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Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Joy 2

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 Joy 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Mobile crafters with limited space — read the strengths below before deciding.

Cricut Explore Air 2
Ranked #7 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Explore Air 2
7 sourcesall derived

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is praised for its versatility in cutting over 100 materials including vinyl, leather, and adhesive foils, with a premium fine point blade for detailed work. Reviewers highlight the intuitive Cricut Design Space software with thousands of free projects and templates, and note that the machine is ready to use in about 20 minutes with included materials. However, some users find the setup overwhelming due to the vast number of options and features, and report a steep learning curve despite helpful tutorials. This machine appeals to both novice and professional crafters seeking personalized creations for t-shirts, home decor, and more.

Strengths
  • — Cuts over 100 types of materials including cardstock, vinyl, leather, and adhesive foils
  • — Includes a premium fine point blade for detailed cutting tasks
  • — Intuitive Cricut Design Space software with thousands of free projects and templates
Watch-outs
  • — Setup can be overwhelming for beginners due to the vast number of options and features
  • — Some users report difficulty with the learning curve despite helpful tutorials
Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Cricut Joy 2
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Joy 2
8 sources2 derived$119as of Sep 1

The Cricut Joy 2 is a compact, portable crafting machine designed for DIY enthusiasts who need flexibility in their workspace. Tom's Guide noted its lightweight build and ease of setup, while a YouTube reviewer highlighted the included Essentials Bundle which provides a good starting kit for beginners. The machine lacks a door and on/off button, which some users may find limiting. It's well-suited for users who want a simple, mobile crafting solution but may not be ideal for those seeking advanced features or frequent blade replacements.

Strengths
  • — Lightweight and portable design suitable for on-the-go crafting
  • — Includes Essentials Bundle with useful tools and materials
  • — Simple setup process with intuitive machine controls
Watch-outs
  • — No on/off button or door for blade access
  • — Blade housing must be replaced as a whole unit rather than just the blade
$119 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

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 Air 2

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is more intuitive than the Maker 4 and Maker 3, but it lacks the advanced cutting capabilities and material range of those models. Unlike the Explore 5, it's bulkier and doesn't offer the same compact design, though it's more beginner-friendly.

Cricut Joy 2

The Cricut Joy 2 is more portable and lightweight than the Maker 4 and Maker 3, but lacks advanced features like engraving and debossing. Unlike the Explore 5, it has a smaller cutting area and doesn't support dual-clamp systems, making it less suitable for complex multi-step projects.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCricut Explore Air 2Cricut Joy 2
MaterialsOver 100 types including cardstock, vinyl, leather, adhesive foils75+ materials
Cutting Width12 inches4.5 inches
Max Speed2x faster5.3 IPS
ConnectivityBluetooth and USBBluetooth
SoftwareCricut Design SpaceCricut Design Space
Dimensions22.8 in9.1 x 5.4 x 2.8 in
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