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Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Joy vs Cricut Maker 4

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 and Cricut Maker 4 score essentially the same (4.4 vs 4.4). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Cricut Joy
Ranked #4 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Joy
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
Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Cricut Maker 4
Ranked #3 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Maker 4
8 sources3 derived$449as of Sep 1

The Cricut Maker 4 is a smart cutting machine designed for crafters of all skill levels, capable of handling over 300 materials including paper, fabric, wood, and leather. TechRadar praised its speed improvements and versatility, while YouTube reviewers noted its size and weight as drawbacks for portability. The machine connects via Bluetooth or USB and uses the Cricut Design Space app for design customization. It's suitable for both basic projects like stickers and homemade t-shirts, as well as advanced crafts such as 3D folded designs and engraved metal or leather. The device comes with a crafting mat, phone storage rail, and storage compartments, making it a comprehensive tool for home crafting enthusiasts.

Strengths
  • — Cuts, engraves, scores, and debosses over 300 materials including paper, fabric, wood, and leather
  • — Up to two times faster than the previous model
  • — Works with the Cricut Design Space app for design and customization
Watch-outs
  • — Machine is fairly large and heavy, similar to a home office printer
  • — Requires a learning curve for new users to get started
$449 · 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 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 Maker 4

The Cricut Maker 4 stands out from the Cricut Maker and Maker 3 with its significant speed improvements and expanded material capabilities, though it's heavier and less portable than the Cricut Joy 2. Unlike the Explore series, it offers more advanced features like debossing and engraving, but lacks the beginner-friendly simplicity of the Explore 5.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCricut JoyCricut Maker 4
MaterialsSmart Materials compatibleOver 300 including paper, fabric, wood, leather
Cutting Width5.5 inches11.5 inches
ConnectivityBluetoothBluetooth, USB cable
SoftwareCricut Design SpaceCricut Design Space
Dimensions12.5 in x 6 in x 5.5 in22.1 x 7.1 x 6.2 inches
Max Speed5.65 inches per secondUp to two times faster than previous model
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