Cricut machines, with a long ‘I’ like in cricket, are a very popular brand of printing and branding machines that businesses use to put their brand or logos on items to connect with their customers.
While there are far more uses than just for branding purposes, it’s this versatility that led us to see the Cricut machine as something we should be putting a spotlight on.
sponsored message
Join us then for a look at the 10+ Best Cricut Machines in 2022.
10+ Best Cricut Machines in 2022
- Cricut Maker — The best Cricut machine in 2022 overall (Editor’s Choice)
- Cricut Explore 3 — The best budget Cricut machine
- Cricut Electronic Cutting Machine — The best value Cricut machine
- Cricut Explore Air 2 — The best Cricut machine for hobbyists
- Cricut Maker 3 — The best Cricut machine for smart materials
- Cricut EasyPress 2 — The best Cricut machine for making T-shirts
- Cricut EasyPress Mini — The best Cricut machine for small items
- Cricut Joy — The best Cricut machine for travelers
- Cricut Mug Press — The best Cricut machine for printing on mugs
- Cricut Explore One — The best Cricut machine for beginners
What is the best Cricut machine in 2022?
The options that Cricut machines provide are a wide variety but in our opinion, the best Cricut machine in 2022 is the Cricut Maker. If you’re interested in more details about some of our top picks, check out the comparison table below.
What is a Cricut machine?
Designed to make printing any shape that you desire easy because they are electric, they can connect to your computer so you can print or cut the desired shapes.
How to pick the right Cricut machine
Picking the right one though, shouldn’t be a tough process and to help even further, we wanted to help make sure you get the right one and have a handy buying guide for the right Cricut machine.
Maximum size
Before you start designing anything that you plan to print out on a Cricut machine, you need to make sure to check the maximum size that is supported by your Cricut machine. These sizes can be either 6” x 6” or even 12” x 12”.
sponsored message
If you’re planning to print any large designs, the ideal choice will be the 12” x 12” option.
Function
Unless you’re already familiar with Cricut, you should know that a Cricut machine can be used for more than just cutting. Generally, you are going to find two types of Cricut machines – cutting and heat press.
A cutting machine does exactly what you think it would do and is used to cut out shapes and designs from a sheet of material.
Whereas a heat press machine is used to print designs and shapes that you choose. Generally, a heat press machine is used for printing designs on clothing or other materials.
Warranty
One of the best ways that you can ensure the long life and performance of your Cricut machine is to check the warranty that comes along with it.
sponsored message
Many Cricut machines offer a 1-year warranty that offers many owners peace of mind.
10+ Best Cricut Machines in 2022
1. Cricut Maker (Editor’s Choice)
The best Cricut machine in 2022 overall
For most people, the best cutting machine from Cricut is easily the Cricut Maker. The only downside is that if you want to work with smart materials, then you might want to look elsewhere. If you can look past that, then the Cricut Maker is the best machine for vinyl, fabric, and many other materials.
Enabling you to deliver precision cuts from more than 300 materials from fabric and paper to tougher materials such as matboard and leather. Packed with 13 tools that let you cut, write, deboss or add other decorative elements with ease. With a rotary blade for fabrics, and a knife blade for thicker materials, the Cricut Maker is the best machine overall.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Good for professionals | ➖ Not a good choice for smart materials |
| ➕ 13 tools |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- A POWERFUL, VERSATILE SMART CUTTING MACHINE - Take your decorative art & craft to the next level with the original Cricut Maker that virtually creates any project on your wish list. Delivers a...
- CUTS 300+ MATERIALS IN A WHIZ - Cuts everything from delicate paper & fabric to matboard & leather. The included Rotary Blade practically cuts any fabric for a sewing project & the Knife Blade makes...
- APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - With just a few clicks, create personalized and custom designs with this cutter using the cloud-based Design Space app that works on...
- KEEP YOUR SPACE NEAT & ORGANIZED - The device comes with a built-in storage on the top for storing tools. The reusable FabricGrip & LightGrip Machine Mat let you stick the material (fabric, paper &...
- ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - It is compatible with 13 tools for cutting, writing, embellishing, foiling & more. Add special accessories like Deep-Point Blade, Knife Blade, Foil-Transfer Tool & Scoring...
2. Cricut Explore 3
The best budget Cricut machine
A recently released option, the Cricut Explore 3 is a great, affordable option that allows you to work with smart materials. While many will see the Explore 3 much like its cousin, the Explore Air 2, there are a couple of big differences. Namely, the Explore 3 gives you the ability to work with smart materials as well as provides a larger portable trimmer and roll holder.
That means that you can easily make cuts up to 12ft long in one run. Unlike other models, the Explore 3 is cheaper while still providing a great experience. If you’re looking for a Cricut machine that will accept smart materials but without the professional features or high price, you should check out the Cricut Explore 3.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Works with smart materials | ➖ Not as many features as higher-end options |
| ➕ A great affordable option |
sponsored message
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 2X FASTER SMART CUTTING MACHINE - Let your creativity and imagination soar with the new Cricut Explore 3 that's smarter & faster, and holds a supremacy in achieving astonishing cuts, scores, drawings...
- CUTS 100+ MATERIALS WITH EASE - The included Premium Fine-Point Blade lets crafters make precise, intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decal, iron-on and more. Also...
- CUTS SMART MATERIALS LIKE A BREEZE - The Explore 3 is compatible with the all new Smart Materials (up to 12 ft) like Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock and more - all of them...
- APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - With just a few clicks, create personalized & custom designs with this cutter using the cloud-based Design Space app that works on mobile...
- ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - Compatible with 6 tools to cut, write, foil, & more. Add optional accessories like Deep-Point Blade, Foil-Transfer Tool, Scoring Stylus or Cricut Roll Holder for a complete...
3. Cricut Electronic Cutting Machine
The best value Cricut machine
While it is not the newest entry on our list, the Electronic Cutting Machine from Cricut still offers anyone incredible value and high performance. Designed to cut all kinds of shapes, the performance of this admittedly older machine can still stand right up there with the newer models.
While the overall size is by no means space-saving, the Electronic Cutting Machine is large so you’re going to need room for it. If you have the room though, you’ll find a machine with an incredible amount of value.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ High performance | ➖ Not a compact option |
| ➕ Large maximum size |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Portable electronic cutting machine for greeting cards, scrapbooks, and other paper crafts
- Cut letters, shapes, or phrases; works with vellum, paper, cardstock, and vinyl
- Cuts from 1 inch up to 5-1/2 inches tall
- Cartridge-based system; no computer required; George and Basic Shapes cartridge included
- Measures 17-4/5 by 9-2/3 by 12-8/9 inches; 1-year limited warranty
4. Cricut Explore Air 2
The best Cricut machine for hobbyists
With many different hobbies, some people take a professional interest and those who choose to pursue things more as a hobby. For anyone looking for a new hobby, learning how to use an Explore Air 2 from Cricut is a great place to start. With easy-to-follow software, it offers everything that a hobbyist could be looking for.
Able to cut more than 100 different types of material, the Explore Air 2 also comes with five tools that you can use for writing, cutting, and scoring. The Explore Air 2 is an excellent choice for home-based, small-scale projects, and while it’s not a great option for commercial projects, it’s a great machine for anyone looking for a new hobby.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Easy to use | ➖ Not designed for professionals |
| ➕ Can use 100 types of material |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- ART AND CRAFT CUTTING MADE SIMPLE, EVEN FOR BEGINNERS - Designed with simplicity and value in mind, bust out your DIY dreams and create fresh styles for your T-shirts, home decor, and more with the...
- CUTS 100+ MATERIALS WITH EASE – The included Premium Fine-Point Blade lets crafters make precise, intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decal, HTV iron-on and...
- APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - With just a few clicks, create personalized and custom designs using the cloud-based Design Space app that works on mobile phones and...
- KEEP YOUR SPACE NEAT AND ORGANIZED - Machine comes with built-in storage on the top and under the bottom flap for storing tools. The reusable LightGrip Machine Mat holds your materials in place so you...
- ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - Compatible with 6 tools for cutting, writing, foiling & more. Add special accessories like Deep-Point Blade, Bonded-Fabric Blade, Foil-Transfer Tool and Scoring Stylus for...
5. Cricut Maker 3
The best Cricut machine for smart materials
Smart materials are designed to feed directly into the Maker 3 from Cricut without using a mat and that feature makes it much easier to cut smart materials, allowing you to cut up to 12 ft of material in one run.
Twice as fast as the Cricut Maker that we featured earlier when working with smart materials and the package comes with two extra accessories that come in the form of a roll holder and a portable trimmer that is larger than before. Both of these accessories can help you feed smart materials into the machine. While it’s a tad more expensive than some other options, it’s a great option for larger projects.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Good option for pros | ➖ Can be overkill for regular projects |
| ➕ Cuts smart materials without a mat |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 2X FASTER SMART CUTTING MACHINE - Take your decorative art & craft to the next level with the ultimate Cricut Maker 3 that's smarter, faster, and virtually creates any project on your wish list....
- CUTS 300+ MATERIALS - Cuts everything from delicate paper & fabric to matboard & leather. The included Rotary Blade practically cuts any fabric for a sewing project & the Knife Blade makes precise...
- CUTS SMART MATERIALS LIKE A BREEZE - The Maker 3 is compatible with the all new Smart Materials (up to 12 ft) like Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock and more - all of them work...
- APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - With just a few clicks, create personalized & custom designs with this cutter using the cloud-based Design Space app that works on mobile...
- KEEP YOUR SPACE NEAT & ORGANIZED - The device comes with built-in storage on the top and under the bottom flap for storing tools. Also includes a docking slot and a USB port for charging your tablet,...
6. Cricut EasyPress 2
The best Cricut machine for making T-shirts
When we were kids and wanted to make t-shirts with iron-on graphics, we’d have to heat our mom’s iron but not anymore. The Cricut EasyPress 2 is a great option for creating your very own custom t-shirts. Easy to use, the EasyPress 2 comes with an online guide that explains the ideal heat settings for different projects.
The base plate on the EasyPress 2 provides a constant level of heat and has a larger surface area, making it a much better choice than your mom’s iron. Available in two sizes – a 9×9 inch is best for standard items but the 12×12 option is a perfect choice for larger designs on t-shirts or other fabrics.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Removes guesswork | ➖ Not a great option for smaller items |
| ➕ Professional results |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- A NO-STRESS HEAT PRESS - Get professional heat-transfer results without the guesswork and repeated testing with Cricut's EasyPress 2. Combining the speed of a heat press and the convenience of an...
- PERFECT FOR GENERIC-SIZED PROJECTS - At 9" x 9", the pressing machine is ideal for transferring photos or text on T shirts, tote bags, pillows, aprons, and even for sublimation printing. Unleash your...
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE FOR DIFFERENT PROJECTS - With precise temperature control up to 400 degrees, you can adjust the heat as per your requirement. Just set the temperature and timer and apply gentle...
- QUICK, FOOLPROOF OUTCOMES - Featuring an advanced heat plate design with ceramic-coated surface, the iron-on press heats up in under 2 minutes and can execute even the most intricate prints in about...
- PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT and EASY TO STORE - The press is equipped with an insulated safety base and auto-shutoff feature, and is compatible with major brands of heat-transfer vinyl and all Infusible Ink...
7. Cricut EasyPress Mini
The best Cricut machine for small items
While we’re all about the iron-on t-shirts, sometimes a design just seems to look better on a hat or even a small tote bag and for those projects, the EasyPress Mini from Cricut is the perfect tool to get the job done accurately and correctly.
While it works similarly to the EasyPress 2, the Mini contains a small ceramic heat plate that is better used on small or even challenging surfaces. The design makes it very adept at curving around contours, between buttons, as well as navigating seams. Lightweight and easy to store, the EasyPress Mini is a great option for hobbyists and entrepreneurs alike.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Compact and lightweight | ➖ Not a great option for larger items |
| ➕ Good for small surfaces |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- MINI BUT MIGHTY - Get high-impact heat transfer results in a compact size with Cricut's EasyPress Mini - a small heat-press for uniquely shaped, extra-small objects. At 3.4" X 2.1", it fits in your...
- A PERFECT FIT FOR UNUSUAL & TRICKY PROJECTS - It is designed to easily curve with contours, get between buttons, squeeze into seams, and seamlessly glide on uneven surfaces, making it perfect for...
- EFFORTLESS AND ACCURATE - With 3 heat settings for every iron-on and Infusible Ink project, a comfortable handle for easy grip, and a precision tip for added control and accuracy, this pocket-sized...
- PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY TO STORE - The press is equipped with an insulated safety base and auto-shutoff feature that turns it off after a period of inactivity. Its ceramic-coated heat plate...
- PERFECT COMPANION OF THE CRICUT FAMILY - It is compatible with major brands of HTV or iron-on presses and is a true companion to the Cricut smart cutting machines and larger Cricut heat presses, ideal...
8. Cricut Joy
The best Cricut machine for travelers
Just because you decide to take a road trip or vacation, it shouldn’t mean that when inspiration strikes, you have to wait until you get home to bring your idea to life. The Cricut Joy features a compact and lightweight design that you can easily take with you. While larger items may not be Joy’s forte, if you’re looking to create some memorable labels or stickers, you’re good to go.
This doesn’t mean that Cricut Joy can’t handle larger jobs as well. The Joy can be used for continuous cuts up to 20 feet long and four inches wide without using a cutting mat. The machine can be used to cut more than 50 types of material, including smart materials. The only real downside is that while you can connect it to your computer via Bluetooth, it doesn’t come with a USB option, which could limit its effectiveness.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Low price | ➖ No USB connection |
| ➕ Lightweight and compact |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Weighing in at only 1.75kg, this smart little cutting and writing machine makes it easy to personalise almost anything.
- Cuts 50+ materials, including iron-on htv, card, vinyl, paper, and Smart Materials – super-easy, super-long cuts without a cutting mat.
- Draws any shape and writes in a variety of styles.
- Cuts individual shapes up to 1.2m (4ft) long or makes repeated cuts up to 6m (20ft) long.
- Fits in a cubby, packs away easily, sets up instantly.
9. Cricut Mug Press
The best Cricut machine for printing on mugs
Everyone loves coffee mugs that have funny or ironic quotes on them and if you’ve ever thought about creating gifts for loved ones or even starting your store, the Cricut Mug Press is the easiest way to do it.
While you still need to cut out the transfer you’re going to put on the mug, simply wrap it around the mug, put it in the machine press a button, and watch the show. Designed to be more of an add-on to an existing Cricut machine, the results speak for themselves. With a little bit of practice, anyone can create professional-looking mugs that will not only last but are also microwave and dishwasher safe.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Long-lasting results | ➖ Requires extra purchases |
| ➕ Dishwasher proof |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- ATTAIN DECOR EXPERTISE WITH ONE-TOUCH - Get ahold of beautifully designed mugs with Cricut Mug Press that comes with a pro heating feature that helps enhance simple mugs (of size 11 - 16 oz) into an...
- MAKE PROLIFIC MUGS WITHOUT ANY COMPLICATIONS - Create artistic designs with any Cricut cutting machine and wrap the cut design around your mug to induce transfer by placing the mug into the press....
- VIBRANT GIFTING FOR YOUR LOVED ONES - A thoughtful gifting idea presenting professional-quality, personalized mugs to friends or family created with the help of mug blanks (sold separately) with no...
- ONE-OF-A-KIND CUSTOMIZATION - The patent-pending heat plate with zone heating creates wonders with consistent results delivering peel-proof, dishwasher-safe designs in no time using Infusible Ink...
- PERFECT COMPANION IN THE CRICUT FAMILY - The unique heat press for coffee mugs that has been specially optimized for Infusible Ink products, with auto shut-off safety feature, proves to be a precise...
10. Cricut Explore One
The best Cricut machine for beginners
It can be pretty daunting if you’ve never used a Cricut machine before but thankfully, the Cricut Explore One is a great option for beginners. This is because not only is the Explore One affordable but it also comes with 50,000 free images that you can use or take inspiration from.
Featuring a smart dial setting so you don’t have to waste time manually setting the machine and with the cloud-based apps, Cricut provides, you can create designs anywhere and then transfer them to the machine via Bluetooth, although you will need to buy the Bluetooth adapter separately. While it’s limited to cutting lightweight materials, the Explore One is a great machine for beginners.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Wireless operation | ➖ Only works with lightweight materials |
| ➕ Easy to use Smart dial setting | ➖ Requires a Bluetooth adapter |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Electronic cutting machine for DIY crafts and projects
- Upload and cut your own images for FREE
- Design here, there and everywhere with free cloud-based apps for PC, Mac, ipad, and iphone
- To cut wirelessly upgrade your machine by adding the wireless Bluetooth adapter (sold separately)
- Cut a wide variety of materials from paper to iron-on to adhesive vinyl- even leather
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cricut machines?
Cricut machines are electronic devices for cutting which allow you to cut all sorts of design materials like vinyl, cardstock, papers, and iron-on transfers. There are machines that can also cut leather, fabrics, and wood.
What is the best Cricut machine for beginners?
Cricut Explore One is the best Cricut machine for beginners. It is affordable with wireless features and easy-to-use smart dial systems.
What Cricut machine is best for smaller materials?
If you want to use smaller materials, then Cricut Maker 3 is an ideal option that is easy to use and versatile.
What Cricut machine is best for making shirts?
Cricut Explore Air 2 is an ideal option for making shirts in whichever way you want by creating your own designs.
Is it possible to cut glass with Cricut machines?
No, as of now these Cricut machines' engraving tips are not designed to use for glass cuttings. They can, however, be used to create a stencil and etch glass using glass etching cream.
Related Posts:
- Best laptops for designers
- Best computers for designers
- Best printers for designers
- Best monitors for designers
- Best tablets for designers
- Best mouse for designers
- Best earphones for music-lovers
- Best cameras for designers
- Best microphones for designers
- Best office chairs for designers
- Best external hard drives for designers
- Best monitor calibrators for designers
- Best pens for creatives
- Best phones for designers & creatives
- Best power banks
- Best laptop bags & backpacks
10+ Best Cricut Machines in 2022
A great Cricut machine is a great tool that anyone can use. Whether you’re a graphic designer looking to branch out into a new marketplace or a parent looking to add something special to a family reunion or your kids’ sports team, Cricut makes a machine that can help.
We hope our list of the best Cricut machines has given you some options to consider for your next project.