What Is The Best Cricut Machine For Beginners

Are you a committed scrapbooker or crafter? If so, and you have never heard about Cricut machines, you sure are missing out. It is the perfect tool for assisting you with all of your DIY needs. A Cricut machine uses cartridges with pre-downloaded shapes and patterns.

Cricut machines can also handle various materials, including felt, vinyl, and many others. That being said, you may want to explore the performance and efficiency of these machines in your crafting career. That is why we have gathered a few of the best Cricut machines and taken an in-depth look at them.

Hopefully, this helps you find the right Cricut machine for all of your DIY needs. Let's take a look at what they have on offer.

Comparison Chart

Name

Cricut Explore Air 2, Mint

Cricut Joy Machine - Compact and Portable DIY Machine For Quick Vinyl, HTV Iron On and Paper...

Buy Directly on Cricut.com

Preview

Buy Directly on Cricut.com

Preview

Name

Cricut Explore Air 2, Mint

Buy Directly on Cricut.com

Preview

Name

Cricut Joy Machine - Compact and Portable DIY Machine For Quick Vinyl, HTV Iron On and Paper...

Buy Directly on Cricut.com

Best Cricut Machine Reviews

Cricut Maker

Sale

Cricut Maker, Champagne

[CREATE MORE] Cricut Maker gives you the...
[ENDLESS PROJECT POSSIBILITIES] Expandable...
[NEW ROTARY BLADE FOR FABRICS] With its...
[ACCESS TO HUNDREDS OF DIGITAL SEWING...
[DESIGN FOR FREE] Simple design apps. Lay out...

Our first entry on our list is a professional-grade vinyl cutter. It is created to give you optimized performance while still being extremely easy to use. Plus, it can be upgraded and grow with your abilities.

Review

Making a precision cutting machine that can handle whatever you throw at it is not an easy task. However, Cricut has done just that. The designers and engineers that have constructed this fantastic tool included top-notch features. Also, they gave this machine the ability to grow with your skills. In order to do that, they have fitted this vinyl cutter with the following:

Downloadable design apps that are compatible with multiple operating systems
Upgradable with additional easy-to-integrate tools
Wide range of easy-to-follow sewing projects available digitally
Designed with a docking station for your smart device
Capable of charging smart devices via USB port

This Cricut machine is perhaps one of the best on the market, as it offers elevated precision for professional cuts. It does this by giving you access to high-quality blades. It also has a cutting power that makes it possible to work your way through lots of different materials. When you look at what you get, even the price tag seems like a steal.

Though the price point that it sits at may be just as much a pro as a con, there are a few issues that are universal. The cutting space is limited, which makes it challenging for larger projects. The software is also web-based, and that means that you will have to have the internet to utilize it. Lastly, the high-quality knife blade that makes this unit so great will have to be purchased separately.

PROS

Detailed, professional cuts
Great cutting power
Affordable
Big sewing library and design ideas available instantly
Nice design
Automated

CONS

Not a lot of cutting space
Software is web-based
Knife blade purchased separately

Cricut Explore Air 2

Sale

Cricut Explore Air 2, Mint

[CREATE MORE] The Circuit Explore Air 2 is...
[ENDLESS PROJECT POSSIBILITIES] The Circuit...
[INCLUDED WITH MACHINE] Each machine includes...
[DESIGN FOR FREE] Upload or create and design...
[BECOME A PART OF A COMMUNITY] We know it can...

Our next entry is a great addition to any DIYer's kit. It offers a wide range of projects and a high-performance blade that can cut just about anything.

Review

Although it has fewer features, this sister of the above Cricut machine still has a lot of merits. Though made with a simpler design, this unit still comes with a lot of great accessories and features that will elevate your DIY projects. These features include:

Able to cut 100+ materials
Comes with a fine point blade & housing, LightGrip work surface, cutting mat, fine point pen, design software, and 2 week trial for Cricut Access

This little cutter is durable and will last a lifetime due to the use of high-quality building materials. That means that it is quite the investment considering the price. You will be able to easily work on a lot of projects using a wide variety of materials. Plus, there are plenty of groups and resources available for you.

This unit has a lot to love about it, though, there are a few things that we probably should mention. It is not as versatile as the Maker, so if you are more experienced, you may want to go with that model. It does offer limited workspace and the software runs slow, as well.

PROS

High-grade materials and components
Nice design
Good price tag
Easy to use
Wide varieties of materials are able to be cut
Good support

CONS

Not as versatile as the Maker
Software runs slow
Limited space

Cricut Explore One (Discontinued)

Cricut Explore One Cutting Machine

Electronic cutting machine for DIY crafts and...
Upload and cut your own images for FREE
Design here, there and everywhere with free...
To cut wirelessly upgrade your machine by...
Cut a wide variety of materials from paper to...

Our last entry is one of the most popular vinyl cutting machines on the market and for good reason. The team at Cricut has given the DIYers of the world a high-quality, efficient, and easy-to-use cutting machine that fits just about anywhere.

Review

This unit is definitely one to consider, as it is designed with wireless options. Not only does it have this capability, but it is crafted with many other great features. These features make the Cricut line of vinyl cutters so beloved among DIYers. These features include:

Free uploads of design images
Free cloud-based apps
Bluetooth compatible
Designed to cut a wide range of materials
Cuts with precision

This unit is perfect for those that are looking for a cutter they can take on the road with them. It comes with the ability to use it via Bluetooth, as well as with cloud-based apps. You will soon find it easy to stay up to date with your projects no matter where you are.

With technology, you have to expect the price to go up, and, with this model, it does. In fact, many feel that, for what you get, the price does seem a little steep. On top of that, it is not compatible with Android devices, which limits its usability.

PROS

Easy to use
Operates wirelessly
Compatible with other cartridges from Cricut
Writes and cuts at the same time
One-click cutting settings

CONS

Premium designs and such will have to be bought separately
Not compatible with Android
Bluetooth adapter sold separately

FINAL VERDICT

With these three amazing options for the best Cricut machines, we are sure everyone will be able to find one that will work for them. Once you do, you can get to crafting and making some beautiful pieces to share with your family or friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best Cricut machine to buy?

The best Cricut machine is the Cricut Maker. Probably the best pick for anyone looking for a Vinyl Cutter. It provides you with an amazing ability to create everything from paper crafts, iron and vinyl decals. It also can be used in sewing and leather crafting projects as well. When considering this machine, a majority of factors as highlighted in our review come into play. From the machines versatility, to cutting space among many other factors in addition to system compatibility, as well as other machine features.

What is the difference between all the Cricut machines?

Cricut machines can hold a vast number of differences the main being, their size and weight, their storage space (eg. for blades and tools), cartridges (earlier makes), mode dials, etc. One of the most note worthy difference though has to be the Adaptive tool System, which helps the machine work around giving you the best, precision cuts based on your material. This might vary vastly between the machines just because of individual capabilities. Our review above is surely geared to help you choose which machine best suits your needs.

What is the Best device to use with a Cricut?

This question solely depends on personal preference and functionality eg. with the scolding tool you are able to create accurate folds on your materials as well as beautiful edged designs, the engraving tools gives you the opportunity to engrave into designs, perforation blade allows you create a tear design in your projects etc. It all comes back to you and your projects, not forgetting the material you use.

Is there a machine like the Cricut?

Well when it come to vinyl cutters they seem to be the best in the market. Not only from the picks above but in general, their machines offer unparalleled quality and functionality in the vinyl cutting space. For more have a look at some of out posts and reviews as well as different guides and discussions on the same.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Cricut?

If you are looking for an alternative to Cricut machines then be sure to check this names while you are at it: Brother Cutting Machines and Silhouette Machines. This machines are also good vinyl cutting alternatives.

Is Cricut Maker worth the money?

For sure, it is. If you come to use or own one of this, you will surely experience the value for money that this machines has to offer. Be it for personal DIY projects or professional work, the Cricut Maker is up for the task. You are certain that it will do the job.

Which Cricut is best for beginners?

I believe that if you are a beginner or looking into getting a Cricut for some one who is: then the best pick might be the Cricut Explore One. It still has the ability to cut a large number of materials, but is also design friendly making it easier to use . It also offers the ability to use the smartphone, pc and electronic tablets in creating your designs.

What does the Cricut Maker do that the Air 2 doesn't?

The Maker as seen in our review above offers the user with a versatility, has the ability to cut, write, score, deboss, engrave as well as other additional features. The Air two can only be used to achieve the first three functions on that list. It also has a larger workspace and offers faster software running times as compared to the Explore Air 2.

Which Cricut machine is the best for making T-shirts?

If I was to pick, Id probably say the Explore 2. Its speed combined with its power for its size is surely the best for this job. With this machine you are able to attain high precision cuts as as well as create larger designs. This paired together with the ability to cut almost 100 materials is amazing. Most importantly It's cutting speed, faster than the rest with its 'Fast Mode' feature. This machine is more than efficient.

Jane is a stay-at-home small business mom. She makes more than her husband selling her creations on Etsy.