Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Explore 5 vs Cricut Joy

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Cricut Explore 5 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about Beginners and casual crafters seeking portability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Explore 5

4.5

5 sources$249as of Sep 1

The Cricut Explore 5 represents a significant redesign for the Explore line, offering a 30% smaller footprint while maintaining full 12-inch cutting performance. Reviewers noted the new integrated blade system and snap-in pen holder as user-friendly improvements, though the single clamp system creates a workflow disruption for users accustomed to the dual-clamp Explore 4. The machine is positioned as an accessible entry point at $199, though early adopters may find the tool swap during multi-step projects slightly inconvenient. This makes it ideal for beginners and casual crafters but may not satisfy users who rely heavily on scored-and-cut workflows.

Strengths

— 30% smaller footprint than Explore 4, measuring 19.8 × 7.5 × 4.7 inches
— New integrated blade system simplifies blade replacement and improves safety
— Snap-in pen holder provides quick and secure tool loading

Watch-outs

— Single clamp system requires tool swap during scored-and-cut projects
— Older Scoring Stylus not compatible with new machine

$249 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Joy

4.4

8 sources2 derived

The Cricut Joy is a compact, portable cutting machine designed for crafters with limited space. Reviewers praised its ease of use, smartphone operation, and Smart Materials feature that eliminates cutting mats for compatible materials. However, the limited 5.5-inch cutting width restricts larger projects. While the mobile app is functional, it's less intuitive than the laptop version. The device is ideal for hobbyists and small-scale creators but may not suit those needing large-format cutting capabilities. Users recommend it for its precision and versatility in handling various materials.

Strengths

— Compact and portable design, easy to pack up and move between locations
— Operates entirely via smartphone app or laptop, with no physical buttons required
— Smart Materials feature eliminates need for cutting mats with compatible materials

Watch-outs

— Limited cutting width of only 5.5 inches, restricting large project capabilities
— Mobile app interface is cumbersome and less functional than laptop version

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Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Cricut Explore 5

The Explore 5 is more compact and affordable than the Explore 4, but it lacks the dual-clamp system that makes the Explore 4 more efficient for scored-and-cut projects. Unlike the Maker 4, it doesn't offer engraving or debossing capabilities, making it less versatile for advanced crafting.

Cricut Joy

The Cricut Joy is more portable and smartphone-controlled than the Maker 4 and Maker 3, but it has a much smaller cutting area. Unlike the Explore 5, it lacks the dual-clamp system and doesn't support scoring or engraving, making it less versatile for complex projects.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Cricut Explore 5	Cricut Joy
Cutting Width	12 inches	5.5 inches
Dimensions	19.8 x 7.5 x 4.7 in	12.5 in x 6 in x 5.5 in
Connectivity	Bluetooth, USB cable	Bluetooth
Materials	100+ popular materials	Smart Materials compatible
Software	Cricut Design Space	Cricut Design Space
Max Speed	14.1 IPS	5.65 inches per second

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