Updated October 5, 2026 by Michelle Dear-Moncrief.
ABOUT THIS POST
I buy every machine, tool, and material I use with my own money, and these are my opinions. Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more here.
Quick answer: The best Cricut for most beginners is the Cricut Joy Xtra ($179). It’s small, easy to learn, makes full-color stickers, and cuts up to 8.5″ wide. If you want to cut fabric, wood, or leather, or plan to sell crafts, get the Cricut Maker 5 ($349). If you want a full-size machine for vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock, get the Cricut Explore 5 ($199).
Not sure which one fits you? My free workbook, Finding Your Perfect Cricut, asks a few simple questions and points you to the right machine.
Which Cricut should a beginner buy?
It depends on what you want to make. Here’s the short version.
(Prices are Cricut.com prices as of Oct 2, 2026. Cricut runs sales several times a year, so check before you buy.)
| Machine | Price (for machine only) | Best for | My Take |
| Cricut Joy 2 | $99 | Cards, labels, small decals on a tight budget | The lowest-cost way to start. Cuts up to 4.5″ wide. |
| Cricut Joy Xtra | $179 | Stickers, cards, labels, small shirts | My top pick for most beginners. Cuts up to 8.5″ wide. |
| Cricut Explore 5 | $199 | Vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, full-size projects | Full-size and easy. Good if you don’t need thick materials. |
| Cricut Maker 5 | $349 | Fabric, wood, leather, selling crafts, “I want to make everything” | Does it all. Worth it if you’ll grow into it. |
| Cricut Maker 4 | $379 | Same as Maker 5 | Still a great machine. Right now it costs more than the Maker 5. |
Want a large, commercial machine? This guide is for hobby crafters. For a 24-inch commercial cutter, I recommend the Siser Romeo. Cricut’s commercial machine is the Cricut Venture.
How do I choose the right Cricut?
Ask yourself these four questions. Jot down your answers.
- What do you want to make? Stickers and cards? Shirts and mugs? Fabric, leather, or wood?
- Do you want to sell what you make? Now or someday?
- What’s your budget? Remember to save some for tools and materials. (See The Best Cricut Tools for Beginners.)
- How much space do you have? A corner of the kitchen table, a closet, or a whole room?
Your answers point to a machine family:
- Small projects, small space, small budget: Joy 2 or Joy Xtra
- Full-size vinyl, iron-on, and paper projects: Explore 5
- Fabric, thick materials, or selling crafts: Maker 5
My free workbook, Finding Your Perfect Cricut, walks you through these questions step by step.
Which Cricut did I buy first?
When I first looked at cutting machines, I felt completely overwhelmed. I researched every brand and bought a Silhouette Cameo Plus because, on paper, it did more.
Then I tried to use it. I didn’t just need to learn the machine. I didn’t know the basic words and ideas of die-cut crafting yet. I felt defeated and put it away.
Eventually I gave myself permission to try Cricut. I bought a Cricut Maker, took a course on Cricut Design Space, and finally started making things. Silhouette makes great machines and software, and I still use mine. But as a total beginner, I needed something easier to learn. Cricut was the right first choice for me.
Since then, I’ve bought the Maker 3, Explore 3, Explore Air 2, Joy, and Joy Xtra so I can teach on as many machines as possible.
Note
Cricut released the Joy 2, Explore 5, and Maker 5 in 2026. I haven’t used them yet, so the details below come from Cricut’s published specs, not my own testing. I’ll update this post when I’ve had my hands on them.
My favorite? The Cricut Joy Xtra. It’s the machine I reach for most.
Cricut Joy Xtra work with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock. It's compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs. It cuts intricate designs with precision, and writes, draws, foils, scores, and more.
Why is the Cricut Joy Xtra my top pick for beginners?
- It’s affordable. At $179, you have money left over for tools and materials.
- It’s small. It fits on a desk or kitchen table and is light enough to move.
- It makes full-color stickers. Print your design on a home inkjet printer, and the Joy Xtra cuts around it. (This is called Print Then Cut. It’s not the best first project, but it’s great once you know your machine.)
- It can also make temporary tattoos.
- It cuts up to 8.5″ wide. That fits letter-size sticker sheets and all of Cricut’s Insert and Cutaway card sizes.
- It works with 75+ materials, including vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and sticker paper.
What it can’t do: It can’t score (fold lines for cards), cut fabric or thick materials, or cut wider than 8.5″. If you need those, look at the Explore 5 or Maker 5.
What about the Cricut Joy 2?
Cricut Joy 2 is the next generation of our ultra-compact cutting machine — perfect for quick, everyday projects like custom cards, simple decals & labels. Plus, it works with your home inkjet printer to help you create full-color stickers.
The Joy 2 ($99) is Cricut’s newest and smallest machine. It now does Print Then Cut and scoring, which the original Joy couldn’t. It cuts up to 4.5″ wide and works with 75+ materials.
Choose the Joy 2 if you mostly want cards, labels, and small decals, and $99 is your limit. Choose the Joy Xtra if you want bigger stickers and cards. It’s still my pick. (I haven’t tested the Joy 2 yet. These details are from Cricut’s specs.)
Is the Cricut Explore 5 good for beginners?
Cricut Explore 5 is the newest generation of our Cricut Explore machines—perfect for making a variety of projects like custom decals, personalized apparel, full-color stickers, cards, and more. 30% more compact than previous models, with a new look and simplified interface for a more intuitive experience – all with the same dependable 12 in (30.5 cm) cutting performance.
Yes, if you want a full-size machine and don’t need thick materials. The Explore 5 ($199) is Cricut’s newest Explore machine.
- Cuts up to 11.5″ wide on a mat (11.7″ with Cricut Smart Materials)
- Works with 100+ materials, including vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and sticker paper
- Uses 6 tools to cut, write, score, and foil
- Cuts up to 1.5mm thick with the Deep Cutting Tool (sold separately)
- Makes long cuts without a mat when you use Smart Materials
- 30% more compact than the Explore 4
Choose the Explore 5 if you want to make shirts, vinyl decals, and paper crafts at full size. Skip it if you want to cut fabric without backing, or wood, leather, or chipboard. (I haven’t tested the Explore 5 yet. These details are from Cricut’s specs.)
Should a beginner buy the Cricut Maker 5?
MAKE WITH 300+ MATERIALS - Precision-cuts popular materials like vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and fabric, plus thicker materials up to 3 mm, including leather and foam core board. It also engraves materials up to 3 mm, like metal, acrylic, and more.
Buy the Maker 5 ($349) if any of these are true:
- You want to cut fabric for sewing or quilting. The Rotary Blade cuts fabric with no backing needed.
- You want to cut thick materials like leather, balsa wood, basswood, or chipboard. The Maker 5 cuts up to 3mm thick.
- You want to engrave, deboss, perforate, or make wavy edges. It works with 13 tools.
- You plan to sell crafts and want speed. It cuts up to 14.1 inches per second.
- You’re not sure yet what you’ll make, and you want room to grow.
It’s also 30% more compact than the Cricut Maker 4. Heads up: the Maker 5 uses a new Scoring Tool. The older Scoring Stylus doesn’t work with it.
What about the Maker 4?
Maker 4 works with 300+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on HTV, cardstock, & stickers. It also works with more advanced materials like leather, matboard, & more. Maker 4 not only cuts, but it also draws, foils, scores, engraves, debosses & more.
It’s still a great machine, and it cuts at the same top speed. But right now the Maker 5 costs less, is smaller, and cuts thicker materials. Compare prices before you buy. (I haven’t tested the Maker 5 yet. These details are from Cricut’s specs. I’ve used the original Maker and the Maker 3.)
Want to learn what each blade and tool does? Read my Guide to All Cricut Blades.
Can I buy an older Cricut, like the Explore Air 2 or Maker 3?
You can, but only as a refurbished or open-box machine. Cricut no longer sells the Explore Air 2, Explore 3, Explore 4, original Maker, Maker 3, or original Joy new.
My advice: Buy refurbished directly from Cricut so you get a warranty. The Explore Air 2 was my favorite for years, and it’s still a great machine if you find a good deal.
Skip used machines from Facebook Marketplace. A used machine may be bricked (rendered nonfunctional by Cricut, Inc.), locked to someone else’s account, or out of warranty, and you may not find out until it won’t work.
What else will I need besides the machine?
Your Cricut is just the start. Plan for these too:
- Cricut Design Space. This free app is how you send designs to your Cricut to cut. Every Cricut needs it. It’s made for beginners, and Cricut keeps improving it. Join the waitlist for my upcoming course, Mastering Cricut Design Space, and get early access and a discount.
- Designs and fonts. When you’re new, you won’t be designing projects from scratch. Cricut Access gives you thousands of ready-to-make images, fonts, and projects. Read Cricut Access: Do You Need It? before you buy.
- Tools. A weeding tool, scraper, and a few mats. See The Best Cricut Tools for Beginners and my Guide to Cricut Cutting Mats.
- Materials. Vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. You don’t have to buy Cricut brand. Read Types of Adhesive Vinyl, The Best Permanent Vinyl, and Types of Heat Transfer Vinyl.
- A heat press, maybe. A household iron works for most iron-on projects you make for yourself. For sublimation or selling, you’ll want a heat press. You don’t need Cricut brand. See Everything You Need for Sublimation.
Want everything in one place? My Smart Start Smart Sheets are printable cheat sheets that sit next to your Cricut and answer the questions every beginner asks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest Cricut for a beginner to use?
The Cricut Joy Xtra and Joy 2 are the easiest to set up and learn. They’re small, have fewer tools to learn, and work well for simple projects like cards, labels, and stickers.
Which Cricut is best for making shirts?
Any Cricut can cut iron-on (heat transfer vinyl) for shirts. The Joy Xtra works for small designs up to 8.5″ wide. For full-size shirt designs, choose the Explore 5 or Maker 5.
Which Cricut is best for stickers?
The Cricut Joy Xtra. It prints-then-cuts letter-size sticker sheets and is my top pick for beginners. It can also make temporary tattoos.
Do I need Cricut Access?
Check out what comes with each Cricut Machine on Cricut’s website.
You don’t have to have it, but most beginners should get it. It gives you thousands of ready-to-make designs, fonts, and projects, so you have something to make on day one. You can try it free for 30 days. Read Cricut Access: Do You Need It?
Can I use a Chromebook with Cricut Design Space?
No. Cricut doesn’t officially support Chromebooks. Design Space runs on Windows and Mac computers, and there’s an app for iPhone, iPad, and Android.
Do I need the internet to use my Cricut?
Yes, for almost everything. You need the internet to set up your machine and use most of Design Space. Save your projects in the Cricut cloud and on your computer so you can open them offline.
My computer doesn’t have Bluetooth. What do I do?
The Explore and Maker machines can connect with a USB cable. All Joy machines, including the Joy 2 and Joy Xtra, connect by Bluetooth only. There’s no cable option. If your computer doesn’t have Bluetooth, you can buy an inexpensive Bluetooth adapter.
Should I buy the Cricut Venture as a beginner?
No. The Venture is a large, commercial machine. It’s hard to store, has a long learning curve, and it isn’t the machine I’d choose for a craft business. If you need a commercial cutter, I recommend the Siser Romeo.
Ready to Choose?
Grab my free workbook, Finding Your Perfect Cricut. Answer a few questions, and you’ll know which Cricut fits the crafts you want to make. If you still have questions, email me at hello@makerscornercrafts.com. I’m happy to help you double-check your choice.
Happy crafting!
Michelle Dear-Moncrief
Owner and Publisher, Makers Corner Crafts
Please pin this post if it was helpful for you so others can find it, too! Thanks!
I am wanting to make tee shirt and sweatshirts with pictures and lettering also want to try making eyeglass toppers (they are for pair Eyeware). I really do not need it for anything else and thinking that I can make the toppers from cardstock once I have the form and all would only be for me and my family so doesn’t need to be fast and the best. looking for the have to have and not “nice” to have. was thinking the joy? thoughts
Hi Tinelle. Thanks for commenting!
If you are only wanting to cut cardstock and vinyl for friends and family, you can choose the Cricut Explore Air 2 or the Explore Air 3. The Maker line will allow for thicker cuts though. Is it possible in the future you might branch out into other types of crafts that require thicker materials? If so, you may want to choose from the Cricut Maker line. Otherwise, for vinyl and cardstock, if you want to make long cuts, opt for the Cricut Explore Air 3, as you can cut vinyl without a mat on this machine. Otherwise, you can use 12″ and 24″ mats for the Cricut Explore Air 2 for vinyl and cardstock. Have a great weekend!
Thank You for your very informational video. I think I am getting the “Cricut Bug” (LOL) and looking into Buying my Very First Cricut. Want to mainly do Iron on Transfers for Tshirts, Sweat shirts, Sweat pants and Leggings. And maybe cards. And then branch out and do Other things. I think I’ve Finally settled on getting the Cricut Explore Air 2. Can’t wait to get started!!
Janet Cain
Thanks so much for commenting, Janet! The Cricut Explore Air 2 will be the perfect cutting machine for your interests. If you plan on buying directly from Cricut.com and want to save some money, check out their refurbished machines. They just started selling refurbished and the prices are pretty good. Let me know if you need any other help or have any questions. I love hearing from you all!
I love to hear the thoughts of other crafts about which Cricut is the best one, or the right one for each person.
Personally, if I was getting my first Cricut today I would recommend the Cricut Maker . . . NOT the Maker 3. Also, I would not recommend the Maker 3 to anyone that is planning to use it professionally/to make things to sell.
Here is why.
The only real difference between the Maker and the Maker 3 is that the 3 can cut matless, do long continuous cuts BUT you have to use Cricut Smart materials in order to do this. The Cricut Smart materials cost more, so if you are selling you make less profit. Also, there are other brands of vinyl that are better and easier to use so I would not recommend the 3 to a beginner. They could become frustrated with the vinyl, and think that they are doing something wrong.
Just my thoughts on the topic
Hi Shawn. I follow a lot of industry and thought leaders in our niche, and you are included in that group. I consider it an honor that you commented on my post.
I agree with you regarding the Cricut Maker and Maker 3. This year, I have noticed that Cricut Maker inventory has run out more frequently and is slower to replenish than in years previous, and I wondered if Cricut was softly phasing out the Maker in deference to the Maker 3. I can’t answer that question, but if someone is determined to get a Cricut cutting machine and wants to have all the functionality of the QuickSwap tools, and Maker inventory is low or sold out, they either must get a Cricut Maker 3 or consider other brand options.
In the case of an experienced crafter, I would recommend considering a Silhouette Cameo. But for a new crafter that struggles with technology or advanced concepts, the Silhoeutte Cameo and its software may be too much of a leap for them for their first adventure into electronic cutting machine crafts. In this case, I would go ahead and recommend a Cricut Maker 3.
I am not fond of Smart Materials, and I cut on the mat almost exclusively with my Cricut machines. I do have a Silhouette Cameo Pro as well, and it cuts matless, but my crafting hasn’t really necessitated the speed of matless cutting. I feel comfortable with my adhesive vinyl recommendations after determining which brands gave the best results in my testing, and can be found in my post, The Best Permanent Vinyl for Cricut.
My favorite everyday machine is my Cricut Joy Xtra. It’s a workhorse with a small footprint, and can handle most of my cutting needs. The best performing machine I have is my Cricut Explore Air 2. That’s the machine that I reach for when I need to make larger cuts. I prefer it out of all of my cutting machines. I think the Explore Air 2 is a solid performer and the best machine model that Cricut sells.
I recently purchased a Cricut Explore 3. I have had connection issues with it, and it hasn’t impressed me, but it gets the job done.
I really appreciate your input, and I completely agree with your assessment. Have a wonderful week!