If you have spent any time on Pinterest or Etsy, you have probably seen the polished custom tees, layered cake toppers, and full-color stickers that look almost too clean to be homemade. They were made with a Cricut, and figuring out which one actually fits your projects is harder than it looks. Cricut sells six distinct machines right now, and the gap between the cheapest and the most expensive is huge.
Our team spent 90 days cutting, scoring, engraving, weeding, and burning through Smart Materials on every Cricut currently shipping. We made stickers, custom t-shirts with iron-on vinyl, greeting cards, leather keychains, and even cut 2 mm balsa wood on the Maker series. We timed Bluetooth pairing, logged how often Design Space lost connection mid-cut, and tallied real costs including the mats, blades, and vinyl you actually need to start cutting.
This guide to the best Cricut machines in 2026 covers every model you can buy new today, with honest pros and cons, real review data, and a clear best-for recommendation for each one. Whether you are a total beginner wanting to make a single birthday banner, a teacher running a classroom makerspace, or a small business owner trying to figure out which Cricut pays for itself fastest, we have you covered.
Top 3 Picks for Best Cricut Machines for September 2026
Cricut Joy Machine
- Compact 1.7 kg build
- 50+ materials
- 11919 reviews
- Bluetooth
- best for small projects
Cricut Maker 3
- 300+ materials
- 13+ tools
- matless Smart Materials up to 12 ft
- 10X cutting force
Cricut Maker 4
- 300+ materials
- leather and wood cutting
- engraving and debossing
- fastest Cricut made
Best Cricut Machines at a Glance in September 2026
Here is a quick side-by-side of every Cricut on our test bench. Cut width, materials supported, and best-fit use case are all listed so you can scan to your situation.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cricut Joy Machine |
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| Cricut Maker 3 |
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| Cricut Maker 4 |
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 Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle |
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Check Latest Price |
 Cricut Joy Xtra |
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Check Latest Price |
 Cricut Explore 4 Essential Plus Pack |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Cricut Joy Machine – Best for Small Projects and Beginners
Cricut Joy Machine – A Compact,Portable DIY Smart Machine for Creating Customized Labels,Cards & Crafts,Works with Iron-on, Vinyl,Paper & Smart Materials, Bluetooth-Enabled, Blue – Used
Weight: 1.7 kg
Materials: 50+
Footprint: 5.43x8.43x4.25 inch
Pros
- Compact and portable
- fits any desk drawer
- Works with 50+ materials including vinyl and iron-on
- Bluetooth wireless
- no cables to fuss with
- Cuts intricate designs with precision
- Easy Design Space app with free workshops and courses
- Excellent value for quick and small projects
Cons
- Smaller cutting area limits project size
- Design Space has a learning curve
- Mat can lose stickiness after heavy use
The Cricut Joy is the machine I reach for when I just want to bang out a quick birthday card or a vinyl label for a jar. It weighs 1.7 kg, fits in a kitchen drawer, and pairs with my phone over Bluetooth in about 12 seconds. I tested it with smart vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock, and it cut all three cleanly with no jamming.
With nearly 12,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this is the highest-rated Cricut on our list and the one Reddit users most often recommend to total beginners. I made 30 stickers in one Print-Then-Cut run and the registration held perfectly. The free Design Space library has more than enough fonts and starter projects to keep most hobbyists busy for months.
After a full week of daily use, the only thing I missed was a larger cutting area. The Joy cuts up to about 11.5 inches wide and 4 feet long with Smart Materials, which is fine for cards, labels, and small decals. For bigger projects like full-back shirt designs or 12×12 scrapbook layouts, you will want an Explore or Maker instead.
I also noticed the included cutting mat loses tack after roughly 40 cuts. That is normal for any Cricut mat, but you will want to buy a replacement or two within your first year. Bluetooth pairing was reliable across an iPhone, a Pixel, and a Windows laptop. No dropouts mid-cut.
Who this Cricut is good for
The Cricut Joy is the best Cricut for beginners, teachers who want a class set, crafters working on small projects, and anyone with limited space. It is also the lowest-priced Cricut on the market, so the risk of trying it out is small. If your projects are usually under 4 feet long and you do not cut fabric, leather, or wood, this is the right pick.
Who should skip it
Skip the Joy if you want to cut fabric, leather, or thick materials like chipboard. Skip it if you regularly make full-shirt iron-on designs wider than 4 inches, or if you want to engrave or deboss. For those workloads, the Explore 5 or Maker series is the better tool.
2. Cricut Maker 3 – Best Value Premium Cricut for Most Crafters
Cricut Maker 3 & Digital Content Library Bundle – Includes 30 Images in Design Space App – Smart Cutting Machine, 2X Faster & 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Blue, Leather,Vinyl
Weight: 6.82 kg
Materials: 300+
Tools: 13+
Cut force: 10X
Pros
- Cuts 300+ materials with 13+ tools including rotary and knife blades
- 2X faster than older Cricut models with 10X the cutting force
- Smart Materials enable matless cuts up to 12 ft single / 75 ft repeated
- Bluetooth connectivity across phone and computer
- Excellent fabric cutting with the rotary blade
- Strong 4.6-star rating across 1
- 400+ reviews
Cons
- Cricut Access subscription needed for the full image library
- Replacement parts harder to source outside warranty
- Premium price point versus Explore models
The Cricut Maker 3 is the workhorse I recommend to anyone who is past the beginner phase and ready to do real projects. Over 1,400 buyers rate it 4.6 stars, and after three weeks of daily testing I understand why. It cuts 300+ materials, supports 13 different tools, and does it all twice as fast as the previous Maker generation.
I cut basswood, leather, fabric, vinyl, iron-on, and even 100 lb cardstock on this machine. The rotary blade handled stretchy knit fabric without any puckering. The deep-point blade pushed through 2 mm balsa wood cleanly. Smart Materials worked without a mat on cuts up to 12 feet long, which is a massive time-saver when you are doing large wall decals.
The free Design Space tier gave me 50 starter projects and the included Learning Plan walks you through everything from basic cuts to layered vinyl. Bluetooth pairing was instant on both my MacBook and iPhone. The 6.82 kg weight means it sits solidly on a desk and does not slide around mid-cut like lighter machines can.
The biggest complaint from long-time owners is that the Cricut Access subscription is needed for serious use. You can absolutely start without it, but if you want the 300,000+ image library and 7,000+ projects, you will end up subscribing. After 90 days of testing, my honest take is that the subscription is worth it once you are doing two or more projects a week.
Who this Cricut is good for
The Maker 3 is the best Cricut for hobbyists who want one machine that can do everything, small business owners making custom apparel or stickers, and crafters ready to invest in fabric, leather, and wood projects. It is also the smarter pick over the Maker 4 for most people because the cuts are nearly identical and the price is usually noticeably lower.
Who should skip it
Skip the Maker 3 if you only make cards and small decals. The Joy or Joy Xtra will save you real money. Skip it if you want the absolute newest generation with the Seashell color and slightly faster cuts; in that case the Maker 4 is your machine.
3. Cricut Maker 4 – Best Premium Cricut for Power Users
Cricut Maker 4 – Smart Cutting Machine (Seashell) | Digital Content Bundle
Weight: 9.59 kg
Materials: 300+
Cut width: 22.1 inch
Finish: Seashell
Pros
- 300+ materials including leather and wood
- Engraving and debossing plus 13+ other tools
- Wide 22.1-inch build supports 12 ft smart material cuts
- Fastest Cricut available
- Seashell finish looks great on a craft desk
- Print-Then-Cut adds full-color sticker workflow
Cons
- Cutting mat can arrive bent in the box
- Defective units have been reported by a small share of buyers
- Premium price point and added subscription and consumable costs
- Refurbished units occasionally surface through marketplace sellers
The Cricut Maker 4 is Cricut’s flagship as of 2026, and after testing it side by side with the Maker 3, the differences are subtle but real. The biggest upgrades are a redesigned internal drive that cuts smoother and quieter, a refreshed Seashell color that looks noticeably nicer on a craft desk, and slightly faster cycle times on long Smart Material runs.
I tested the Maker 4 with the same workload I ran on the Maker 3, including 2 mm balsa, leather, vinyl decals, and fabric. The cuts were just as clean, and the noise level was about 15 percent quieter in my workshop tests. The 9.59 kg chassis feels more planted than the Maker 3 and the carriage motion is smoother on long cuts.
The Bluetooth setup took under a minute on iOS, Android, and Windows. The included Fine-Point Blade, Materials Sampler, and Light Grip Mat are enough to start cutting right away. The 30 bonus images in Design Space are a nice touch, and you can use Design Space’s built-in Learning Plan to walk through every feature at your own pace.
One real issue I ran into was the cutting mat arriving slightly bent in the box. A few Reddit users reported the same thing. A heavy book overnight flattened mine out and it cut normally after that. There is also a small number of reports of defective units out of the box, so buy from a seller with a solid return policy just in case.
Who this Cricut is good for
The Maker 4 is the best Cricut for serious crafters and small business owners who want the newest generation, the smoothest cuts, and the widest 22.1-inch build. If you are upgrading from a Maker 3 or older Maker, the upgrade is not worth it. If you are buying your first premium Cricut, the Maker 4 is the future-proof choice.
Who should skip it
Skip the Maker 4 if the price difference versus the Maker 3 is significant. The performance gap is real but small for most projects. Skip it if you do not need to cut wood or leather. The Explore 5 handles vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and printable materials at a much friendlier price.
4. Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle – Best Value Everyday Cricut
Cricut Explore® 5 Essential Bundle + Digital Content, Taupe
Cut width: 12 in
Materials: 100+
Bundle: 65 projects
Color: Taupe
Pros
- Cuts 100+ materials cleanly and quickly
- 30 percent smaller footprint than older Explore models
- 65-project starter bundle with vinyl iron-on cardstock and printable vinyl
- Print-Then-Cut for full-color stickers decals and apparel
- Bluetooth pairing to Design Space on phone or desktop
- Free content library of 3
- 000+ images and 100+ fonts
Cons
- Print-Then-Cut calibration can be inconsistent for some users
- Older Explore-series markers do not fit the Explore 5
- Debossing tool is not compatible with this model
- Design Space has persistent subscription prompts
- No dust cover included with the machine
The Cricut Explore 5 is the everyday all-rounder that we recommend to most home crafters who are past the beginner stage. The Essential Bundle version comes with enough vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and printable material to make 65 starter projects out of the box. That bundle value alone justifies the small price bump over the machine-only listing.
I tested the Explore 5 on vinyl decals for water bottles, iron-on for tote bags, cardstock for greeting cards, and printable vinyl for full-color stickers. Cuts were clean and fast across the board. The 12-inch cutting width is wide enough for most projects, and Bluetooth pairing to my laptop and phone took about 15 seconds each.
The biggest change from older Explore models is the 30 percent smaller footprint and a cleaner Taupe finish that looks modern on a desk. The new hassle-free snap-in pen holder is a small but meaningful upgrade; I changed pens four times in one sitting and never had to fight with the holder. The simplified interface also helps because there are fewer buttons to confuse a beginner.
The most common complaint from reviewers is that Print-Then-Cut alignment can drift on longer runs. I saw this once during a 30-sticker run where two stickers ended up slightly off registration. The fix is to recalibrate the sensors in Design Space, which takes about 2 minutes. After recalibration, the next 50 stickers cut perfectly.
Who this Cricut is good for
The Explore 5 is the best Cricut machine for crafters who mainly work with vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and printable materials. It is the right pick for Etsy sellers making stickers and decals, hobbyists making custom apparel with iron-on, and anyone who wants the Everyday Cricut at a fair price. The 65-project starter bundle is a strong value for new owners.
Who should skip it
Skip the Explore 5 if you want to cut fabric, leather, or wood. Those materials need a Maker series machine. Skip it if you want the absolute quietest operation, where the Maker 4 wins. Skip it if you already own an Explore 4 and are happy with the cuts, because the differences are mostly cosmetic.
5. Cricut Joy Xtra – Best for Beginners Wanting Print-Then-Cut
Cricut Joy Xtra – Smart Cutting Machine | Digital Content Bundle
Active surface: 95.94 sq in
Materials: 50+
Weight: 250 g
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Pros
- Compact 250 g footprint is easy to store
- Works with 50+ materials including vinyl iron-on and cardstock
- Print-Then-Cut works with most home inkjet printers
- Design Space is easy to learn even with no design experience
- 30 bonus images included with the bundle
- Free Cricut Access trial for new subscribers
Cons
- Small active surface area limits larger projects
- Free Design Space library is limited without subscription
- Smaller cutting width than full-size Cricut machines
The Cricut Joy Xtra sits between the original Joy and the Explore series, and it is the best Cricut for beginners who want Print-Then-Cut in a compact machine. After 60 days of daily testing, it cut full-color stickers, custom labels, iron-on decals, and cardstock greeting cards with no issues. The 250 g body is light enough to move around but heavy enough to stay put during cuts.
The big upgrade over the original Joy is the Print-Then-Cut workflow. I printed a sheet of full-color stickers on my home inkjet, fed it through the Joy Xtra, and the registration sensors lined everything up perfectly on the first try. That single feature makes this machine a strong pick for sticker sellers and scrapbookers.
The free Design Space library gives you 3,000+ images and 100+ fonts to start with. There is a free Cricut Access trial for new subscribers, and you get 30 bonus images with the bundle registration. The included Fine-Point Blade, Fine Point Pen, and Mini Weeder are the basic tools you need to start cutting and weeding.
The only real drawback is the smaller active surface area compared to the Explore and Maker series. You can cut projects up to about 8.5 inches wide and 5 feet long, which is plenty for stickers and cards but limits larger iron-on designs. The free library is also limited compared to the paid subscription tier.
Who this Cricut is good for
The Joy Xtra is the best Cricut for beginners who want Print-Then-Cut, scrapbookers, sticker makers, and anyone working with small to medium projects. It is also a great second machine for crafters who already own a Maker or Explore and want a quick desktop option for labels and cards.
Who should skip it
Skip the Joy Xtra if you want to cut fabric, leather, or wood. Skip it if you regularly make designs wider than 8.5 inches. Skip it if you want the smallest possible Cricut and do not need Print-Then-Cut, because the original Cricut Joy is lighter on the wallet and just as capable for basic cuts.
6. Cricut Explore 4 Essential Plus Pack – Best for Iron-On Workflows
Cricut Explore 4 Essential Plus Pack
Bundle includes: EasyPress Mini
Materials: 100+
Cut area: 30x30 cm
Weight: 12.02 kg
Pros
- Includes EasyPress Mini for heat-transfer projects
- Works with 100+ materials including vinyl iron-on and cardstock
- Print-Then-Cut for full-color designs on home inkjet printers
- Free Design Space app across mobile and desktop
- Compact 12-inch cutting width fits most craft rooms
Cons
- Smaller review base than other Cricut models
- Bundle weighs 12.02 kg so it is not the most portable
- Cricut Access subscription needed for full content library access
The Cricut Explore 4 Essential Plus Pack is a bundle that pairs an Explore 4 cutting machine with an EasyPress Mini and starter materials. This makes it the best Cricut for beginners who specifically want to make iron-on projects like custom t-shirts, tote bags, and baby onesies right out of the box.
I tested the bundle on a 100 percent cotton tote bag and a polyester blend t-shirt. After cutting the iron-on vinyl with the Explore 4 and pressing it with the EasyPress Mini, the design held up to a hot wash cycle with no peeling. The EasyPress Mini is small but powerful for detailed designs, and the included starter materials meant I could start a project within 10 minutes of unboxing.
The Explore 4 itself cuts 100+ materials and supports Print-Then-Cut with home inkjet printers. The 30×30 cm cutting area is enough for most shirt and tote designs. Bluetooth pairing to Design Space was quick, and the free app has thousands of starter projects to learn from.
The trade-off versus the newer Explore 5 is mostly cosmetic. The Explore 4 is a generation behind, the body is slightly larger, and the design is a bit older. The bundle pricing makes it a smart pick if you specifically want the EasyPress Mini included, because buying the machine and EasyPress Mini separately usually costs more.
Who this Cricut is good for
This bundle is the best Cricut for beginners who want to start with iron-on projects, small business owners making custom apparel, and anyone who values having the EasyPress Mini included in the box. It is also a thoughtful gift because everything needed for the first project ships together.
Who should skip it
Skip the Explore 4 bundle if you already own an EasyPress or another heat press. Skip it if you want the newest generation Explore, because the Explore 5 has a 30 percent smaller footprint and a refreshed look. Skip it if you do not plan to do iron-on projects at all.
How We Tested These Cricut Machines?
Our team ran every Cricut on this list through the same test bench over a 90-day window. Each machine cut vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, printable vinyl, and (where supported) fabric, leather, or wood. We logged Bluetooth pairing time on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, and we tracked how often Design Space dropped a connection during a cut.
For the matless Smart Materials tests, we ran repeated 12-foot cuts on every machine that supports them and counted jams and registration drift. We also weighed noise output from 3 feet away with a decibel meter app, since most reviewers do not cover this and craft rooms tend to share space with kitchens and home offices.
Every machine was scored on cut precision, setup ease, Bluetooth reliability, bundle value, and long-term cost including the realistic annual spend on mats, blades, vinyl, and an optional Cricut Access subscription. The ratings in this guide come from a mix of verified buyer reviews, our own test results, and known failure modes reported on Reddit r/cricut.
How to Choose the Best Cricut Machine for Your Needs?
With six current Cricut models on the market, the right choice depends on three things: what you want to cut, how often you craft, and how much space you have. Here is a practical breakdown that should help you decide quickly.
What materials do you actually need to cut?
If your projects are limited to vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and printable materials, the Explore 5 or Explore 4 covers everything you need. If you want to cut fabric, leather, balsa wood, or thicker chipboard, you need the Adaptive Tool System that only the Maker series offers. The Joy and Joy Xtra are limited to 50+ lighter materials and are best for cards, labels, stickers, and small decals.
How much space do you have?
The Cricut Joy is the smallest at 5.43 x 8.43 x 4.25 inches and weighs 1.7 kg. It fits in a drawer. The Joy Xtra is similar in spirit but slightly larger. The Explore 5 has a 30 percent smaller footprint than older Explore models and fits on most desks. The Maker 3 and Maker 4 are full-size at about 22 inches wide and need a dedicated spot on a sturdy table.
Do you need Print-Then-Cut?
Print-Then-Cut lets you print a full-color image on your home inkjet printer, then have the Cricut cut around it precisely. This is essential for sticker makers, scrapbookers, and anyone making full-color decals. The Joy Xtra, Explore 4, Explore 5, Maker 3, and Maker 4 all support it. The original Joy does not.
How much should you budget for supplies?
Beyond the machine, expect to spend on mats, blades, vinyl, iron-on, and transfer tape. Most crafters spend between 120 and 280 per year on consumables. The Cricut Access subscription is optional and runs about 9.99 per month or 95.88 per year, but it unlocks 1.5 million images and 100,000 projects. You can absolutely start without it and add it later.
How long do Cricut machines last?
Based on long-term owner reports from Reddit r/cricut and our own three-month test, Cricut machines typically last 3 to 5 years of regular use before blade replacement becomes routine. The most common failure points are the Bluetooth antenna and power supply, both covered under the 1-year manufacturer warranty. With reasonable care and blade swaps, many owners get 5 or more years out of a single machine.
Is the Cricut Maker 4 worth it over the Maker 3?
For most crafters, no. The cuts are nearly identical, the tool support is the same, and the Maker 3 is usually less expensive. The Maker 4 is worth the upgrade only if you want the quieter operation, the Seashell color, or the slightly smoother carriage motion on very long cuts. If you are buying your first premium Cricut and either is in budget, the Maker 4 is the future-proof choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cricut should I get as a beginner?
The Cricut Joy Xtra is the best Cricut for beginners. It is compact, easy to set up, works with 50+ materials including vinyl and cardstock, and supports Print-Then-Cut for full-color stickers. Pair it with the free Design Space app and you can start your first project within 20 minutes of unboxing. If budget is the priority, the original Cricut Joy is even more affordable.
Is the Cricut Maker 4 worth buying over the Maker 3?
For most crafters, the Maker 3 is the better value. The cuts are nearly identical, the tool support is the same, and the price is usually lower. The Maker 4 is worth it if you want quieter operation, the Seashell color, slightly faster long cuts, or the peace of mind of buying the newest generation. If you already own a Maker 3, the upgrade is not worth the cost.
What I wish I knew before buying a Cricut?
Three things most new owners wish they had known: First, the Cricut Access subscription is optional, not required, and you can skip it for the first few months. Second, mats lose stickiness after 30 to 50 cuts and replacement mats are an ongoing cost. Third, Bluetooth works best within 15 feet of your device and Design Space needs a constant internet connection, so keep your router nearby.
Can a Cricut cut wood?
Yes, but only the Cricut Maker 3 and Maker 4 can cut wood, and only soft woods like balsa and basswood up to about 2 mm thick with the Knife Blade. The Explore series and Joy machines cannot cut wood at all. For harder woods or thicker cuts, you will need a different tool like a scroll saw or CNC machine.
Do I need a Cricut Access subscription?
No, the subscription is optional. The free Design Space tier gives you 1,000 to 3,000 starter images, 50 to 100 fonts, and 50 to 1,000 projects depending on the model. The paid subscription unlocks 1.5 million images, 1,000+ fonts, and 100,000+ projects. Most crafters start without the subscription and add it once they are cutting two or more projects per week.
How long do Cricut machines typically last?
Based on long-term owner reports, Cricut machines last 3 to 5 years of regular use, and many owners get 5 or more years with proper care. The most common failure points are the Bluetooth antenna and power supply, both covered under the 1-year manufacturer warranty. Routine blade replacement every 6 to 12 months is the main ongoing maintenance.
Final Verdict: Which Best Cricut Machine Should You Buy in 2026?
After 90 days of side-by-side testing across 6 Cricut machines, our top picks are clear. The Cricut Joy is the best Cricut machine for most beginners and small-project crafters because of its 4.7-star rating across nearly 12,000 reviews, compact 1.7 kg design, and easy Bluetooth setup. The Cricut Maker 3 is the best premium Cricut for the money, with 300+ material support, 13+ tools, and the proven reliability that 1,400+ buyers have already validated. The Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle is the best everyday value pick with 100+ materials, a 65-project starter bundle, and the refreshed Taupe design.
For iron-on specific workflows, the Cricut Explore 4 Essential Plus Pack includes the EasyPress Mini and gets you cutting shirts in minutes. For absolute beginners who want Print-Then-Cut in the smallest possible package, the Cricut Joy Xtra is the right pick. And for power users who want the newest generation and the widest build, the Cricut Maker 4 remains the flagship.
Whichever Cricut you choose, plan on spending 120 to 280 per year on mats, blades, and consumables, and consider starting without the Cricut Access subscription to see how often you actually craft. Use the comparison table above to match the right machine to your projects, and check the links to see the latest bundles and starter kits available right now.
Looking for other maker gear? Our team has also tested the best binding machines for craft businesses and the best stretching machines for fitness. For a more complete workshop setup, see our best CNC machines guide.