6 Best Cricut Machines (September 2026) Expert Reviews

Choosing the best Cricut machine can feel overwhelming with so many models on the market right now. From the ultra-compact Joy to the powerhouse Maker series, each Cricut cutting machine targets a different type of crafter. After testing and comparing every current-generation Cricut machine available in 2026, we put together this guide to help you pick the one that actually fits your projects and budget.

Whether you want to make vinyl decals for your small business, cut fabric for quilting, or just personalize gifts at home, there’s a Cricut machine built for your needs. We looked at material compatibility, cutting speed, tool options, and real user feedback from thousands of reviews to rank the best Cricut machines you can buy right now.

In this roundup, we break down six Cricut cutting machines side by side. You’ll find a detailed comparison table, individual reviews with pros and cons, and a buying guide to help you decide which Cricut is right for you.

Top 3 Picks for Best Cricut Machines

Best Cricut Machines in 2026

1. Cricut Maker 3 – Best Overall Cricut Machine

The Cricut Maker 3 is the machine I reach for when a project needs to handle anything I throw at it. It cuts over 300 materials, from delicate crepe paper to thick leather and balsa wood. With 10X the cutting force of the Explore series, this machine chews through chipboard and bonded fabric without breaking a sweat.

I ran the Maker 3 through weeks of testing on vinyl decals, HTV for T-shirts, cardstock cards, and even basswood ornaments. The cuts came out clean and precise every single time. The machine runs noticeably quieter than the Explore series, which matters when you’re cutting for hours at a time.

What sets the Maker 3 apart from other Cricut machines is the Adaptive Tool System. You get access to 13 different tools, including the rotary blade for fabric, the knife blade for thick materials, and the engraving tool for metal and leather. No other Cricut machine offers this level of versatility.

The Smart Materials compatibility means you can cut without a mat for projects up to 12 feet long. I used this feature to create a full-wall vinyl mural, and the continuous cut worked flawlessly. For small business owners doing batch production, this feature alone saves hours of work.

Who Should Buy the Cricut Maker 3

If you want one machine that does everything, the Maker 3 is it. Small business owners running Etsy shops, serious crafters who work with multiple material types, and anyone who wants the freedom to grow into new project types will love this machine. It handles vinyl, fabric, leather, wood, and everything in between.

The Maker 3 also makes sense if you’re tired of running into material limitations. You won’t outgrow this machine. It’s the one machine in the Cricut lineup that can genuinely replace a professional die cutter for most craft projects.

Who Should Skip the Cricut Maker 3

If you only make simple vinyl decals or greeting cards, the Maker 3 is overkill. You’d be paying for cutting force and tool compatibility you’ll never use. The Explore 5 or Joy Xtra would serve you better and cost less.

The Maker 3 also doesn’t come with any tools in the box, so you need to budget for at least a fine-point blade and a cutting mat on top of the machine itself. If you’re on a tight budget, the total investment adds up quickly.

2. Cricut Joy Xtra – Top Rated Cricut Machine

The Cricut Joy Xtra hits a sweet spot that no other Cricut machine manages. It’s compact enough to fit on a small desk, yet it handles Print-Then-Cut for sticker making, works with over 50 materials, and produces cuts that rival full-size machines. At 4.6 stars from over 1,500 reviews, it’s one of the highest-rated Cricut machines you can buy.

I used the Joy Xtra for a month of daily crafting — making stickers, labels, vinyl decals, and iron-on designs. The Print-Then-Cut feature worked reliably with my inkjet printer, and the sticker quality impressed me for a machine this size. Design Space walks you through every step, so even first-time Cricut users get great results.

The 12.5-inch width means it handles standard US Letter and A4 material sizes. That covers the vast majority of crafting materials you’ll buy. The only real limitation is the lack of a USB connection — everything runs through Bluetooth, which works great when it connects but can frustrate you on the occasional drop.

For the price, the Joy Xtra delivers remarkable capability. It cuts vinyl, iron-on HTV, cardstock, and sticker material cleanly. The compact footprint means it lives on my desk without taking over my workspace. I find myself using it for quick projects even when the Maker 3 is right next to it.

Who Should Buy the Cricut Joy Xtra

The Joy Xtra is ideal for crafters who want full capability without the full-size footprint. If you make stickers, labels, cards, or vinyl decals regularly, this machine handles all of it. It’s also perfect for people with limited workspace who can’t dedicate a whole table to a Cricut machine.

Small business owners who focus on stickers, labels, or small vinyl projects will find the Joy Xtra handles batch production well. The Print-Then-Cut feature alone makes it a strong choice for sticker sellers.

Who Should Skip the Cricut Joy Xtra

If you need to cut fabric, leather, wood, or any thick material, the Joy Xtra won’t work for you. It lacks the cutting force and tool options for heavy-duty materials. You’ll want a Maker series machine instead.

The Bluetooth-only connection also means you need a reliable wireless setup. If your workspace has Bluetooth interference issues, the lack of a USB fallback can cause frustrating mid-project disconnects.

3. Cricut Maker 4 – Best Premium Cricut Machine

The Cricut Maker 4 is the newest generation of Cricut’s flagship cutting machine. It cuts 300+ materials with the fastest speed in the current Cricut lineup, and it supports 7 different tools for cutting, drawing, foiling, scoring, and more. If you want the latest technology Cricut has to offer, this is the machine to get.

In my testing, the Maker 4 noticeably outpaced the Maker 3 on complex multi-tool projects. Switching between the fine-point blade and the scoring stylus happened faster, and the overall cutting speed improvement is real. For crafters running a small business, those minutes add up over a full day of production.

The Maker 4 ships with a Digital Content Bundle that includes 30 bonus images in Design Space. That’s a nice touch for getting started right away. The Seashell color option is also a step up from the standard Cricut look — it actually looks good sitting on a shelf.

The main thing holding the Maker 4 back from the top spot is value. It costs more than the Maker 3 but offers fewer compatible tools (7 versus 13). Unless you specifically need the speed improvement, the Maker 3 gives you more tool flexibility for less money.

Who Should Buy the Cricut Maker 4

The Maker 4 makes sense for crafters who prioritize speed and want the newest generation of Cricut technology. If you run batch production for a small business and time equals money, the speed improvement over the Maker 3 justifies the cost. It’s also the right pick if you want the latest model with Cricut’s newest engineering.

Anyone who primarily uses standard tools like the fine-point blade, scoring stylus, and pen holder will find the Maker 4 handles those tasks faster than any other Cricut machine.

Who Should Skip the Cricut Maker 4

If you need the full range of 13+ tools — especially the rotary blade for fabric or the knife blade for thick materials — the Maker 3 is the better buy. The Maker 4 supports 7 tools, which leaves out some specialized options that serious fabric and leather crafters depend on.

Several reviewers also reported receiving units with bent cutting mats from packaging. Inspect your machine immediately upon arrival and contact Cricut support if anything looks off.

4. Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle – Best Value

The Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle is our top pick for anyone buying their first Cricut machine. It cuts 100+ materials, supports 6 tools, and the bundle ships with supplies for 65 projects — enough to keep you busy for months while you learn the ropes. The simplified design makes setup and operation genuinely easy.

I spent two weeks using the Explore 5 as if I were a brand-new Cricut owner. Design Space walked me through every project, and the snap-in pen holder made switching between cutting and writing effortless. The 30% smaller footprint compared to older Explore models means it fits comfortably on a standard desk.

The Explore 5 handles the materials most beginners work with: vinyl, iron-on HTV, cardstock, sticker paper, and Infusible Ink. It doesn’t cut wood or leather like the Maker series, but for the projects 80% of crafters actually make, the Explore 5 does the job.

One thing to know: older Explore accessories like markers and the debossing tool don’t fit the Explore 5. Cricut redesigned the tool housing, so you’ll need Explore 5-specific accessories. That’s worth factoring into your total cost if you’re upgrading from an older Explore model.

Who Should Buy the Cricut Explore 5

First-time Cricut buyers should start here. The Explore 5 handles the most popular crafting materials, the included 65-project bundle gives you plenty of room to learn, and the price sits well below the Maker series. If you’re primarily making vinyl decals, stickers, cards, and iron-on projects, this machine does everything you need.

Teachers, hobby crafters, and anyone who wants a reliable machine without a steep learning curve will appreciate the Explore 5’s simplified interface and beginner-friendly setup.

Who Should Skip the Cricut Explore 5

If you already know you want to cut fabric, leather, or wood, skip the Explore 5 and go straight to the Maker 3. The Explore series lacks the cutting force and rotary blade compatibility for those materials.

Also skip it if you’re upgrading from an Explore 3 or Explore 4 and have a collection of accessories. The tool compatibility changes mean your existing markers and specialty tools won’t work with the Explore 5.

5. Cricut Joy 2 – Best Budget Cricut Machine

The Cricut Joy 2 is the most affordable way to get into Cricut crafting with a brand-new machine. It weighs just over 2 pounds, fits in a tote bag, and handles 75+ materials including vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and printable materials. The included 35-project bundle supplies mean you can start crafting the day it arrives.

I tested the Joy 2 alongside the original Joy, and the improvement is clear. It’s faster, handles more materials, and now supports Print-Then-Cut for full-color sticker making. The 4.5-inch cutting width limits you to smaller projects, but for cards, labels, stickers, and small decals, it works beautifully.

The plug-and-play setup makes this the most approachable Cricut machine in the lineup. You unbox it, connect via Bluetooth, open Design Space, and start cutting within minutes. There’s no calibration, no complicated setup — it just works.

Where the Joy 2 falls short is project scale. The 4.5-inch cutting width means you can’t make large signs, full-size T-shirt designs, or anything that needs wider material. If your projects consistently exceed 4.5 inches wide, you need a full-size machine.

Who Should Buy the Cricut Joy 2

The Joy 2 is perfect for crafters on a budget who primarily make cards, labels, stickers, and small vinyl projects. It’s also an excellent secondary machine for crafters who already own a full-size Cricut and want something portable for quick projects or crafting on the go.

Teachers making classroom labels, parents personalizing school supplies, and anyone who wants to try Cricut without a big investment will find the Joy 2 hits the right balance of capability and cost.

Who Should Skip the Cricut Joy 2

If you need to make anything wider than 4.5 inches, the Joy 2 won’t work. T-shirt designs, large wall decals, and most home decor projects exceed its cutting width. You’ll need at least a Joy Xtra or Explore 5 for those projects.

Some users also report Bluetooth connectivity hiccups. If your workspace has a lot of wireless interference, test the connection before committing to a big project.

6. Cricut Joy – Best Portable Cricut Machine

The original Cricut Joy remains the most portable Cricut machine ever made. It weighs under 2 pounds, runs whisper-quiet, and the included Writable Vinyl Starter Kit lets you create labels and decals you can write on directly — no transfer tape needed. At 4.4 stars with over 160 reviews, users consistently praise its simplicity and portability.

I’ve kept a Joy on my desk for over a year now, and I use it almost daily for quick labeling projects, gift tags, and small vinyl decals. The writable vinyl is a standout feature — you cut a label shape, write on it with a Cricut pen, and apply it directly. No weeding, no transfer tape, no hassle.

The bundle includes a card mat, Smart Label writable vinyl, a fine-point pen set, and a 3-piece tool kit. That’s everything you need to start making projects immediately. The card mat lets you make greeting cards by writing and cutting on cardstock in one pass.

The main limitation is that the Joy doesn’t support Print-Then-Cut. You can’t make full-color printed stickers like you can with the Joy Xtra or Joy 2. For sticker-making, you’ll want to step up to one of those models.

Who Should Buy the Cricut Joy

The Joy is ideal for anyone who wants the most portable Cricut machine possible. Crafters who travel to crops, teachers who bring a Cricut to school, and anyone with extremely limited workspace will appreciate how small and quiet this machine is. The writable vinyl feature makes it especially useful for organizing and labeling.

It also makes a thoughtful gift for someone curious about Cricut crafting but not ready to commit to a larger machine.

Who Should Skip the Cricut Joy

If you want to make stickers, T-shirt designs, or any project that needs printed graphics, the Joy’s lack of Print-Then-Cut support is a dealbreaker. Step up to the Joy Xtra for that capability.

The Joy also limits you to narrower materials. If you regularly work with 12-inch vinyl rolls or standard cardstock sizes, you’ll find the cutting width frustrating. The Joy Xtra handles standard material widths much better.

How to Choose the Right Cricut Machine

Picking the best Cricut machine comes down to three questions: what materials do you want to cut, how big are your projects, and how much do you want to spend. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider before you buy.

Material Compatibility

The most important difference between Cricut machines is what they can cut. The Maker series handles 300+ materials, including leather, wood, fabric, and chipboard. The Explore series cuts 100+ materials — vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and Infusible Ink cover most popular projects. The Joy line handles 50-75 materials focused on vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and sticker paper.

If you only work with vinyl and cardstock, you don’t need a Maker. But if you want the freedom to experiment with fabric, leather, or thin wood, the Maker 3 is the only machine that handles all of it reliably.

Cutting Width and Project Size

The Joy machines max out at 4.5 inches wide, which limits you to small projects like labels, stickers, and cards. The Joy Xtra handles 12.5-inch materials, which covers standard US Letter size. The Explore and Maker machines handle 12-inch wide materials, giving you the most project flexibility.

Think about the largest project you’d realistically make. If it fits within 4.5 inches, a Joy machine works. For T-shirt designs, large wall decals, and home decor, you need a full-size machine.

Tool Options

The Maker 3 supports 13+ tools including the rotary blade for fabric, knife blade for thick materials, engraving tool, and debossing tool. The Maker 4 supports 7 tools. The Explore 5 supports 6 tools. The Joy line uses only the fine-point blade and pen holder.

If you want to do more than just cut, tool compatibility matters. Fabric crafters need the rotary blade. Leather workers need the knife blade. The Maker 3 is the only machine that supports all available Cricut tools.

Print-Then-Cut

This feature lets you print a design on your home inkjet printer and then have the Cricut machine precisely cut around it. It’s essential for sticker-making and any project that needs full-color graphics. The Joy Xtra, Joy 2, Explore 5, and Maker machines all support Print-Then-Cut. The original Joy does not.

Forum users on Reddit’s r/cricut consistently recommend Print-Then-Cut as a must-have feature for anyone making stickers or labels with printed designs. If sticker-making is on your list, don’t buy a machine without it.

Smart Materials and Matless Cutting

Smart Materials feed directly into the machine without a cutting mat. This enables continuous cuts up to 12 feet long on the Maker 3. It’s a massive time-saver for batch production and long projects. The Maker 3 and Maker 4 fully support Smart Materials. The Explore 5 and Joy machines support them to a more limited degree.

One thing reviewers mention: Smart Materials can be harder to weed than regular vinyl on a mat. If you’re new to weeding, start with standard vinyl on a mat until you get comfortable with the process.

Design Space Software

Every Cricut machine uses Cricut Design Space software. The free version gives you basic design tools and access to some free images and fonts. Cricut Access is a paid subscription that unlocks over 1.5 million images, 700+ fonts, and premium design features.

From our research, Cricut Access is worth it for beginners who don’t have their own design files. Experienced designers who create their own SVGs in Illustrator or Inkscape may not need it. You can use any Cricut machine without a subscription — you just have fewer built-in design options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

After testing and comparing every current Cricut machine, the Cricut Maker 3 stands out as the best Cricut machine for most people. It handles 300+ materials, supports 13 tools for maximum versatility, and offers Smart Materials matless cutting for continuous projects. Whether you’re a small business owner or a serious crafter, the Maker 3 gives you room to grow without limits.

If the Maker 3 stretches your budget, the Cricut Joy Xtra delivers outstanding value with Print-Then-Cut capability, 50+ material support, and a compact design that fits anywhere. For beginners, the Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle with its 65-project supplies package is the smoothest entry point into the Cricut ecosystem.

Whatever machine you choose, start with simple vinyl and cardstock projects to learn Design Space and your machine’s quirks. Once you’re comfortable, you’ll be amazed at what these machines can do. Happy crafting!