase; compatible with extra deep blade for heavier materials; dual tool holders

Cricut Explore Air 2

The Cricut Explore Air 2 tops the list here for our best all-in-one Сricut device. Visually stunning, the Explore Air 2 offers the ability to cut wirelessly with its built-in Bluetooth. Here you can access the smart software offered by many devices or choose to upload your own designs and projects – the possibilities are endless. With a tool holder, it’s easy to cut and write or cut and mark – and all in one step. With this model, you can choose to customize, adapt, create your own unique designs and create garments to your specific preferences.

Offering the most perfect cutting precision with every use, this model is equipped with a Smart Set Dial, which means you always get the most accurate depth and pressure of cut, no matter what material you place in the machine. The included fine-tipped blade is of superior quality and makes it easy to work with any material. The convenient tool holder located on the machine itself ensures that all tools are secure when not in use. This is a Cricut machine that works up to twice as fast, thanks to a new fast mode. Therefore, you can make the most of every minute of crafting with the Explore Air 2.

Customers of the Cricut Explore Air 2 love being able to explore the many features of this model and therefore consider it one of the most fun models in the Cricut lineup.

up to 12 x 24 inches

100+, including basic and specialty vinyl colors, iron-on vinyl, cardstock, faux leather and more

Yes

Yes

Yes

Design Space and Cricut Design App for iOS and Android devices; compatible with marking pen and deep dot blade; dual tool holders

The Cricut Explore Air is chosen here for the best wireless Сricut machine. This model is equipped with Bluetooth, which means no adapter is needed to allow you to work wirelessly as soon as you turn it on! It uses a dual carriage, so you can easily cut and write or cut and mark in one step. You can use the included online software, which gives you access to over 50,000 images, or choose to upload your own images for free.

With an accessible Smart Set Dial, all hardware settings can be adjusted to your liking with one touch each time you use this machine. Cut Smart precision is available everywhere with the Explore Air and all Cricut cartridges are compatible. The fantastic design of this model allows you to use the storage compartments that are built in. This means you can easily retrieve your tools and store them safely when not in use.

The use of a wireless system makes this unit more convenient, as you don’t have to deal with unsightly cords over your desk. This gives you more creative space back! A fine point tool is included in this purchase, which allows for a considerable amount of detailed and intricate projects to be completed with this Cricut device every time.

Customers of the Cricut Explore Air appreciate having access to all the benefits of a Cricut machine, but with built-in wireless capabilities. It is also considered an excellent choice of Cricut devices for travel, as there are so many Bluetooth connection options.

up to 12 x 24 inches

100, including cardstock, vinyl and iron-on, as well as specialty materials

yes

yes

yes

compatible with marking pen, deep point blade and other tools; Design Space software for iOS, Android, Windows and Mac; dual tool holders

Cricut Cuttlebug

The Cricut Cuttlebug is our budget choice and perhaps the best Сricut machine for beginners. With a very compact design, it has everything you need to get started. It comes with one A and two B plates and a rubber embossing mat. As a bonus, you’ll also find an A2 embossing folder and two metal dies.

This model is ideal for packing and traveling, thanks to its compact folding and storage design, as well as its folding handle. Although it’s small in size, it can still cut a wide variety of materials – from foil and fabric to acetate tape and even thin leather. However, its most important advantage is that it can emboss, which is one of the only Cricut machines that can do so! This means professional-looking results every time, with consistent, clean embossing that makes for deep, clean cuts every time. Plus, this model can also work with other top-notch embossing, cutting and folding tools. One of the easiest Cricut machines to use is a completely manual machine, so no plugs or cables are required. Simple to use, it offers strong suction and is perhaps the best choice of low tech Cricut machines on the market. It is perfect for adding texture and extra dimensions to many projects.

Cricut Cuttlebug customers find it very convenient to transport, and it also makes fabrication easier. The ability to emboss on such a small, less expensive machine is also highly valued by many satisfied customers.

up to 5 x 12 inches

 

 

 

tissue paper, foil, acetate tape, fine leather, etc.

not

not

cutting and embossing of various materials

The Cricut versus its competitors: what are the advantages?

There are a few competing models on the market, but right now nothing rivals a Cricut machine. While some people may think that the price of the Cricut may be the biggest concern, you certainly get what you pay for with these models. This equates to an exceptional industry favorite that can cut like no other machine can, access to hundreds of projects from a single template, and crafting that is so much fun in the process.

The design of the Cricut machines, which even offer storage solutions, is claimed to be the most streamlined and therefore the most convenient. The software that comes standard here is said to be the best on the market and allows for greater possibilities and choice than other models. It is also easier to download and create an account, and allows users to upload their own images and designs if they wish.

In addition, these machines are sturdy and durable, serving many users for many years without hassle.

Features to consider before buying a Cricut machine

Before you choose the model that’s best for you, you may want to consider some of the standard and additional features that a Cricut machine can offer. These may include different cutting speeds, various material settings, additional tools, enhanced marking and writing features, multiple settings and adjustments, the ability to work wirelessly and even tool holders on the model itself.

Cutting speed

Most Cricut machines operate at fast standard speeds, but there are newer models, such as the Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air 2, that offer even faster cutting times, up to twice as fast as the standard models. However, faster cutting speeds won’t change the effects of your projects or the results – it just means you can do more in less time.

Materials you can work with

All Cricut machines allow you to work with a wide range of material choices. However, if you have a specific material in mind, you’ll need to check the specifications of the model you’ve chosen to make sure it’s suitable for that particular type.

Compatible Blades and Pens

Each Cricut machine has a selection of blades that are most compatible with your machine. Whether it’s fine points, deep points, rotary blades, knife blades, glued fabrics or scoring wheels, when purchasing a replacement unit, you should make sure that the model listed on the blade packaging is compatible with your model number.

The same advice applies to Cricut pens. You’ll need to make sure they’re compatible with your model as well. This is because most pens are made explicitly for specific machines and therefore do not fit any other.

Writing and notation functions

The writing function of a Cricut machine will allow you to use Cricut pens and produce handwritten style cards and projects. To do this, you can use the fonts offered by the device or those you can download. Just select the font, then sit back and watch it write! As for the scoring element, this is the part that creates those perfect folding lines, envelopes, cards, 3D paper crafts, boxes, acetate windmills, and more.

Depth and pressure adjustment

The depth and pressure setting on your Cricut machine will determine how well you cut the material you choose. It is therefore essential to choose the right setting for each material you place in the machine to get the best results. Therefore, if you are cutting thicker material, the pressure and depth will be the opposite of what you would use if you were cutting card – and vice versa.

One or Two Toolholders

Tool holders are handy when on the Cricut machine because they allow you to store your tools while you work. This means that they are close by when you are working on a project and are kept out of harm’s way. Having a dedicated space for your tools can prevent you from losing or misplacing them while you work, and can also extend their life since they are protected from your other equipment. Some Cricut machines offer one tool holder, others offer two. The number of tool holders can be determined by your personal preference and the number of tools you want to hold or store while working on your machine.

Wireless Capabilities

If your Cricut device is wireless, the possibilities of discovering thousands of other designs on many devices are immensely increased. Some Cricut models can be activated wirelessly with an adapter, like the Cricut Explore One. Others, like the Cricut Explore Air 2, are equipped with Bluetooth technology, which allows them to work instantly wirelessly, without having to purchase and use other devices. If you want to use your Cricut with different devices around the house, a wireless model will be very convenient for you.

Software you can use to create your designs

Cricut offers standard simple design software to all buyers of Cricut models. Access to this software is free for all customers. In addition, you can use this software on a designated app and work from your phone or install the software on many devices, from computers to tablets. The software aims to allow you to customize, edit and preview your projects. You can choose to do this both online and offline, as the new offline features allow access without an internet connection.

Recommendations on how to set up and use a Cricut machine

Setting up and using your Cricut device couldn’t be easier. The first time you start your device, you will be prompted to automatically register the device to your account. To do this, simply turn it on, connect the Cricut to your computer and access the setup link in your user guide. This will take you through a series of instructions where you will be prompted to create a Cricut ID. You can then download and install the required plugin and get right to work on that first project!

Using the machine is just as simple. You place the tool you need in the cartridge, insert your material selection, then select the cut you want. The machine then goes to work for you. It really is that simple!

Tips

Take care of your cutting mat – Try to keep it covered with the plastic shield, originally included, when not in use. Also, wipe it down regularly to prevent it from building up and leaving material residue.

Load your mat properly before you begin cutting by double-checking it. The mat should slide inside the rollers. If it is not loaded properly, it will cut incorrectly every time. If it starts to lose its stick, it may be worth investing in a new one.

Keep an eye on your blades and check them for signs of inefficiency and dullness. If your machine isn’t cutting all the way through, lifting or pulling the vinyl off your backing sheet, or tearing your vinyl and card, you may need to replace your blades.

Invest in a selection of tools to use your machine to its fullest potential – but make sure they are the right tools for the jobs you are likely to undertake most often. An essential set of tools will usually consist of scrapers, pliers, weeding tools, spatulas and scissors.

Try testing your materials first each time you start a new project. That way, you won’t get too far into the cutting process only to find that things don’t work quite the way you originally planned. This is especially a good idea when using materials such as felt and wood, and even some specialty fabrics.

Use the software that comes with your machine and take advantage of as many free images, fonts and designs as possible. These can often help you get started on many new projects and familiarize yourself with aspects of the machine that you may never have considered before.

Our verdict

In conclusion, we hope this informative review has brought your attention to the benefits of owning a Cricut machine. Using the individual reports of each model here, as well as our detailed buying guide, we’re confident we’ve given you all the help we can. Now you can choose the right Cricut machine for your needs.

The Cricut Maker tops our list of top choices because of its ability to cut through the hardest materials and give more experienced users more options for their projects.

Second place goes to the Cricut Explore Air 2, because not only is it a versatile model, but it runs twice as fast as standard Cricut machines, making projects a snap.

Our budget position goes to the Cricut Cuttlebug. Although it’s the smallest on the list and a budget machine, the fact that it’s the only Cricut model that can emboss certainly impresses us and many other satisfied customers.