Cricut Review: Which Cutting Machine Is Right for Your Craft Projects?
Quick verdict: Cricut makes the most widely used home cutting machines for vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, stickers and more. The lineup is broad, so the key is matching the machine to the materials and project sizes you actually plan to make.
What does a Cricut do?
A Cricut is a computer-controlled cutting machine. You design or pick a project in Cricut’s Design Space software, load your material, and the machine cuts (and on some models writes, scores, debosses or engraves) with precision. Popular uses include custom T-shirts, decals, labels, greeting cards, stickers and home decor.
The current lineup
| Machine | Best for | Listed price* |
|---|---|---|
| Cricut Joy 2 | Quick, small everyday projects like labels and cards | $99 |
| Cricut Joy Xtra | Compact machine that handles full-color stickers and T-shirt projects | $179 |
| Cricut Explore 5 | The all-rounder for vinyl, iron-on, stickers and cards | $199 |
| Cricut Explore 4 | 12-inch cutting for making projects in multiples | Varies |
| Cricut Maker 4 | Maximum versatility for advanced crafters | $379–$399 |
| Cricut Maker 5 | Most versatile model; can engrave metal and cut wood with compatible tools | $349 |
| Cricut Venture | Wide-format, batch and small-business production | $499 |
*Prices shown on cricut.com at the time of writing; they change often with sales and bundles.
Which one should you choose?
- Beginners with small projects: Joy 2. It’s compact and simple.
- Stickers and T-shirts without much desk space: Joy Xtra.
- Most hobbyists: an Explore model covers the widest range of popular crafts.
- Fabric, wood, leather or engraving: a Maker model with its adaptive tool system.
- Selling crafts in volume: Venture, for large and batch cuts.
Design Space and Cricut Access
Design Space is Cricut’s free design software, available on desktop and mobile. You can upload your own images and fonts at no cost. Cricut Access is an optional paid subscription that unlocks a large library of ready-made designs, fonts and member discounts. It’s included in some bundles, but you don’t need it to use the machine.
Hidden costs to budget for
- Cutting mats (or Smart Materials for mat-free cutting on supported models)
- Materials: vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, sticker paper
- Weeding tools and a scraper
- Replacement blades and specialty tools for Maker models
- A heat press (or household iron) for iron-on projects
Pros and cons
Pros: precise cuts, a large community and tutorial library, machines for every level, and free core software.
Cons: materials and accessories add up, Design Space requires an account, and the most advanced features are limited to higher-end models.
Final verdict
For most crafters, an Explore-series machine hits the sweet spot. Choose Joy models for space and simplicity, Maker for tougher materials, and Venture only if you’re producing at scale. Buy during a sale or bundle to get mats and materials included.