Whether you’re a beginner crafter, mid-level hobbyist, or expert-level craft maker, a Cricut machine can make your crafting life much simpler and more precise. Cricut machines work to cut out your logos, designs, patterns, and prints that you can then apply to mugs, decor, and even T-shirts. 

“The best uses for a Cricut machine are the things that make the crafter most excited to learn their machine,” says Alex Vanover, who has used Cricut machines to make earrings, vinyl decals, Christmas ornaments, and more.

Alex Vanover, aka DIY Alex, provides Cricut tutorials and education for Cricut crafters.

We tested four different Cricut machines to see which were best for beginners, experts, and those looking to use the machine for fabrics. We used the machines for a variety of projects, ranking them based on ease, precision, and size. Below, the best Cricut machines of the year, straight from our testing spaces.

What does a Cricut machine do? A Cricut machine is a die-cutting machine that cuts an array of different materials, from simple paper to vinyl, cardstock, thin wood, and even leather. It helps crafters make projects cleaner and more accurate with precise cuts to projects, while speeding up craft time so that crafters aren’t hand cutting individual designs. Cricut also has heat press machines, which transfer designs and logos onto fabric materials, like T-shirts and tote bags. 

　　Our Top Picks

Best Overall: SALE Cricut Explore 3 at Amazon $319 $249 Jump to Review Best For Beginners: Cricut Joy at Amazon $149 Jump to Review Best for Advanced Crafters: Cricut Maker 3 at Amazon $399 Jump to Review Best Heat Press: Cricut EasyPress 3 at Amazon $99 Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall

　　 Cricut Explore 3

$319 $249 at Amazon $319 at Wayfair $249 at Walmart What’s Great About It Multiple holders for different tools

Bluetooth option eliminates cord requirement

Cuts over 100 different types of materials

What Could Be Better Minimum size required for material

Software could be difficult for newbies with Cricut

Twice as fast as its predecessor, the Cricut Explore 3 cuts, draws, and scores more than 100 different types of materials. The Fine-Point Blade allows crafters to make precise cuts from vinyl decals, cardstock, glitter paper, iron-ons, cork, bonded fabric, and more. 

It comes with a digital library of 30 images, which are automatically added to your digital library upon registration. The kit also has a welcome book, USB cable, power adapter, 100 ready-to-make projects, and materials to practice with. 

You don’t need a mat to cut with this cutter, and you can make super long cuts as well, up to 12 feet in length. There are also six different tools (sold separately) that work with the machine, including the Foil Transfer Tool, Scoring Stylus, and the Deep-Point Blade for cutting, writing, foiling, and more. 

We did have some USB connectivity issues with Mac computers, and found that the software interface might be confusing for those without prior experience in similar programs like Photoshop and Canva. There is also a minimum size requirement for material, meaning you can’t really use scraps for projects. However, we did like that Bluetooth availability removed USB cord connection issues, and that the machine is smart enough to detect misaligned mats and material. 

Size: 24 x 9.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 16 pounds | Operations: Cut, write, draw, foil, score | Maximum Cutting Width: 13 inches |  Max Cutting Length: 12 feet | Number of Compatible Materials: 100+

　　 Best For Beginners

　　 Cricut Joy

$149 $129 at Amazon $170 at Wayfair $129 at Walmart What’s Great About It Small enough to store in a cubby

Lightweight

Simple technology for Cricut newbies

What Could Be Better Price is high compared to more comprehensive machines

Limited to smaller projects

For those just starting out in crafting with a Cricut, the Cricut Joy is great for designing birthday cards, banners, vinyl decals, labels, and personalized mementos. It cuts more than 50 different types of materials, including cardstock, vinyl decals, and iron-ons in any individual shape up to 4 feet long or repeated cuts up to 20 feet long. 

A mat isn’t needed for materials, and Bluetooth technology makes it easy to connect and use the app, plus get access to thousands of designs and templates. With your purchase, you get access to 30 digital images, the blade, a fine point black pen, the StandardGrip mat, a power adapter, and 50 online projects that are ready to make. 

We used the Cricut Joy for quick and easy vinyl decals and card making, and found that it was simple, with a quick setup with Bluetooth connectivity. It’s compact and easy to store as well, and makes precise cuts. However, we didn’t like that the small size limits you to smaller projects.

Size: 8.5 x 4.3 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 3.7 pounds | Operations: Cut, write, draw, foil | Maximum Cutting Width: 5.5 inches | Max Cutting Length: 4 feet | Number of Compatible Materials: 50+

　　 Best for Advanced Crafters

　　 Cricut Maker 3

$399 $349 at Amazon $429 at Wayfair $349 at Walmart What’s Great About It Can use with more than 300 materials

Additional functions like engraving and foiling

Can handle thicker materials

What Could Be Better Bulky, requiring significant storage space

Connectivity issues with Macbooks

After you’ve dabbled with Cricut machines for a while, you might want to elevate your Cricut to something that can handle more materials and works with more tools, meaning you can create more projects. 

The Cricut Maker 3 works with more than 300 materials, including delicate fabric, paper, tooled leather, matboard, wood, and more. It’s also compatible with more than 13 tools (sold separately) to cut, score, write, and engrave your projects. 

We used this Cricut for vinyl projects like labels and cake toppers, plus testing various free fonts. We found that the tutorial-led setup made crafting easy, and that it handled materials without issues. However, this machine is large and heavy, and we had some connectivity issues with Mac, requiring additional adapters. 

This Cricut also has access to a digital library of 30 images that are added upon registration, but it also has a large content library with 50 free project templates, plus access to expert-led courses and workshops to help you build your Cricut skills. With the Maker 3, you can cut extra long materials (up to 12 feet), or repeated cuts up to 75 feet without a mat. It has ten times more cutting power than any Explore series machines, and Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to access thousands of designs. 

You can add optional blades, tools, and accessories like a knife blade, rotary blade, scoring wheels, and the foil transfer tool to create even more, and the kit comes with 100 ready-made projects, a USB cable, and a power adapter. 

Size: 21.3x 5.9 x 7 inches | Weight: 15 pounds |  Operations: Cut, write, draw, foil, score, engrave, deboss, perforate | Maximum Cutting Width: 13 inches | Max Cutting Length: 12 feet | Number of Compatible Materials: 300+

　　 Best Heat Press

　　 Cricut EasyPress 3

$99 at Amazon $180 at Walmart $160 at Target What’s Great About It Small and lightweight

Can use the Cricut app to send precise heat settings

Shuts off after inactivity

What Could Be Better Cord can get in the way

Press is somewhat small for larger tote bags

If you’re trying to apply designs onto T-shirts, tote bags, and fabrics, then you’ll need a heat press machine, like the Cricut EasyPress 3. The ceramic-coated heat plate offers heat up to 400°F so that you can apply logos and designs directly onto your material without the guesswork of placement, thanks to Bluetooth technology.

Just connect to the Cricut Heat app to send time and temperature setting to the Cricut, and follow the steps for your project. It comes with an insulated safety base too, so you don’t have to worry about burning your countertop underneath the press. 

We found this heat press to deliver accurate heat settings and precise transfers, and set up was easy with app guidance. However, the cord can occasionally interfere with the pressing process, so be careful that it’s not in the way when you start pressing. 

Size: 9 x 4 x 9 inches | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Operations: Heat press up to 400°F

　　 The Bottom Line

Cricut makes crafting machines fit for both beginners and experts alike, so depending on your experience with Cricuts, you’ll be able to find something that fits your creative needs. We love the Cricut Explore 3 as an overall choice for its ability to cut more than 100 different materials, and because there are 100 ready-made projects available with it. It also is twice as fast as its predecessor, making crafts speedy for those in a time crunch.

For expert hobbyists, we love the Cricut Maker 3 because it cuts through 300 different types of materials, making harder crafts like woodworking and leatherwork a reality. It can also make repeated cuts up to 75 feet long, making larger projects easier.

　　 Our Testing Process 

We used each Cricut machine for at least two different projects, including a onesie, bag, mug, pet food container, and pantry labels. We unboxed and set up each Cricut machine and then used it to complete a variety of projects to experiment with as many settings as possible. 

We kept in mind how easy instructions were to follow, and if there were any settings that were difficult to understand or operate. We also noted the sizes of each machine, whether they were comfortable to use and operate, and if we had enough room to maneuver the materials. We evaluated the precision of cutting on each of the materials used, and if cuts made were clean and accurate. 

Along the way, we assessed if the machines were better suited for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals, and what projects were best for each machine. We are still in the process of long-term testing all of the Cricut machines on this list, and will update this piece at the six-month mark.

　　 Tips for Choosing the Right Cricut Machine

Purpose  “Some of the most popular uses are: making custom T-shirts for occasions or special events, DIY gifts that can be customized to the recipient, organization such as labels for any surface in your home, and making custom decor for your home or wedding,” Vanover says. She encourages crafters to consider what they hope to make with their machine first, then based on those projects, they can choose a machine that fits their needs. 

Size Consider if you’ll be taking your Cricut machine on the go, or if it will remain stationary. If you want to take it on the go, then Vanover suggests the Cricut Joy, as it’s still lightweight enough for easy carrying and works with more than 50 different types of materials.

If you’re going to keep your machine in one place and focus more on larger projects like cutting thin wood and using specialty Cricut tools, then Vanover says the Cricut Maker 3 is a better option.

Weight Cricut machines can vary greatly in weight, ranging from only a few pounds to 15 pounds or more. If you want something that takes up less space and can easily be moved, consider a Cricut machine that weighs less. But if your machine is staying put or you have more room in a crafting room, for example, you can get away with a heavier Cricut machine. 

Features What are you going to be using your Cricut machine for? If you’re only dabbling in simpler things like card designs and logos, you can get away with a Cricut machine that does basic cutting on a smaller scale. But if you’re working with heavier materials, like wood or leather, you’ll want a Cricut machine that can handle tougher materials and more intricate designs. 

　　 Questions and Answers

What is the best Cricut machine to do everything? Vanover says that the best Cricut machine to do everything is the Cricut Maker 3. “It can make all the typical Cricut projects like T-shirts, tumblers, mugs, labels, cards, and decor, but it also has additional tools and mats that can only be used in Maker machines,” she says. “These additional tools such as the knife blade, rotary blade, and many more offer the opportunity to explore more complex and creative projects. Many crafters who invest in the Cricut Maker 3 aspire to cut thicker materials like thin wood and chipboard, as well as more delicate materials like fabric and crepe paper.”

How much should you spend on a Cricut machine? Vanover notes that you shouldn’t forget that in addition to the Cricut machine, you’ll also need materials to get started. “I recommend leaving room in your budget for extra mats, materials to cut, blank materials to customize, and weeding tools,” she says. 

Depending on your needs, a Cricut machine can cost around $100 to $400. So, based on your experience level, you can get away with a cheaper Cricut for beginners or something more expensive with all the bells and whistles for advanced crafters. 

　　 Why Trust Southern Living

Amanda Ogle is a writer for Southern Living who writes product reviews across a range of categories, including travel gear, kitchen gadgets, organization, crafting, home decor, furniture, and fashion. For this review, we tested all of the Cricut machines on our list for three months, evaluating them on ease, precision, and size. Amanda also consulted Alex Vanover, aka DIY Alex, who provides Cricut tutorials and education for Cricut crafters.

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