6 Best Cricut Machine Models 2026 in the United States

The Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine, particularly in the Engagement Plus Bundle, is a versatile tool for arts and crafts enthusiasts. It stands out with a range of features that make it suitable for various creative projects. One of its strengths is its compatibility with over 100 materials, including vinyl, iron-on HTV, and cardstock, making it a go-to for a diverse array of crafting needs.

The included EasyPress 3 Heat Press (9x9) adds to its value, providing professional-level heat-transfer results that are durable and long-lasting. This bundle also comes with essential tools and materials, such as pens, mats, and samplers, which are great for those just starting out or looking to expand their crafting toolkit. An additional advantage is its compatibility with the Cricut Design Space app, which is user-friendly and guides you through the process of selecting materials and tools, enhancing the user's experience. It supports iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, making it accessible to a broad audience.

However, the machine is relatively heavy at 33 pounds, which might be a drawback for those with limited space or who need to move it frequently. Additionally, while the software is free, accessing some of the more advanced features and additional images may require a subscription, which could be a downside for budget-conscious users. In terms of cutting force and size, the Explore 4 performs well, but users looking for industrial-level cutting power might find it lacking. In summary, the Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine is a robust option for hobbyists and crafters, offering a comprehensive bundle of tools and features that cater to a wide range of creative projects.

The Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine in Seashell is a versatile tool for crafting enthusiasts, especially those passionate about precision and variety in their projects. One of its standout features is the ability to work with over 300 materials, from everyday vinyl and cardstock to more challenging materials like leather and matboard. This makes it a highly versatile option for those looking to explore diverse crafting techniques such as cutting, drawing, foiling, scoring, engraving, and debossing. The inclusion of the EasyPress 3 Heat Press in the bundle adds an extra dimension, allowing for professional heat-transfer results on various fabrics and materials, which is ideal for creating custom apparel and home décor items.

A key strength of the Maker 4 is its cutting force, which ensures clean and precise cuts across different materials. Coupled with its generous cutting size, it accommodates a wide range of project sizes, catering well to both hobbyists and small business owners. The machine's connectivity and software capabilities are bolstered by the Design Space App, offering a user-friendly interface for crafting designs and accessing digital content.

Potential users should be mindful of its 34.9-pound weight and considerable size, which could be cumbersome for those with limited workspace. Despite these spatial considerations, the machine's automatic operation mode streamlines the crafting process, reducing manual input and the risk of errors. The Cricut Maker 4 is best suited for serious crafters who value flexibility and precision, and who have the space to accommodate its size. The added tools and materials in the Engagement Plus Bundle make it an attractive package for anyone looking to dive deep into the world of crafting.

The Cricut Joy Xtra Digital Version is a compact and versatile craft machine ideal for beginners and casual crafters. It supports over 50 materials including popular options like vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock, which covers most basic crafting needs. Its active cutting area is about 96 square inches, suitable for small to medium projects but not large-scale cutting. While exact cutting force details aren’t highlighted, its ability to write, draw, foil, and score adds creative flexibility beyond just cutting.

The machine connects seamlessly with the free Design Space software, available on both desktop and mobile, making it easy to design and personalize projects even without prior experience. This software offers helpful beginner guides, thousands of images, fonts, and projects, plus optional access to a larger library if you want more options. Another nice feature is the print-then-cut capability, which lets you print designs on your home inkjet printer and then precisely cut them with the Cricut.

Weighing nine pounds and reasonably sized, it’s portable and fits on most work tables. If you’re looking to handle heavy-duty materials or larger cuts, this model may feel limited. The Cricut Joy Xtra is a smart choice for hobbyists who want an easy-to-use machine for everyday creative projects, with plenty of software support and fun features, but it’s not designed for heavy or large-scale crafting tasks.