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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.

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The short answer

Cricut Joy 2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about Mobile crafters with limited space — read the strengths below before deciding.

Cricut Joy 2
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Joy 2
8 sources2 derived$139as of Sep 15

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
$139 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Cricut Maker 4
Ranked #3 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Maker 4
8 sources3 derived$417.57as of Sep 15

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
$417.57 · 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 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.

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 Joy 2Cricut Maker 4
Materials75+ materialsOver 300 including paper, fabric, wood, leather
Cutting Width4.5 inches11.5 inches
SoftwareCricut Design SpaceCricut Design Space
Dimensions9.1 x 5.4 x 2.8 in22.1 x 7.1 x 6.2 inches
Max Speed5.3 IPSUp to two times faster than previous model
ConnectivityBluetoothBluetooth, USB cable
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