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Best Cricut Machine of 2020: Our Top Picks

 October 11, 2020

By  Jane Melcher

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

Preview
Cricut Maker - Smart Cutting Machine - With 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art,...
Cricut Explore Air 2 - A DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts, Create Customized Cards, Home Decor &...
Cricut Joy Machine - A Compact, Portable DIY Smart for Creating Customized Labels, Cards & Crafts,...
Name
Cricut Maker - Smart Cutting Machine - With 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art,...
Cricut Explore Air 2 - A DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts, Create Customized Cards, Home Decor &...
Cricut Joy Machine - A Compact, Portable DIY Smart for Creating Customized Labels, Cards & Crafts,...
Prime Status
-
-
Amazon Rating
Features
Value
Usability
Preview
Cricut Maker - Smart Cutting Machine - With 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art,...
Name
Cricut Maker - Smart Cutting Machine - With 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art,...
Prime Status
-
Amazon Rating
Features
Value
Usability
Buy Directly on Cricut.com
Preview
Cricut Explore Air 2 - A DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts, Create Customized Cards, Home Decor &...
Name
Cricut Explore Air 2 - A DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts, Create Customized Cards, Home Decor &...
Prime Status
Amazon Rating
Features
Value
Usability
Buy Directly on Cricut.com
Preview
Cricut Joy Machine - A Compact, Portable DIY Smart for Creating Customized Labels, Cards & Crafts,...
Name
Cricut Joy Machine - A Compact, Portable DIY Smart for Creating Customized Labels, Cards & Crafts,...
Prime Status
-
Amazon Rating
Features
Value
Usability
Buy Directly on Cricut.com

Best Cricut Machine Reviews

Cricut Maker

Sale
Cricut Maker - Smart Cutting Machine - With 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art,...
18,610 Reviews
Cricut Maker - Smart Cutting Machine - With 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art,...
  • A POWERFUL, VERSATILE SMART CUTTING MACHINE -...
  • CUTS 300+ MATERIALS IN A WHIZ - Cuts...
  • APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH...
  • KEEP YOUR SPACE NEAT & ORGANIZED - The device...
  • ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - It is compatible with...

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

Cricut Explore Air 2 - A DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts, Create Customized Cards, Home Decor &...
9,460 Reviews
Cricut Explore Air 2 - A DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts, Create Customized Cards, Home Decor &...
  • ART AND CRAFT CUTTING MADE SIMPLE, EVEN FOR...
  • CUTS 100+ MATERIALS WITH EASE – The...
  • APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH...
  • KEEP YOUR SPACE NEAT AND ORGANIZED - Machine...
  • ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - Compatible with 6...

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

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.

Jane Melcher


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

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