Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Joy 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 narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Mobile crafters with limited space — read the strengths below before deciding.

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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Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Joy 2

4.5

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 Amazon Full 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 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.

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

Spec	Cricut Joy	Cricut Joy 2
Materials	Smart Materials compatible	75+ materials
Cutting Width	5.5 inches	4.5 inches
Connectivity	Bluetooth	Bluetooth
Software	Cricut Design Space	Cricut Design Space
Dimensions	12.5 in x 6 in x 5.5 in	9.1 x 5.4 x 2.8 in
Max Speed	5.65 inches per second	5.3 IPS

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