Difference Between Cricut Joy, Cricut Maker, and Cricut Explore

Are you looking to buy a Cricut cutting machine but wondering which Cricut model would be right for you? With so many options, it can't be easy to choose which model is the best Cricut to buy. So, this Cricut machine comparison will help you determine which Cricut model best suits your needs and budget.

There are many things to consider when buying a Cricut cutting machine, from how often you use it and the different types of projects you want to do, where you will store it, and how much you can afford.

This post will compare the 5 Cricut machines to decide which one is best for you. Without further ado, let's get started. 

Different Types Of Cricut Machines

There are 3 Cricut machine series to choose from Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, and Cricut Joy.

Many models are available in the Cricut Explore Series and Cricut Maker Series. There is only Cricut Joy, as it is still relatively new. Differences between models are not huge. The difference between the series is more important.

Cricut machines are similar; they are all DIY cutting machines that can cut and write on various materials. But, each Cricut machine has special features that make it perfect for different applications.

The Cricut Explore series are the most famous and best for any DIY project. They have a lot of flexibility while still being affordable. If you don't know which Cricut machine series to go with, then it's a safe bet to go with Cricut Explore.

The Cricut Maker series is geared towards more professional use cases like small businesses or enthusiastic DIYers. These Cricut Maker machines are much sturdier than the Cricut Explore machines and cut a broader range of different materials. The Cricut Maker is undoubtedly the most powerful of all the Cricut machines, but it is also quite expensive.

Cricut Joy is a tiny DIY cutting machine, making it the only portable machine among Cricut machines. The smaller size can be limited and may not cut as many materials as the Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machines. But, if you are new to DIY cutting or need a machine for small projects, the Cricut Joy may be all you need.

Main Difference Between Cricut Joy, Cricut Maker, and Cricut Explore

Now knowing the main difference between the Cricut machine series, let's look at each model separately.

Cricut Explore Machine Differences 

Many Cricut models have been launched in the Cricut Explore series, including Cricut Explore, Cricut Explore One, Cricut Explore 3, Cricut Explore Air, and Cricut Explore Air 2.

Of these 5 Cricut Explore models, only the Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Explore Air 2 are available on the market. But you may still find one of the old Cricut models at a different retailer or second-hand.

The Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Explore Air 2 are mainly identical in specs. Both cut more than 100+ different materials as they have the same cutting power and use the same blade.

So most standard materials like paper, cardboard, vinyl, leather, wooden, etc. will not be a problem for the Cricut Explore machine.

But, not every Cricut blade is compatible with the Cricut Explore models. Some of them, such as rotary blades, are specific to the Cricut Maker machine.

Cricut Explore 3 vs Cricut Explore Air 2

Below are 3 main differences between the Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Explore Air 2.

The improvement made in the new Cricut Explore 3 is the more powerful motor. You can cut about 2 times faster than the Cricut Explore Air 2. If you use your Cricut machine a lot, you will see the speed difference.

• The Cricut Explore 3 is compatible with Smart Materials, which allows you to create continuous can cuts up to 12 feet tall without a cutting mat. It's great if you want to work simultaneously on large or smaller projects.

• The price is the last difference between the Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Explore 3. The Cricut Explore 3 costs about $300, whereas the Cricut Explore Air 2 costs around $250

Cricut Maker Machine Differences

Two models are available in the Cricut Maker series: Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 3. For some reason, they have decided to skip Cricut Maker 2 and go directly to Cricut Maker 3.

Both Cricut Maker and Maker 3 are mainly similar in specs. Cricut Maker models have 10 times more cutting power than the Cricut Explore models, are compatible with all blades, and cut 6 times deeper.

As a result, both Cricut Maker machines cut more than 300+ different materials. In addition to basic materials like paper, cardboard, and vinyl - the Cricut Maker machines also work with more complex materials like leather, wood, felt, and plastic. Unfortunately, you can't cut all these materials with a Cricut Maker. You will often have to buy more blades.

Cricut Maker machines are the most powerful and flexible of all Cricut machines.

But, Both Cricut Maker are also expensive. For most people, the Cricut Maker's extra features and benefits are unnecessary compared to the Cricut Explore machines.

Cricut Maker vs Cricut Maker 3

Below are 3 main differences between Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 3.

The improvement made in the new Cricut Maker 3 is the more powerful motor. You can cut about 2 times faster than the Cricut Maker. If you use your Cricut machine a lot, you will see the speed difference.

• The Cricut Maker 3 is compatible with Smart Materials, which allows you to create continuous can cuts up to 12 feet tall without a cutting mat. It's great if you want to work simultaneously on large or smaller projects.

• The price is the last difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Maker 3. The Cricut Maker costs about $350, whereas the Cricut Maker 3 costs around $400.

Cricut Joy Machine

The Cricut Joy is more compact than the other Cricut series for daily DIY projects. It only cuts material 5.5 inches wide, but you can buy much longer material (up to 20 feet long). The Cricut Joy cuts more than 50+ different materials and uses 2 tools to cut and write.

Cricut Joy is also easy to set up, and you can quickly start creating projects using the Cricut Design Space from your computer or Android device.

If you are planning to create smaller DIY projects like labels, stickers, decals, or cards; the Cricut Joy is still a good model at only $180

Cricut Machine Similarities

Cricut machines have some similarities. Each Cricut model can cut and write using various materials, including paper, vinyl, cardstock, and iron-on. No matter which Cricut machine you buy, you can bring your crafting project ideas to life.

Cut: Each model can cut 20+ materials, including paper, cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on.

Draw: Each model can draw on paper, cardstock, and other materials with a Cricut pen/marker.

Cricut Design Space: Additionally, all Cricut machines can connect to Cricut Design Space - a free online design app/software where you can upload and share your designs. For more designs, consider can subscribe to Cricut Access.

Bluetooth: Another similarity that is shared between Cricut machines is Bluetooth. You don't have to connect your Cricut machine with a USB cord directly.

Accessories: Plus, hundreds of accessories are available in each Cricut model so that you can do any DIY project. The options are unlimited, from scrapbooking and card-making to custom T-shirts and home decor.

Conclusion

We hope this post helped you decide which Cricut machine to buy in 2022. We tried to cover each machine's major similarities and make a complete comparison between the different Cricut models.