• The Daily Must Have
  • Posts
  • The Ultimate Guide to the Best Cricut Cutting Machines for Every Crafter

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Cricut Cutting Machines for Every Crafter

October 25, 2024

This site may earn a commission (at no expense to you) if you buy something after clicking a link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Opinion

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Cricut Cutting Machines for Every Crafter

Hello crafty friends! Whether you’re a card-making queen, vinyl-slaying hobbyist, or just someone looking to unleash your inner DIY diva, we’ve got the perfect guide for you! As the proud team of enthusiasts here at The Parent Game, we’re diving deep into the world of Cricut cutting machines to help you make the best choice for your creative journey. Spoiler alert: there’s something for everyone!

What is a Cricut Cutting Machine?

Before we jump into our top picks, let’s get one thing straight: a Cricut cutting machine is not a wizard in disguise, although it might feel like it when you see all the magical creations it can produce. Simply put, these machines help you cut, write, and even draw intricate designs with the help of precision cutting technology. Perfect for those crafty projects that your friends will be oohing and aahing over.

Why Choose a Cricut?

Cricut cutting machines are more than just tools; they’re the gleaming keys to the kingdom of creativity! They save time and allow you to experiment with a wide range of materials including paper, vinyl, leather, and more. Plus, with the user-friendly Design Space software, you can bring your wildest crafting dreams to life without needing a PhD in engineering!

Top Picks for Cricut Cutting Machines

Here’s our roundup of the best Cricut cutting machines that cater to every style of crafting. Let’s get cutting!

1. Cricut Maker 3 – The Crafting Connoisseur

Best For: Advanced crafters and serious DIY enthusiasts

If crafting were an Olympic sport, the Cricut Maker 3 would take home the gold. This powerhouse allows you to cut over 300 materials, from delicate fabrics to sturdy leather. With advanced features like the Adaptive Tool System, you can create with absolute precision. It’s like having a personal assistant that never asks for lunch breaks!

Why You’ll Love It: The ability to cut smart materials, pair it with the perfect tools, and even write and score!

2. Cricut Explore 3 – Your Versatile Virtual Assistant

Best For: Intermediate crafters and those who love vinyl projects

Goldilocks would approve of the Cricut Explore 3 because it’s just right! This cutting machine balances sophistication and simplicity, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned pros. It cuts over 100 materials quickly and efficiently, and it features smart materials for hassle-free crafting.

Why You’ll Love It: Fast cutting, an easy-to-navigate app, and the ability to create large-scale designs without breaking a sweat!

3. Cricut Joy – The Pocket-Sized Powerhouse

Best For: Beginners, on-the-go crafters, and small projects

Sometimes bigger isn’t better, especially when you’re short on space or just want to whip up a few cute cards. The Cricut Joy is as charming as its name suggests! It might be compact, but this little machine packs a punch, cutting over 50 materials with ease. Perfect for personalizing gifts or crafting on the couch!

Why You’ll Love It: Portability, ease of use, and a design that just screams cute.

4. Cricut EasyPress – For Those Who Hate Ironing

Best For: Heat transfer and fabric projects

While technically not a cutting machine, the Cricut EasyPress deserves a shout-out! If you’re into heat transfer designs, this bad boy will quickly become your BFF. With even heat distribution and adjustable temperature settings, it’s here to save your fabric from unyielding presses and ironing board battles.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s safer than your iron and works wonders for T-shirts, bags, and other fabric items!

Bonus Tips for Choosing Your Cricut Machine

  1. Consider Your Crafting Goals: Are you planning on diving deep into fabric cutting or vinyl stickers? Decide what projects you want to tackle.

  2. Budget Wisely: Cricut machines range in price, so set a budget that includes additional tools and materials you might need.

  3. Read Reviews: See what other crafters are saying! User reviews can provide insight that you might not find anywhere else.

  4. Join the Community: Cricut has a vibrant crafting community overflowing with inspiration! Sign up for forums and social media groups for tips and hacks.

Conclusion

There you have it! Our ultimate guide to the best Cricut cutting machines for every crafter. Each machine has its own flair and specialty, so choose one that sings to your creative soul. With the right tools in hand, you’ll be crafting like a pro in no time!

Feeling inspired? We hope you are! Now, go forth and create stunning projects that showcase your unique style. And remember, “Every day is a crafting day when you have a Cricut!” Happy crafting from your friends at The Parent Game!

Products We Currently Love on Amazon

  • Works with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock

  • Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs

  • Cuts intricate designs with precision

  • BUNDLE INCLUDES - Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine, 30 images of digital content, Permanent Vinyl Roll (1ft x 15ft, Black), 1 roll of Transfer Tape (1ft x 12ft), 3 StandardGrip Machine Mats (12in x 12in), & 5-Piece Tool Kit

  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE-This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account

  • DIY DREAM MACHINE - Explore 3 works with 100+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on htv & cardstock. Write, draw, foil, score & more with this easy-to-use smart cutting machine

  • A POWERFUL, VERSATILE SMART CUTTING MACHINE - Take your decorative art & craft to the next level with the original Cricut Maker that virtually creates any project on your wish list. Delivers a pro-level cutting experience with its advanced suite of tools

  • CUTS 300+ MATERIALS IN A WHIZ - Cuts everything from delicate paper & fabric to matboard & leather. The included Rotary Blade practically cuts any fabric for a sewing project & the Knife Blade makes precise cuts to thicker stuff for more depth & dimension

  • APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - With just a few clicks, create personalized and custom designs with this cutter using the cloud-based Design Space app that works on mobile phones and laptops (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac)

  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE-This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account

  • LET’S MAKE - Make more than you ever dreamed possible with Cricut Maker 3, the ultimate smart cutting machine. With the ability to cut more than 300 materials, and compatible with more than 13 tools to cut, score, write, deboss, engrave, and more.

  • ACCESS TO BEGINNER’S GUIDES, EXPERT-LED COURSES and WORKSHOPS – Build the skills to create w/ confidence w/ the Learning Plan built into Design Space upon registering your machine. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started on day 1.

  • INCLUDES - Cricut Explore Air 2 Cutting Machine, LightGrip Machine Mat, 5-Piece Tool Kit, Fine Point Pen Sets (Colors + Black), Transfer Tape Roll, Vinyl Sampler Roll, Iron-On Roll, & 30 images of digital content

  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE-This machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. When setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be added to your account

  • CUTS 100+ MATERIALS WITH EASE – The included Premium Fine-Point Blade lets crafters make precise, intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decal, HTV iron-on and more. Also works with glitter paper, cork, Infusible Ink

  • CRICUT JOY and DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE- This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account

  • A COMPACT CUTTING MACHINE FOR INSPIRATIONAL CRAFTERS - It's time to turn your innovative ideas into action with the Cricut Joy cutting machine. This cute, portable smart cutter lets you personalize, organize and customize crafts on-the-go

  • CUTS 50plus MATERIALS WITH EASE - The included Blade lets crafters make precise, intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decal, iron-on and more using StandardGrip Mat. Also makes super-long cuts with matless Smart Material

  • SMART CUTTING MACHINE: This brand new machine is 2X faster than its predecessor. Take your crafting to the next level with the Cricut Maker 3 version. It's smarter, faster, and its functionality delivers a pro-level cutting experience. Includes original manufacturer's warranty.

  • CUTS 300+ MATERIALS - Cuts everything from delicate paper & fabric to matboard & leather, iron-on and vinyl. The Maker 3 works with a variety of blades and tools to add pro-level effects such as scoring, writing, debossing, and engraving. Ships in original packaging.

  • USER-FRIENDLY: The Maker 3 has built-in Bluetooth (stay within 10 feet) for wireless cutting, writing, embossing, scoring, and engraving. Upload images (.svg .jpg .png .bmp .gif) to Cricut Design Space online with an iPad app, computer, tablet, or smartphone (Not compatible with Chromebook)

  • Joy Xtra: The fits-in-any-space, looks-good-anywhere smart cutting machine. Cricut Joy Xtra cuts, writes, draws, and foils to make popular projects like full-color stickers, custom cards, T-shirts, vinyl decals and more. Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs. The Joy Xtra is about the size of a loaf of bread and is a great beginner machine with expanded features compared to the Cricut Joy.

  • Bluetooth: The Cricut Joy Xtra is a Bluetooth only machine, meaning Bluetooth is built right into the machine. Connect your machine using your mobile phone or computer with Bluetooth to Cricut Design Space. Requires a computer with Bluetooth wireless and high-speed internet connection. Ensure Cricut Joy machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your Bluetooth device. See Cricut for more specific device capability.

  • Compatibility: The Cricut Joy Xtra is the newest member of the Cricut Machine family and is small enough to easily store but offers more features than the Cricut Joy. This machine can write/draw, foil, cut and make full color printed stickers with the print-then-cut feature. REQUIRES a device with Bluetooth and high-speed internet. This machine CAN make printed stickers using the print-then-cut feature. Operating system compatibility includes iOS, Mac, Windows (not 7 and 8) and Android.

  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE- This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account

  • ENDLESS CRAFTING POTENTIAL - Works with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock. The Cricut Joy Xtra writes, draws, foils, scores, and more.

  • PRINT-THEN-CUT FEATURES - Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs

  • Precision-cut 100+ materials with this 25 in professional cutting machine. Space-saving 45° design, plus built-in mat & roll supports

  • Cuts & writes up to 25.4 in/sec, single images up to 12 ft (3.6 m) and repeated images up to 75 ft (22.8 m)

  • Compatible with 7 tools to write, foil, score & more (sold separately)

  • Works with 100+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock

  • Cuts intricate designs with precision

  • Writes, draws, foils, scores, and more

  • CRICUT EXPLORE 3: A brand new writing and cutting smart machine makes crafting projects easier than ever before. Cricut Explore 3 Machine cuts, now up to 2X faster compared to Cricut Explore Air 2. It cuts 100+ materials from paper, iron-on, vinyl, felt and more! Making personalized DIY home decor, indoor decals, wall signs just got easier with this cutting machine. Original Cricut Manufacturer 12 month Machine Warranty is included. Packaged in original packaging.

  • COMPATIBILITY: The Explore 3 works with over 100 materials like vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, felt and more. Switch out your blade to have the machine write, cut, score and foil. This machine can work with an inkjet printer to create full-color stickers using print-then-cut! The machine has Bluetooth that allows you to have a wireless connection (must be within 10-15 of device and have a Bluetooth capable device) or you can connect via USB.

  • CRICUT VINYL: This vinyl lies flat on the cutting mat to avoid tunneling or bubbling. Once you cut your design, weed it with ease and apply with awe. Even your most intricate designs effortlessly separate from the carrier sheet for a perfect application. You can apply designs to almost any surface. This vinyl is suitable for use with all Cricut cutting machines. Contains 20 12x12 inch sheets of basic/neutral vinyl.

  • Works with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock

  • Cuts intricate designs with precision

  • Writes, draws & foils

  • CRICUT JOY XTRA: The fits-in-any-space, looks-good-anywhere smart cutting machine. Cricut Joy Xtra cuts, writes, draws, and foils to make popular projects like full-color stickers, custom cards, T-shirts, vinyl decals and more. Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs. This machine is about the size of a loaf of bread at: 12.5 in x 6 in x 5.5 in (31.7 cm x 15.2 cm x 13.9 cm). Comes with original Cricut Manufacturer 12 month Machine Warranty.

  • BLUETOOTH: The Cricut Joy Xtra is a Bluetooth only machine. Meaning the Bluetooth is built into the machine. Connect your machine using your mobile phone or computer with the Cricut Design Space app! Requires a computer with Bluetooth wireless and high-speed internet connection. Ensure the Joy Xtra machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your Bluetooth device.

  • COMPATABILITY: The Joy Xtra works with 50+ materials like vinyl, HTV, cardstock and more! It also works with an inkjet printer to print full color designs like stickers using the Print-then-Cut feature. Just like the original Joy machine, you can write, draw, cut and foil by swapping out additional blades!

  • ART AND CRAFT CUTTING MADE SIMPLE, EVEN FOR BEGINNERS - Designed with simplicity and value in mind, bust out your DIY dreams and create fresh styles for your T-shirts, home decor, and more with the Cricut Explore Air 2 classic cutting machine

  • CUTS 100plus MATERIALS WITH EASE – The included Premium Fine-Point Blade lets crafters make precise, intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decal, HTV iron-on and more. Also works with glitter paper, cork, and Infusible Ink

  • APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - With just a few clicks, create personalized and custom designs using the cloud-based Design Space app that works on mobile phones and laptops (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac)

  • PRO-LEVEL CUTTING MACHINE: This brand new machine is 2X faster than its predecessor. Take your crafting to the next level with the Cricut Maker 3 version. It's smarter, faster, and its functionality delivers a pro-level cutting experience. The Maker 3 dimensions are 26.25 inches wide. Includes original manufacturer's warranty. Ships in original packaging.

  • CRICUT EASYPRESS 3: Precise temperature control up to 205°C (400°F) with an advanced heat plate design with ceramic-coated surface for an even distribution of heat

  • ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: The 9 in x 9 in Easy Press 3 is ideal for t-shirts, tote bags, pillows, aprons, and more. Cricut Smart Iron-On and Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets provide stunning colors and quality to any project

  • CRICUT JOY: A Brand new writing and cutting smart machine, makes DIY projects easy. Cricut Joy Smart Machine is ridiculously easy to set up and use, so you'll find endless excuses to personalize, organize, and customize every single day. This machine is compact and smaller than a loaf of bread (Dimension is 8.4 inches x 4.25 inches x 5.5 inches), allowing for easy travel and storage!

  • BLUETOOTH: The Cricut Joy is a Bluetooth only machine. Meaning the Bluetooth is built into the machine. Connect your machine using your mobile phone to use the Cricut Joy app! Requires a computer with Bluetooth wireless and high-speed internet connection.Ensure Cricut Joy machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your Bluetooth device.

  • COMPATIBILITY: The Cricut Joy is the smallest and most compact of the Cricut Machine family. Working only with three tools, this machine can write/draw, foil and cut. In order for the Joy to function, you must have a device with Bluetooth and high-speed internet. This machine does not have the capabilities to make printed stickers (check out the Joy Xtra for that). Operating system compatibility includes iOS, Mac, Windows (not 7 and 8) and Android.

  • 1 Portable Trimmer, 13 in (33 cm)

  • Make precise, straight cuts with the easy-glide blade system

  • Quickly load, measure & cut materials with dual-hinged rail

  • CUTTING MACHINE: A brand new writing and cutting smart machine makes crafting projects easier than ever before. Cricut Explore 3 Machine cuts, now up to 2X faster compared to Cricut Explore Air 2. It cuts 100+ materials from paper, iron-on, vinyl, felt and more! Making personalized DIY home decor, indoor decals, wall signs just got easier with this cutting machine. Original Cricut Manufacturer 12 month Machine Warranty is included. Packaged in original packaging.

  • CRICUT MINI EASYPRESS: Its thoughtful, compact design makes it effortless to curve with contours, get between buttons, and squeeze into seams. Its ceramic-coated plate reaches 400°F, with safety features like an insulated base, three temperature settings and auto-shutoff. Lightweight, portable, and compatible with major brands of HTV, iron-on, and the entire Infusible Ink family of products, this pocket-sized heat-press is everything you need for DIY projects.

  • HEAT TRANSFER VINYL: A community favorite, Cricut Everyday Iron-On is thoughtfully engineered and rigorously tested to work flawlessly with your Cricut cutting machine. This amazing heat-transfer material outlasts 50 washes and works with the widest variety of base materials. It's easy to add a little personality to everything from T-shirts to totes, home decor and so much more. Use one color or layer up to 4 to create standout designs.

  • SCAN DRAWINGS AND MATERIALS: Brother ScanNCut DX is the only cutting machine series with a built-in scanner. Scan your drawing to convert it to a cut file, directly cut printed stickers, and precisely place designs without counting blocks

  • STUNNING DIY PROJECTS: Craft right out of the box with 251 built-in designs. Add custom designs and additional free patterns with the USB port and wireless capability, and customize and combine your projects with the easy-to-use 3.5" touchscreen LCD display

  • NO MATERIAL SELECTION REQUIRED: The included ScanNCut DX auto blade and auto blade holder uses true automatic material sensor technology to detect the thickness of the material with no blade adjustment or material selection required. Always perform a trial/test cut to confirm a successful cut