Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Joy 2 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.

The short answer

Cricut Joy 2 and Cricut Maker 4 score essentially the same (4.1 vs 4.1). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #3 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Joy 2

4.1

$139as of Jul 7

The Cricut Joy 2 is a compact, ultra-portable cutting machine designed for quick, everyday crafting projects. Tom's Guide noted its suitability for custom cards, decals, and labels, while the official Cricut Shop emphasizes its compatibility with home inkjet printers for full-color sticker creation. The machine comes bundled with essential materials for immediate use, though it lacks the cutting capacity of larger models. It's ideal for beginners and casual crafters who need a space-saving solution, but serious users may find its limitations restrictive.

Strengths

— Ultra-compact design at 4.5 inches for easy portability and space-saving storage
— Works with home inkjet printers to create full-color stickers
— Includes essential materials and tools for up to 35 projects out of the box

Watch-outs

— Limited cutting width compared to larger Cricut models
— Requires Cricut Access subscription for full Design Space software access

$139 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Maker 4

4.1

$369.74as of Jul 7

Cricut Maker 4 offers a sleek, beginner-friendly experience with clear setup instructions and automated calibration. Reviews highlight its ease of use for newcomers, particularly praising the Design Space software's intuitive interface and helpful pre-made templates. While the learning curve for Design Space may require time investment, reviewers found the machine's precision cutting and user-friendly features make it accessible for both novices and experienced crafters. The device is well-suited for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts looking to start crafting with electronic cutting technology.

Strengths

— Sleek sage color exterior with modern and clean design
— Easy setup process with clear instructions and automated calibration
— Beginner-friendly Design Space software with pre-made templates and helpful tooltips

Watch-outs

— Learning curve for Design Space software may require time investment for beginners
— Initial setup requires account creation and firmware update process

$369.74 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Cricut Joy 2

The Cricut Joy 2 stands out for its ultra-portable design and inkjet compatibility, features not available in the Cricut Explore 4 or Maker 4. However, its limited cutting width and subscription requirement for full software access make it less suitable for complex projects compared to the Silhouette Cameo 5 or VEVOR Vinyl Cutting Plotter, which offer more robust cutting capabilities.

Cricut Maker 4

The Cricut Maker 4 excels in ease of use and beginner-friendly software compared to the Cricut Explore 4 and Silhouette Cameo 5, which require more technical setup. While it doesn't match the portability of the Cricut Joy 2 or the long-cut capabilities of the Cameo 5, it offers a balanced experience for those new to crafting with electronic cutting tools.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Cricut Joy 2	Cricut Maker 4
Max Cut Width	4.5 in	12 in
Max Cut Length	48 in (121.9 cm)	24 inches
Compatible Materials	75+ materials	Iron-On Vinyl, Medium Cardstock, Premium Vinyl
Connectivity	Bluetooth	Bluetooth, USB
Software	Design Space	Design Space
Blade Type	Fine point blade	Fine-point
Dimensions	9.1"D x 5.4"W x 2.8"H	7.1"D x 22.1"W x 6.2"H

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