Which Cricut Should You Buy in 2023? A Cricut die-cutting machine is a wonderful and versatile tool for crafting and DIY projects. With the newer models, choosing the right Cricut machine for yourself has become hectic. The first half of the year is about to end, and if you are in a dilemma about which Cricut I should buy, let us shed some light on this topic. This blog has compiled a list of Cricut’s best die-cutting machines. In this blog, we have discussed each Cricut machine and included their merits and demerits so that you won’t have any problem determining the best Cricut machine according to your needs.
Must-Have Accessories for a Cricut Machine
In Cricut machines, things have changed a lot; from manual-die cutting machines, they have transformed into smart die-cutting machines. So, you don’t need to load a design to the Cricut machine manually. You must create your design in the Cricut Design Space and let the Cricut machine do its job. However, you must remember a few key points while considering which Cricut you should buy.
Software
Almost all the die-cutting machines in this blog utilize the same Cricut Design space software. The software is very easy to use and is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. To make it more appealing, the company added an offline mode. It is easier to use even if you are not connected to the internet.
Ease Of Use
As we know, not all machines are created equally; the same goes for Cricut machines. Although they use the same software, you’ll notice different physical interfaces and cutting abilities.
Wireless Connectivity
Now all the latest models by Cricut come with a built-in Bluetooth connectivity option. Except for Cricut Joy, Cricut Maker, and Cricut Explore feature a USB port. This feature sounds clingy, but it offers a more stable connection.
Cutting Force
If you are only planning to work with regular crafting materials such as paper, cardstock, or thin vinyl, then most Cricut machines are up to the task. But if you want to work with thicker materials such as acrylic, leather, or wood, you will want a Cricut machine with more cutting force.
Tools available
Along with the Cricut machine, the company also offers various tools to help you start with craft making, making working with thicker materials and fabric much easier. But not all Cricut machines are compatible with the same tools, so you must think about the kinds of crafts you’ll want to create before purchasing.
The Best Overall Cricut Machine: Cricut Maker 3
The Cricut Maker 3 is an incredibly versatile die-cutting machine that took craft-making to a new level. The Cricut Maker 3 is two times faster than its predecessor and supports matless cutting. Maker 3 is also compatible with Cricut’s new Smart materials.
It works great with silk, felt, canvas, denim, and fabric. Cricut Maker 3 can cut all of these materials with accurate precision. The Cricut Maker 3 comes in light blue and has a powerful power adapter. The cutting speed of Maker 3 is the same as the original Cricut Maker if you use traditional materials. Its matless cutting feature allows you to create larger projects up to 12×11.7 feet.
Reasons to Buy
- Twice as fast as the original Cricut Maker
- Can cut Smart materials
- Works great with thick materials and fabric.
- Supports Cricut’s latest tools, including Knife Blade and Rotary Blade
- Adaptive Tool System
- Bluetooth Connectivity feature.
Reasons to Avoid
- $100 more expensive than Cricut Explore 3
- You’ll also have to purchase accessories as most of them are not included in the package.
Alternative to Cricut Maker 3: Cricut Explore 3
If you want a cheaper alternative to Cricut Maker 3, you can go for Cricut Explore 3. At first glance, it looks a lot like the Explore Air 2, but the Explore 3 comes packed with new upgrades. Unlike its predecessor, the Explore 3 is compatible with Cricut’s Smart Materials. The machine is calibrated to work with over 100 different materials.
It’s the latest addition to the Cricut Explore series. It has all the amazing features of the previous machine, plus it comes with a wireless connectivity feature and is two times faster than the Explore Air 2. The newer model features a sleeker design and, in place of a material dial. The machine now boasts a power button, load/unload, pause, and cut buttons, simplifying the cutting process.
Reasons to Buy
- A great and inexpensive alternative to Cricut Maker 3.
- One of the cheapest works is with Smart Vinyl.
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive than the previous model.
- With a cutting mat, its cutting speed tends to get slow.
- Doesn’t come with Cricut’s Adaptive Tool System.
Runner Up: Original Cricut Maker
Cricut Maker was launched in 2017, and at that time, it was considered a game changer. New blades and materials gave a new perspective to craft making. Although the original Cricut Maker is incompatible with Smart Materials, you might not use them. It does the same job as the new Cricut Maker but is significantly cheaper.
The Cricut Maker has a new adaptive tool system that adds a set of gears to the blade. Its knife blade can cut thick materials such as balsa in a snap. At the time of release, it was considered one of the best cutting machines for fabric. The Cricut Maker features a rotary blade that gently passes over the fabric without a cutting mat. With Cricut Maker, you also get access to a sewing pattern library.
Reasons to Buy
- Less Expensive than Cricut Maker 3.
- Compatible with Rotary and Knife Blades.
- Comes with an Adaptive Tool System.
- With its 2x fast mode can cut paper and vinyl.
- Supports Bluetooth.
Reasons to Avoid
- While using the specialty blades, the machine tends to get slow.
- Not compatible with Cricut Smart Materials
- You can’t easily load your pre-existing sewing patterns into Design Space.
- Requires an internet connection.
- In the package, essential accessories are not included.
Great Value For Money: Cricut Explore Air 2
With Cricut Maker and Maker 3 in the market, Cricut Explore is still the most widely used model of Cricut cutting machine. The Explore Air 2 comes in mint green, sky blue, and pastel pink. Its 2x fast mode works great with paper, cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on. Except Cricut Maker, it cuts faster and more accurately than other Cricut machines.
Reasons to Buy
- Works great with most materials, including vinyl and paper.
- Available in three beautiful colors.
- Supports Bluetooth.
Reasons to Avoid
- It has a hard time when working with fabric.
- You can’t cut thicker materials such as balsa wood or leather.
- Doesn’t have a touchscreen.
- Requires an active internet connection.
Cricut Machine Setup 
Leave a comment