Which Cricut Machine Is Right For You?

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

With so many Circuit machines to choose from, which one is the right machine for you? In this post, I will tell you about each Cricut machine. I hope this information will help you decide which Circuit will meet your crafting needs. I currently own a Cricut Explore One and I use it for making scrapbook stickers, embellishments, make vinyl transfers, and much more!

At the time of this blog post, there are four different Cricut machines that can meet each different crafters needs. The Cricut Design Space Software which you access through the internet can be used on your SmartPhone, PC, or Tablet.

Cricut Explore One:

This Cricut machine is affordable and is perfect for a beginner crafter! You can cut, write, and score over 100 different materials. This Cricut machine does not have Bluetooth capabilities standard so you will have to connect your computer to it with a USB cable or you can buy the Bluetooth adaptor.

Unlike the other Cricut machines, it only has one tool dock while the other Cricut machines have a dual tool dock. This is not a show stopper but just something to keep in mind because you will need to switch out tool cartridges if you are doing a more complex project. Single-cup tool storage and a long storage bin that slides out from under the machine. As I said before I currently use this Cricut model for my crafting projects add have great success with it.

Tools that can be used on the Cricut Explore One:

Bluetooth adaptor, Scoring Stylus Tool, Fine Point Blade, Deep Point Blade, Bonded Fabric Blade, Cricut Pens

Features:

• Smart dial setting
• Print and cut capabilities (great for making stickers & embellishments)
• Design Space Software
• USB port
• Single-cup tool storage
• Long storage bin
• Standard Grip Cutting Mat
• Extra Premium Blade
• You can use older design cartridges with it.
• You can cut materials with the Knife Blade.
• You can cut unbound fabric but you will need to use a stabilizer.
• You can score different types of materials with the Scoring Stylus.

Get Cricut Explore One here

Dual Tool Dock – Not available on Explore One

Cricut Explore Air:

This Cricut machine is the next step up from the Cricut Explore One. It is best suited for scrapbooking and other papercrafts. It has Bluetooth capabilities so you can connect your computer to it without a cable. Explore Air has the dual tool dock so you can write and cut (or any other non-writing function) at the same time without needing to switch out tool cartridges. This is a bonus if you are doing a complex project and don’t want to sit a watch your machine. Single-cup tool storage and a long storage bin that slides out from under the machine.

Tools that can be used on the Cricut Explore Air:

Scoring Stylus Tool, Fine Point Blade, Deep Point Blade, Bonded Fabric Blade, Cricut Pens

Features:

• Bluetooth enabled
• Smart dial setting
• Print and cut capabilities
• Design Space Software
• USB port
• Single-cup tool storage
• Long storage bin
• Standard Grip Cutting Mat
• Extra Premium Blade
• You can use older design cartridges with it.
• You can use have two different tools in the dock at the same time.
• You can cut unbound fabric but you will need to use a stabilizer.
• You can score different types of materials with the Scoring Stylus.

Get Cricut Explore Air here!

Cricut Explore Air 2:

You may ask what is the differences between the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Cricut Explore Air. It is best suited for light-duty commercial and home use. There are two, the Explore Air 2 is faster than the Explore Air at writing and cutting. How fast is the Explore Air 2? It is 2x faster than the Explore Air. This is a bonus if you are using your Cricut for a craft business.

The Explore Air 2 also has Bluetooth capabilities so you can connect your computer to it without a cable. Explore Air 2 also has the dual tool dock so you can write and cut without needing to switch out tool cartridges. Single-cup tool storage and a long storage bin that slides out from under the machine.

Tools that can be used on the Cricut Explore Air 2:

Scoring Stylus Tool, Fine Point Blade, Deep Point Blade, Bonded Fabric Blade, Cricut Pens

Features:

• Bluetooth enabled
• Smart dial setting
• Print and cut capabilities
• Design Space Software
• USB port
• Single-cup tool storage
• Long storage bin
• Standard Grip Cutting Mat
• Extra Premium Blade
• You can use older design cartridges with it.
• You can use have two different tools in the dock at the same time.
• You can cut unbound fabric but you will need to use a stabilizer.
• You can score different types of materials with the Scoring Stylus.

Get Cricut Explore Air 2 here!

Cricut Maker:

This Cricut machine is the latest and great, with additional features that are not available on the Cricut Explore series. This machine is great for the most serious of crafter that needs flexibility and commercial use. Double cup tool storage and a large storage bin that slides out from under the machine.

This machine has improved cutting pressure which is great for cutting fabric for sewing and quilting projects, a wide range in paper and cardboard materials, vinyl, leather, chipboard, and balsa wood project up to 3/32 thickness. A docking station for your iPad or phone which is great if you are using design space on these devices.

Tools that can be used on the Cricut Maker:

Rotary Blade, Knife Blade, Fine Point Blade, Deep Point Blade, Bonded Fabric Blade, Scoring Wheel, Double Scoring Wheel, Engraving Tool, Debossing Tool, Fine Debossing Tool, Wavy Rotary Tool, Perforation Tool, Quick Swap Housing, Cricut pens

Features:

• Bluetooth enabled
• Smart dial setting
• Print and cut capabilities
• Design Space Software
• USB port
• Double cup tool storage
• Long storage bin
• Fabric Grip Mat
• Light Grip Mat
• Built-in sewing pattern library
• You can use have two different tools in the dock at the same time.
• The system can detect if you are using the correct blade or not.
• With the Rotary Blade, you can cut unbound fabric without the need for a stabilizer. This is a big deal if you are into sewing and quilting!
• You can cut materials up to 3/32 thickness with the Knife Blade.
• You can score different types of materials with the Scoring Wheel.

Get Cricut Maker here!

I hope this review of the different Cricut machines helps you with your next Cricut crafting experience!

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 which Cricut machine is right for you! Please share this Cricut craft tutorial 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.

Looking for more craft project ideas?