Cricut Cutting Machines: Complete 2026 Lineup Guide
Cricut makes five different machines in 2026. Here's a complete breakdown of every model — what each does, who it's for, and how much it costs — so you can make the right call before spending a dollar.
Current Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Price | Best For | Max Cut Size | Specialty Tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricut Joy | ~$99 | Cards, labels, small projects | 4.5" wide | None |
| Cricut Explore 3 | ~$319 | Budget vinyl and paper crafters | 12" x 24" | None |
| Cricut Explore 4 | ~$249 | Everyday crafting, vinyl businesses | 12" x 24" | None |
| Cricut Maker 4 | ~$399 | Sewers, leather, wood, thick materials | 12" x 24" | Rotary, Knife, Engraving |
| Cricut Venture | ~$999 | Professional shops, bulk cutting | 12" x 10 feet | None |
All five models run through Cricut Design Space (free), connect via Bluetooth, cut 100+ materials, and support SVG files. All current models also support Smart Materials for mat-free cutting on long continuous pieces.
Cricut Joy — Best for Small Projects and Crafting On the Go
Price: ~$99
The Cricut Joy is Cricut's smallest machine. It fits in a tote bag, runs without a cutting mat using Smart Materials, and takes about 30 seconds to set up.
- Cuts up to 4.5" wide
- Compatible with Smart Materials for mat-free cutting
- Works with vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock
- Connects via Bluetooth only — no USB needed
- Lightweight enough for craft nights or classes
The Joy is purpose-built for small, repeatable projects. If you're cutting 12-inch designs, making full shirts, or working with thick materials like balsa wood or leather, the Joy isn't the right tool. It's a specialist, not an all-rounder.
Best for: labels, cards, small decals, and anyone who crafts on the go.
Cricut Explore 3 — Best Budget Full-Size Option
Price: ~$319
The Cricut Explore 3 is the previous-generation Explore. It cuts 100+ materials up to 12" x 24", connects wirelessly, and handles the full range of everyday crafting: vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, fabric with a stabilizer, and light chipboard.
- 12" x 24" cutting area
- Cuts 2x faster than older Explore models
- Dual tool holder (cut and score or draw simultaneously)
- Compatible with the full Cricut accessory lineup
The Explore 4 is faster, quieter, and includes a built-in storage drawer. If you're buying new, the Explore 4 is the better investment at a lower price. But if you find the Explore 3 on sale or secondhand, it's still a capable machine that handles most projects without compromise.
Best for: budget-conscious buyers who want a full-size machine.
Cricut Explore 4 — Best for Everyday Crafting and Vinyl Businesses
Price: ~$249
The Cricut Explore 4 is Cricut's newest Explore model. It's noticeably quieter than the Explore 3, cuts faster, and adds a built-in storage drawer that keeps blades, pens, and scoring wheels from going missing.
- Cuts 100+ materials up to 12" x 24"
- Faster cutting speed than the Explore 3
- Quieter motor, noticeably so during long cutting sessions
- Built-in accessory storage drawer
- Compatible with Smart Materials for mat-free cutting
Why choose it over the Explore 3: the price is actually lower, and the quality-of-life improvements (noise, speed, storage) add up quickly if you cut regularly. For anyone buying new, the Explore 4 is the obvious pick.
Best for: vinyl businesses, everyday crafters, and anyone starting fresh.
Not sure which one you need? Read our full Cricut Maker vs Explore guide — it breaks down the decision with a 4-question framework that takes 5 minutes to work through.
Cricut Maker 4 — Best for Sewers, Leather, and Thick Materials
Price: ~$399
The Cricut Maker 4 is the latest and most capable Maker model as of 2026. It's built around one core advantage over the Explore line: specialty tools. It supports 13+ tools that the Explore 4 simply can't use.
- Rotary Blade: cuts fabric without a stabilizer — a genuine game-changer for sewers and quilters
- Knife Blade: cuts through balsa wood, thick leather, and chipboard up to 3mm
- Engraving Tip: engraves metal blanks, foil, and leather
- Debossing and Perforation tips for advanced paper crafts
- 10x the cutting force of the Explore 4
- 12" x 24" cutting area with Smart Materials support
The Explore 4 handles everything most crafters ever need. The Maker 4 only makes sense if you'll actually use the specialty tools. Sewers, leather workers, and anyone doing engraving will get full value. If you mostly cut vinyl and cardstock, the Explore 4 is the smarter buy.
Best for: sewers, mixed-media crafters, leather workers, and anyone who needs the Rotary or Knife Blade.
Cricut Venture — Best for High-Volume Commercial Cutting
Price: ~$999
The Cricut Venture is a professional large-format machine. It cuts up to 12" wide and 10 feet long, making it the only Cricut designed for bulk production and commercial work.
- 12" x 10-foot max cut length
- Significantly faster cutting speed than home machines
- Designed for high-volume vinyl, heat transfer, and paper cutting
- Larger footprint, commercial-grade build
The Venture is priced and sized for small businesses running daily production. If you're cutting 50 shirts a week or running a custom decal shop, it makes sense. For home crafting, the cost and size don't justify it — the Explore 4 or Maker 4 will serve you far better.
Best for: small business owners, print shops, and high-volume producers.
How to Choose: The Right Machine in 4 Questions
Full Machine Comparison
What Every Cricut Machine Has in Common
Regardless of which model you pick, all five share the same core features:
- Cricut Design Space — the free design software (desktop and mobile) you use to upload, edit, and send designs to your machine
- Bluetooth connectivity — all current models are wireless
- 100+ compatible materials — vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, fabric, and more
- SVG file compatibility — the standard format for crisp, scalable Cricut designs
New to SVG files? Start with Everything You Need to Know About SVG Files. When you're ready to make your own, How to Create SVG Files for Cricut covers every method from beginner to advanced.
Where to Buy and When to Get the Best Price
Best times to buy:
- Black Friday — biggest discounts of the year, often 30 to 40% off
- Prime Day (July) — reliable discounts on all models
- Back-to-school season (August) — good deals on Explore and Joy
Where to buy:
- Cricut.com for bundles and new releases
- Amazon for fast shipping and frequent deals
- Michaels and Joann for in-store pickup and coupon stacking
Cricut machines go on sale regularly. If you're not in a rush, waiting for a sale on the Explore 4 or Maker 4 can save up to $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cricut machine is best for beginners?
The Cricut Explore 4 is the best starting point for most beginners. It handles vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and paper — the materials beginners use most — at a fair price with no unnecessary complexity. The Cricut Joy is a good second option if budget is tight or workspace is limited.
Is the Cricut Maker worth the extra cost over the Explore?
Only if you'll use the specialty tools. The Rotary Blade (fabric), Knife Blade (balsa wood, thick leather), and Engraving Tip are exclusive to the Maker and genuinely powerful. If your projects are vinyl, iron-on, and paper, the Explore 4 handles them just as well for $150 less.
Can I use any Cricut machine for a small business?
Yes. The Explore 4 is the most popular choice for vinyl decal and sticker businesses. The Maker 4 suits apparel and mixed-material product lines. The Venture is designed specifically for high-volume commercial operations. All three connect to Design Space and support SVG files.
What is the difference between Cricut Smart Materials and regular materials?
Smart Materials are Cricut's mat-free cutting system. Load them directly into the machine without a cutting mat and cut lengths up to 12 feet. Regular materials require a cutting mat to hold them flat during cutting. All current Cricut models support Smart Materials for their compatible sizes.
Does Cricut Design Space cost money?
No. Cricut Design Space is free to download and use. Cricut Access is an optional paid subscription ($9.99/month or $119.99/year) that unlocks Cricut's built-in image and font library. You can use your machine entirely without it by uploading your own SVG files and free designs.