Cricut Buyers Guide! – What Are Cricut Machines and How Much Does It Cost?

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I remember receiving my first Cricut machine as a thoughtful gift from my husband. At the time I heard of the Cricut cutting machines but I didn’t know it was used for. So, I decided to do some research on Google and put it all the information together in this post.

1. What Are Cricut Machines?

Cricut is a precision cutting machine that uses German fine-tipped cutting blades and other specialized tools. Cricut machines are used for a wide range of DIY craft projects to small business applications. Cricut is a popular tool for DIY crafters of any skill level to be used for…

1. Precise cutting of various materials and vinyl
2. Print and cutting custom designs
3. Custom scrapbooking embellishments
4. Embossing
5. Scoring paper and cardboard
6. Sticker making
7. Drawing custom designs
8. Jewelry Making
9. Cutting fabric for sewing projects
10. Writing Calligraphy
11. Leather work
12. Stencil making
13. Much more…

The Cricut machines helped reduce the need to use scissors to do tedious repetitive cutting or the use of a dangerous Exacto knife to do the delicate or intricate cutting for crafts projects. The original Cricut machines were stand-alone and worked only with pre-programmed die-cutting cartridges. Today it has evolved to an easy to use desktop and app software with endless crafting applications. The only thing limiting you is your imagination!

2. How Much Does A Cricut Machine Cost?

On average, the basic Cricut machine costs $179.99 for the Cricut Joy to $399.99  for the high-end Cricut Maker 3. The table shows the cost for each Cricut machine by model.

3. Does Cricut Come With Software and Is It Free?

Every Cricut machine comes with the FREE Cricut Design Space Software. Cricut Design Space can be used on your Smart Phone, PC, Mac, or Tablet. Which you can easily download for PC and Mac from Cricut.com here. The Design Space App is available for mobile devices. The table below outlines the minimum system requirements to use Cricut Design Space.

For additional information on hardware and software requirements to use Cricut Design Space click here!

4. Is Cricut Design Space For Web Discontinued?

Cricut Design Space for the web was discontinued on September 29, 2020. The new version of Design Space is a desktop version and is still free. You can download the new Design Space for Mac and Windows with this link. If you are using a Tablet or Smart Phone then use the free Cricut Space Design App downloaded from the Google Play Store.

5. Can I Use Cricut Design Space App With The Cricut Joy?

You can use the Cricut Design Space App with the Cricut Joy for more detailed projects that require multiple materials, colors, and layers. The Cricut Joy App is ideal for a quick and simple project. However, the Cricut Joy app can only be used with the Cricut Joy machine. You can download the Cricut Joy App from the Google Play Store.

It was a little more difficult to find a direct answer to this question. I actually had to contact Cricut Support and talk with a Representative to confirm that the Cricut Joy can use the Cricut Design Space App. You can use the desktop version without a problem. However, I wanted to be sure about the Design Space App since there is also the Cricut Joy App too.

* You can still use the Cricut Joy App on an iPad but it isn’t designed for the iPad layout.
** See the list of supported iPhone models, check out this Apple Support page.

Click here to go to the Cricut Joy App Compatibility FAQ site.

6. Does Cricut Have A Subscription Plan and How Much Does It Cost?

Cricut does have subscription plans called Cricut Access, which you can use with your Cricut machine and Cricut Design Space. Cricut Access subscription has 2 tiers of service costing $7.99 to $9.99 a month. A subscription is not required, for you to use your Cricut machine. You can use your Cricut machine with Design Space for free.

With Cricut Access you will have access to the Cricut Library of over 150,000 non-licensed images, numerous craft projects, sewing projects, and over 500 fonts. If you are not into designing your own images and projects. Maybe don’t have the time extra time to do your own designs and who doesn’t want more time! I would say Cricut Access is going to make your crafting life more simple!

I would personally consider the subscription plan to be worth the investment when you are…

1. Constantly buying fonts new
2. Buying SVG images
3. Want access to more Ready-To-Make projects
4. Constantly buying supplies from Cricut
5. Using your Cricut for a crafting business

If you want to learn more about Cricut Access, check out this post!

Click here to go to the Cricut website to see Cricut Access for yourself!

7. What Materials Can You Use With A Cricut Machine?

Every Cricut machine can use a large range of crafting materials listed below.

1. Paper
2. Card stock
3. Cardboard
4. Fabric
5. Vinyl
6. Sticker paper
7. Foil for embossing
8. Leather
9. Chipboard
10. much more!

The table below gives you a detailed list of materials you can use with the different Cricut machines. The Cricut Explore series machines are perfect for papercrafts, card making, and scrapbooking. While the Cricut Maker series machines work best on cutting thicker materials, like chipboard, thick cardboard, and leather.

* Cricut Smart materials do not require a cutting mat for this model.

8. Which Cricut Machine Is Right For You?

I have put together this table below detailing the different Cricut machine models and capabilities. With so many Circuit machines to choose from, it might be hard to know which Cricut machine is right for your unique needs!

* Included when you buy this machine and practice cutting material.
** Cricut Smart materials do not require a cutting mat for this model

Dual Tool Dock on the Cricut Maker

If the above table didn’t help you narrow down which Cricut machine you should get, for your next crafting adventure! Then maybe the below sections might help you. I covered the top 6 most common crafter types and recommend the right Cricut machine for their unique needs.

9. Which Cricut Machine Is Best For Beginner’s?

There are two machines I would recommend for beginners, the Cricut Joy or the Cricut Explore 3. The Cricut Joy is an excellent choice for a beginner who have limited space to do crafting, crafting on a budget, or only needs cutting for small simple projects. The Cricut Explore 3 will be a better fit for you if you are planning to grow into more complex projects that require additional capabilities that the Cricut Joy can’t provide.

If I had to choose between the two machines, I would pick the Cricut Explore 3. I can also use my current mats and supply of materials and all the Smart materials without having to trim them to fit the Joy. I don’t travel with my Explore One, so size and space are not an issue for me.

Best Cricut Machines For Beginner’s
Cricut Joy	Cricut Explore 3
Size (W x D x H): 8.43 x 5.43 x 4.25 in. Cost: $159.99 Cut Design Size: 4.5 in x 4 ft. Materials: +50 Available Available Tools: 3 Great for: Small work space Small & Simple Projects Card making Custom Label and stickers On the go crafting	Size (W x D x H): 22.2 x 7 x 5.9 in. Cost: $299.99 Cut Design Size: 13 in x 12 ft. Materials: +100 Available Available Tools: 6 Great for: More options Large and intricate projects More materials to work with Bigger project library Can grow with you
Get the Cricut Joy	Get the Cricut Explore 3

10. Which Cricut Machine Is Best For Experienced Crafter’s?

There are two machines to choose from for an experienced crafter, the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Explore 3. Either one is an excellent choice for working on a bigger complex project that requires additional capabilities. They are best suited for experienced crafters that are looking for a machine that is durable enough to handle light-duty commercial and home use.

You may ask what is the differences between the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the new Cricut Explore 3. The Explore 3 is 2x faster than the Explore Air 2 at writing and cutting. This is a bonus if you are looking to cut down on your project processing time.

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You can still use the Cricut Cartridges with the Explore Air 2. While the Explore 3 has removed the cartridge port to provide a second cup to hold pens and your weeding tools. The Explore 3 also has a device shelf to hold your smart device or tablet, which is not available on the Explore Air 2.

If I had to choose between the two machines, I would pick the Cricut Explore 3. It has newer options that are not available on the Explore Air 2. I can also use all my current mats, supply of materials, and the Smart materials with the Explore 3.

Best Cricut Machines For Experienced Crafter’s
Cricut Explore Air 2	Cricut Explore 3
Size (W x D x H): 22.2 x 7 x 5.9 in. Cost: $249.99 Cut Design Size: 11.5 in x 23.5 in. Materials: +100 Available Available Tools: 6 Great for: Print Then Cut on white materials Using Cricut Cartridges Using Cricut Mat for all projects Smart Set Dial Very popular with crafters	Size (W x D x H): 22.2 x 7 x 5.9 in. Cost: $299.99 Cut Design Size: 13 in x 12 ft. Materials: +100 Available Available Tools: 6 Great for: Print Then Cut on white and color materials Works with Smart Materials for longer projects *Cut without a mat Writes and cuts 2x faster Holder for Tablet or Mobile device
Get the Cricut Explore Air 2	Get the Cricut Explore 3

*You can cut Smart Materials with this machine without a mat.

11. Which Cricut Machine Is Best For Advanced Crafter?

For the advanced crafter, there are two machines to choose from, the Cricut Maker and the Maker 3. Either one is an excellent choice for working on projects with a larger range of materials and capabilities that are not available in the Explore machine series. The Makers are best suited for advanced crafters that are looking for a machine that is heavy duty to handle thicker materials like leather and wood but still gentle enough to handle paper and fabric.

What are the differences between the Cricut Maker and the newer Maker 3? The Maker 3 is 2x faster than the Maker at writing and cutting. This helps reduce your wait time as the Maker 3 cuts, writes, and draws at blinding speeds.

If I had to choose between the two machines, I would pick the Cricut Marker 3. It has newer options that are not available on the original Maker. I can also use all my current mats, supply of materials, and the Smart materials with the Maker 3. Also with the release of the Maker 3, I would not be surprised if the original Maker will be discontinued in a few years.

Best Cricut Machines For Advanced Crafter’s
Cricut Maker	Cricut Maker 3
Size (W x D x H): 24 x 9.5 x 9.5 in. Cost: $399.99 Cut Design Size: 11.5 in x 23.5 in. Materials: +300 Available Available Tools: 13 Great for: Using Cricut Mat for all projects	Size (W x D x H): 22.1 x 7.7 x 6.2 in. Cost: $399.99 Cut Design Size: 13 in x 12 ft. Materials: +300 Available Available Tools: 13 Great for: Works with Smart Materials for longer projects *Cut without a mat Writes and cuts 2x faster
Get the Cricut Maker	Get the Cricut Maker 3

*You can cut Smart Materials with this machine without a mat.

12. Which Cricut Machine Is Best For Teacher’s?

These are the two machines I would recommend for teachers, the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Explore 3. Either one is an excellent choice for the tedious repetitive cutting for classroom projects, banners, and bulletin board decorating. These durable machines can handle the rigorous demands of the classroom for continuous required cutting of paper, cardstock, poster board, fabric, and more.

Picture this, art and elementary school teachers saving hours of time cutting out paper shapes with scissors because they used a Cricut machine instead. I have been in this very same situation teaching Sunday classes. It made it so much easier to cut out the paper shapes ahead of time with my Cricut machine. That way I could avoid getting a cramp in my hand from using a pair of scissors for hours.

The difference between the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the new Cricut Explore 3 is mainly the speed that it will cut out the materials. The Explore 3 is 2x faster than the Explore Air 2 at writing, drawing, and cutting. This is great when you don’t have a lot of time to waste.

If you currently have a collection of compatible Cricut Cartridges you can still use them with the Explore Air 2. While the Explore 3 has removed the cartridge port to provide a second cup to hold pens and your weeding tools. The Explore 3 also has a device shelf to hold your smartphone or tablet, which is not available on the Explore Air 2.

If I had to choose between the two machines, I would pick the Cricut Explore 3. It has newer options that are not available on the Explore Air 2. I can also use all my current mats, supply of materials, and the Smart materials with the Explore 3. Plus, I will not have to worry about them discontinuing the Explore 3 any time soon.

Best Cricut Machines For Experienced Crafter’s
Cricut Explore Air 2	Cricut Explore 3
Size (W x D x H): 22.2 x 7 x 5.9 in. Cost: $249.99 Cut Design Size: 11.5 in x 23.5 in. Materials: +100 Available Available Tools: 6 Great for: Print Then Cut on white materials Using Cricut Cartridges Using Cricut Mat for all projects Smart Set Dial Very popular with crafters	Size (W x D x H): 22.2 x 7 x 5.9 in. Cost: $299.99 Cut Design Size: 13 in x 12 ft. Materials: +100 Available Available Tools: 6 Great for: Print Then Cut on white and color materials Works with Smart Materials for longer projects *Cut without a mat Writes and cuts 2x faster Holder for Tablet or Mobile device
Get the Cricut Explore Air 2	Get the Cricut Explore 3

*You can cut Smart Materials with this machine without a mat.

13. Which Cricut Machine Is Best For A Business Owner?

I would recommend the Cricut Maker Series machines, for a business owner that needs a commercial grade machine that can produce constant results every time. Either one is an excellent choice for working on projects with a larger range of materials and capabilities, that are not available in the Explore machine series. The Makers are best suited for professional looking results. While handling thicker materials like leather and wood up to 3/32 thickness. However, the Cricut Makers are still gentle enough to handle paper and fabric.

What are the differences between the Cricut Maker and the newer Maker 3? The Maker 3 is 2x faster than the Maker at completing your project. This helps reduce your wait time as the Maker 3 cuts, writes, and draws at blinding speeds. You can also cut projects up to 12 feet in length, which is not a possibility with the original Maker. Who wouldn’t want the flexibility to branch out into making longer projects and images?

If I had to choose between the two machines, I would pick the Cricut Marker 3. It has newer options that are not available on the original Maker. I can also use all my current mats, supply of materials, and the Smart materials with the Maker 3. Also with the release of the Maker 3, I would not be surprised if the original Maker will be discontinued in a few years.

Best Cricut Machines For A Business Owner
Cricut Maker	Cricut Maker 3
Size (W x D x H): 24 x 9.5 x 9.5 in. Cost: $399.99 Cut Design Size: 11.5 in x 23.5 in. Materials: +300 Available Available Tools: 13 Great for: Using Cricut Mat for all projects	Size (W x D x H): 22.1 x 7.7 x 6.2 in. Cost: $399.99 Cut Design Size: 13 in x 12 ft. Materials: +300 Available Available Tools: 13 Great for: Works with Smart Materials for longer projects *Cut without a mat Writes and cuts 2x faster
Get the Cricut Maker	Get the Cricut Maker 3

*You can cut Smart Materials with this machine without a mat.

14. Is There A Cricut Machine That Does Everything?

The Cricut Maker 3 is the machine that can do everything without limiting your crafting imagination. While providing you with a durable machine that can cut through materials up to a 3/32 thickness. With over 300 materials to chose from, the possibilities are endless. The only question left is, what are you going to create next when you get your Cricut Maker 3?

The Cricut Machine That Does Everything
Cricut Maker 3
Size (W x D x H): 22.1 x 7.7 x 6.2 in. Cost: $399.99 Cut Design Size: 13 in x 12 ft. Materials: +300 Available Available Tools: 13 Great for: Works with Smart Materials for longer projects *Cut without a mat Writes and cuts 2x faster
Get the Cricut Maker 3

15. Which Cricut Machines Have Been Discontinued?

After talking with Cricut Support, I was able to put together this detailed table of discontinued Cricut machines. With this information, I was able to list if these machines were still being supported by Cricut. I also included what level of support Cricut was still provided, and if they can use the new Design Space desktop software.

I currently own a Cricut Explore One, that I enjoy using. I use it for making scrapbook stickers, custom embellishments, cutting vinyl transfers, and much more! However, I am sad to say that the Explore One is now discontinued, since 2021 with the new release of the Cricut Explore 3.

* Parts for these machines are no longer available at Cricut.com. Additional parts can be purchased online from other vendors.
** Stand-alone machine that only uses Cricut Cartridges or Cricut Craft Room. Both have been discontinued.

16. Are Cricut Cartridges Being Discontinued?

Cricut has discontinued all cartridges for its Cricut machine starting October 2017. Cricut will still provide support for existing stand alone machines that only use the cartridges. However, they will not be creating new image cartridges for the Cricut machines going forward. You can still buy used Cricut Cartridges for older machines online.

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Want to learn more about Cricut? Check out my other Cricut posts!

What is a Cricut EasyPress 2?
What is a Cricut BrightPad?
What Is Cricut Access?
Which Cricut Machine Is Right For You?
Cricut Pen Adaptor Hack
What is Cricut Infusible Ink and how to use it?
10 Cricut Infusible Ink Hacks
How to Design a Mug with Cricut Infusible Inks In The Oven
How To Use Cricut Removable Matte Vinyl On Your Wood Project? – Illustrated Tutorial
How To Use Cricut Adhesive Foil Vinyl On Wood Furniture? – Illustrated Tutorial
How To Design A Color Changing Mug Using Cricut Infusible Ink

I hope you enjoy this post on the different Cricut machines and I hope it helps you choose the right Cricut for you! Please share this post on social media because sharing is caring!

I make a commission from purchases made through links in my posts, at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more information.

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