The 5 Best Cricut Machines Of 2024 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Best Cricut Machines Of 2024

Best Choice: Cricut Maker “If you want to design leather goods, basswood, or even matboard designs, the Maker is for you”

Best Value: Cricut Joy “The ease of use on this pint-sized machine is incomparable, making it easy for beginning creators to get a jumpstart on their designs.”

Best For Vinyl: Cricut Explore Air 2 “From t-shirts to vehicle decals, you can create a variety of vinyl pieces. Additionally, it’s great for t-shirts, and stickers, and can cut quickly enough to be used for a small business.”

Best Portable: Cricut EasyPress 2 “It is one of the best Cricut machines for vinyl projects, as you’ll need it to apply the iron-on to your t-shirt, canvas bag, shoes, or whatever you decide to design.”

Best For Small Projects: Cricut Easy Press Mini “It has all the bells and whistles as its sister machine, the Easy Press 2, without breaking the bank.”

Whether you are planning on starting your own small business endeavor want to jumpstart an Etsy gig, or simply wish to create unique and memorable gifts for your loved ones, a Cricut machine is a widely celebrated machine designed to help artists of all skill levels create.

Of course, with a wide array of models to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one suits your needs best.

So, if you are wondering “What is the best Cricut machine?“, you’ve come to the right place.

Best Choice: Cricut Maker

Cricut Maker
Cricut Maker / Image credit: Cricut

As the most versatile model on the market, the Cricut Maker earns the title of the best Cricut machine overall.

This sleek model has a variety of perks that make it a joy to use, and the specs on this machine are impressive, to say the least. It is capable of cutting into a wide range of materials – 300+ of them, to be exact.

If you want to design leather goods, basswood, or even matboard designs, the Maker is for you. The perks of this machine include:

  • 300+ materials can be cut with the Cricut Maker, as it has the deepest cut of all currently available models at 2.4 mm.
  • 11 compatible tools, allowing creators to cut, score, write, foil, and decorate to their hearts’ content.
  • The quick-release button makes changing tools simple, so you can jump from project to project without skipping a beat.
  • Little perks like a dock for your tablet and a USB port for charging make it easy to use the companion app, Cricut Design Space.
  • It has a rotary blade, which means it can cut literally any fabric you throw at it. It is the best tool for cutting sewing projects.
  • 2x faster at cutting and writing than other Cricut models.
  • Bluetooth capability.
  • 12-inch max material width and 2-foot max material length.

These are just a few of the most noticeable perks of the Maker.

So to answer the question of what is the best Cricut machine:

Sale
Cricut Maker - Smart Cutting Machine - With 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art, Home Decor, Bluetooth Connectivity, works with iOS, Android, Windows & Mac, Champagne,26.38 x 11 x 11
  • 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)

Affiliate links: Clicking the device names, images or check price buttons will redirect you to the product listing on the appropriate Amazon.com (.co.uk, .de, etc.)  / Image courtesy of Amazon

Best Value: Cricut Joy

Cricut Joy
Cricut Joy / Image credit: Cricut

The Cricut Joy is the best Cricut machine for beginners. The ease of use on this pint-sized machine is incomparable, making it easy for beginning creators to get a jumpstart on their designs.

It is also great for people who just want to make cute designs for their own personal items, whether you personalize a Hydroflask or design a pop-up birthday card. It is so simple to use this machine compared to the other models, which is why it is considered to be the best Cricut machine for beginners.

It is also a great option for longer pieces, as it has the longest max material length of the machines. The perks of this machine include:

  • 50+ compatible materials.
  • 2 tools for cutting and writing.
  • This is, by far, the most portable Cricut machine. It’s also compact and quite adorable, as it comes in a variety of colors to suit your aesthetic.
  • Bluetooth capability.
  • Compatible with the Cricut Design Space, and you can even download images and fonts for use offline.
  • Max material width of 5.5 inches & max material length of 20 feet, the longest of all Cricut machines.
Cricut Joy Machine & Digital Content Library Bundle - Includes 30 images in Design Space App - Portable DIY Smart Machine for creating customized cards, crafts, & labels Blue
  • 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

Affiliate links: Clicking the device names, images or check price buttons will redirect you to the product listing on the appropriate Amazon.com (.co.uk, .de, etc.)  / Image courtesy of Amazon

Best For Vinyl: Cricut Explore Air 2

Cricut Explore Air 2
Cricut Explore Air 2 / Image credit: Cricut

If you want the most bang for your buck, this model is the go-to. It certainly is not the cheapest model (that title goes to the Cricut Joy), but it is the most powerful intermediate machine.

This machine is great for a variety of materials, although it earns the consideration of being the best Cricut machine for vinyl. From t-shirts to vehicle decals, you can create a variety of vinyl pieces.

Additionally, it’s great for t-shirts, and stickers, and can be cut quickly enough to be used for a small business.

The perks of this machine include:

  • 4+ compatible tools for cutting, writing, and scoring projects.
  • Can cut 100+ materials.
  • Bluetooth capability.
  • Compatible with the Cricut Design Space app.
  • USB port.
  • Max material width of 12 inches and max material length of 2 feet.
Cricut Explore Air 2 - A DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts, Create Customized Cards, Home Decor & More, Bluetooth Connectivity, Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows & Mac, Emerald
  • 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 100 plus 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
  • 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)

Affiliate links: Clicking the device names, images or check price buttons will redirect you to the product listing on the appropriate Amazon.com (.co.uk, .de, etc.)  / Image courtesy of Amazon

Best Portable: Cricut EasyPress 2

Cricut Easy Press 2
Cricut EasyPress 2 / Image credit: Cricut

Although it is not a cutting machine, if you are going to be creating vinyl transfers for t-shirts, you’ll need a Cricut EasyPress to apply the material.

Much better than a regular iron, this specially designed-machine allows for an even distribution of heat, allowing artists to create high-quality pieces that won’t peel up.

It is one of the best Cricut machines for vinyl projects, as you’ll need it to apply the iron-on to your t-shirt, canvas bag, shoes, or whatever you decide to design.

EasyPress 2 also comes in a variety of sizes, making it easy to create whatever you imagine.

The perks of the EasyPress 2 include:

  • The EasyPress 2 comes in a variety of sizes: 6″x 7″, 9″x 9″, and 12″ x 10″.
  • Advanced heat plate, coated in ceramic, and designed with dual heating elements for an even and consistent application.
  • Temperature control up to 400°F.
  • The Insulated Safety Base provides a place to set your maker and the auto shut-off feature (which happens after 10 minutes), ensures safety.
  • The best Cricut machine for shirts.
Sale
Cricut EasyPress 2 Heat Press Machine (9 in x 9 in), Ideal for T-Shirts, Tote Bags, Pillows, Aprons & More, Precise Temperature Control, Features Insulated Safety Base & Auto-Off, Raspberry
  • A NO-STRESS HEAT PRESS — Get pro-level heat-transfer results with Cricut EasyPress 2, the speed of a heat press and the convenience of an iron
  • ADJUSTABLE TIME AND TEMPERATURE— Control temperature up to 400 ºF (205 ºC) and set the timer to take on just about any heat transfer project that comes your way
  • QUICK, EASY RESULTS — Featuring an advanced heat plate design with a ceramic-coated surface, the press heats up in under 2 minutes and can take on even the most intricate prints in no time

Affiliate links: Clicking the device names, images or check price buttons will redirect you to the product listing on the appropriate Amazon.com (.co.uk, .de, etc.)  / Image courtesy of Amazon

    Best For Small Projects: Cricut Easy Press Mini

    Cricut Easy Press Mini
    Cricut Easy Press Mini / Image credit: Cricut

    From baby onesies to hats and shoes, sometimes your big projects are actually small! For those smaller-scale endeavors, the Cricut Easy Press Mini comes in handy. It has all the bells and whistles of its sister machine, the Easy Press 2, without breaking the bank.

    The perks of this machine include:

    • Smallest Easy Press at 1.92″ wide and 3.25″ tall, making it portable and easy to use. This site allows you to adhere to transfers to odd-shaped objects, making it, perhaps, the most necessary and best Cricut machine for shirts.
    • Advanced ceramic heat plate with an extra layer of protection.
    • Three heat settings.
    • Safety features include the Insulated Safety Base for storing and an auto shut-off feature that occurs after 13 minutes of inactivity.
    Sale
    Cricut EasyPress Mini Heat Press for Pressing Small Objects like Shoes, Stuffed Animals, Hats & More, 3 Heat Settings & Precision Tip, Ceramic-Coated Heat Plate, Raspberry
    • MINI BUT MIGHTY. — Get high-impact heat-transfer results with Cricut EasyPress Mini — a small, compact heat press for uniquely shaped, extra-small projects with hard-to-reach spaces.
    • EFFORTLESS AND ACCURATE — Cycle through 3 heat settings for every iron-on (HTV), Infusible Ink and sublimation project. A comfortable hand and precision tip offer supreme control and accuracy.
    • COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT and EASY TO STORE — Paired with an insulated safety base and auto-off feature, Cricut EasyPress Mini stores easily almost anywhere.

    Affiliate links: Clicking the device names, images or check price buttons will redirect you to the product listing on the appropriate Amazon.com (.co.uk, .de, etc.)  / Image courtesy of Amazon

    Whether you need the best Cricut machine for vinyl or are looking for a heat press to create t-shirts for a small business, your Cricut machine is the next step to making your dream projects a reality.

    Compare models and choose the best one to suit your needs.

    Happy creating!