Cricut Explore Air 2 vs. Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Joy: Which Cricut to buy?

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This post will compare the Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Maker vs Cricut Joy so you can make an informed decision if you're thinking about buying a Cricut machine.

If I was thinking about buying a Cricut machine, a thorough post comparing the Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Maker vs Cricut Joy would be a great resource to help me make a decision. The ideal comparison would answer questions such as what's the difference between the Cricut Maker, Cricut Joy and the Cricut Explore 2? What are the similarities between these three machines? Which is the best? And how do I know which is best suited for me? If these are the questions you're stuck on then continue reading because I address these very same questions in this post.

Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Maker vs Cricut Joy: The differences

The Cricut maker is more expensive than the Explore Air 2 and Cricut Joy
The Maker has the capability to use more blades. There is an Engraving Blade, a Wavy blade, a Preforation Blade, a Debossing Blade, a Knife Blade and a Rotary Cutting Blade. This means the Maker can cut way more materials than the Explore Air 2 and the Joy.
The Maker has two tool storage areas while the Explore Air 2 only has one and the Joy has none
Cricut Maker is heavier (30 lbs) than the Explore Air 2 (21lbs) and Cricut Joy (under 4lbs)
The Maker uses 10x more cutting pressure so it cuts thicker materials than the Explore Air 2 and the Joy
Cricut Maker has an Adaptive Tool System which means the mats move in and out, the blades move side to side and they also lift and turn to guarantee a more precise cut. The Explore Air 2 has the Smart Cutting Technology which means the mats move in and out and the blades move side to side.
The Maker has a docking slot for phones, Ipads and Tablets; the Explore Air 2 and Joy does not have slots
The Maker can cut materials with a thickness up to 3/32″ of an inch, or 2.4mm for both the rotary and knife blades. The Explore cuts a maximum of 1.5mm with the deep point blade. The Joy is able to cut Art Board.
The dimensions for these machines are all over the place and I wasn't able to find one concrete answer across the board. Therefore use these dimensions sparingly:
1. 1. - Cricut Explore Air 2 dimensions: 9.5″ x 24″ x 9.5″.
    - Maker Dimensions: 10.2″ x 25.8″ x 10.4″.
    - Cricut Joy is 5″ x 8″ when closed.

Any other differences between Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Maker and Cricut Joy?

The Explore Air 2:

Has a Smart Set Dial for material selection but the Maker does not have this and neither does the Cricut Joy
These machines all have a built-in slot for cartridges, however, the Maker needs a separate cartridge adapter to make cartridges compatible.
The Explore Air 2 comes in Multiple colours and I dont know about you but whenever a product comes in multiple colours, it makes it even harder to choose.
This is one of the many reasons why I love the Explore. The colours really gives us an opportunity to express ourselves through colour. It's also amazing because you're able to have a machine that goes perfect with your craft room decor.
I'd be lying if I told you I had a trick for choosing the perfect colour for you. All I can say is go with something that matches your craft room or go with your all time favourite colour.

The Joy:

A very small cutting machine
Cuts the all-new Smart Materials which means you can cut your designs without a mat
Does not Print and Cut
Operates completely from Design Space
This machine has no buttons
Cuts up to 20 feet of design
Has Sensor Technology for feeding materials/mat
The Sensor Technology also measures if you have enough material for your project. You can read more about the Cricut Joy in this post.

What are the similarities between Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Maker & Cricut Joy?

The Cricut Maker, Joy and the Explore Air 2:

have bluetooth
can be used offline
use Design Space
can upload your own images
comes in different colours
can cut vinyl, paper, art board, Acetate and much more
can write with pens and markers

Which Cricut machine is the best?

When you compare the Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Maker and Cricut Joy, the Maker is superior. I love the Maker and in my opinion, it is the best. Others may have a difference in opinion and that's ok. I think this machine is best because it's usage continues to evolve over time. With the release of the 4 newest blades, the possibility of projects have broaden enormously. I can engrave metal and if I want my projects to have a wavy finish rather than a straight line, I also have that option too.

My first Cricut was the Maker. I got the Maker because my husband was like “might as well get the one that does more stuff” and he was right! Cricut has only been releasing blades compatible with the Maker so it seems this is where their focus is. The Maker is definitely worth buying. Had I bought the Explore Air 2, right now I would probably be thinking of a way to convince my husband to purchase the Maker.

Which Cricut machine is best for beginners?

When you compare the Cricut Joy, Maker and the Explore Air 2, there isn't an ideal beginner machine because my first Cricut machine was the Maker.

If you are trying to decide which machine to buy, the question you should be asking is which machine is best suited for me based on the how I plan to use it?

For instance, If you're the ultimate DIYer, the Explore Air 2 is a great choice for you. One the other hand, if you want to take your DIYs to the next level and want to work with denser materials such as wood or mat board or you want to engrave stuff, then the Maker is a better choice.

Maybe you plan to take on lighter projects around the house. Or, maybe you want to make small-scaled projects. If you don't want to dabble too much into crafting but you want a machine to use every now and then, then the Cricut Joy is your best friend.

Therefore, if you are still undecided, ask yourself, what will I be using this machine to do?

Cricut Machine Comparison Chart

How do I know which Cricut machine is best suited for me?

I've given you a lot of information however, the decision still lies with you. In my opinion, after you compare all 3 machines, the final decision will be based on 1 question: What types of projects you will be using this machine to make? I've read about Teachers who buy the Explore Air 2 because they want it to decorate their classroom and to create fun projects for their students. I also know first-hand that my 14 year old niece is really enjoying playing with her Cricut Joy.

On the other hand, there are crafters/makers who are always learning and building on their skills. Under these circumstances, I would say the Maker is best suited for that person.

If it helps, create a chart and write a project list. When you've completed your project list, go through it and write Maker, Explore Air 2 or Joy beside each project. If you can create most of your projects with the Explore Air 2 or Joy, then the choice is obvious. On the other hand, if you can create most projects with the Maker, then go for it!

Where do I purchase the Explore Air 2, Joy or Cricut Maker?

You can buy these machines at Michaels, on Amazon, Hobby Lobby, JOANN, in Walmart or on the Cricut website. Sometimes you get a better deal on the Cricut website simply because you can purchase a bundle. In spite of bundles, please do your due diligence and check around for the best price based on your budget.

What is a bundle?

On the Cricut website, you can purchase the Cricut machines on their own or you can grab a bundle. The bundle is a better value because you get accessories or materials to use with the machine right away.

The Maker has two Bundles:

Cricut Maker + Essential Bundle: sold with the Cricut machine as well as additional mats and blades.

Cricut Maker + Everything Materials Bundle : sold with the Cricut machine and lots of materials so you can start making right out of the box.

The Explore Air 2 has two Bundles:

Essential Bundle: sold with the Cricut machine as well as additional mats and blades.

Everything Bundle : sold with the Cricut machine and lots of materials so you can get making right out of the box.

Cricut Joy has one Bundle:

Cricut Joy Bundle for Subscribers: sold with Cricut Joy and lots of materials so you can start making projects right away.

In Summary

Even though this post compares the Cricut Maker, Explore Air 2 and Cricut Joy, the final decision is up to you. I have the Cricut Maker but that doesn't mean it's the ideal Cricut machine for you. I also have a cute little Cricut Joy that I am currently playing with . The differences and the similarities that I've highlighted are meant to guide you. If you are still unsure, make a chart like the one I recommend above. If you're still unsure even after making the chart, girl get the Maker!