Which Cricut to buy
Joy, Explore or Maker
For most people, get the Cricut Explore 5 (Deluxe Bundle). Cricut sells small, mid and premium cutting machines, and the names are confusing. We lined up the Joy Xtra, Explore 5, Explore 4, Maker 4 and Maker 5 so you can pick the one that fits your projects and budget.
How we picked: we shortlist by Amazon Best Seller rank and number of ratings, then compare published specs. We don't test these products hands-on.
By Jamilur Rahman, Founder & Editor · Updated October 22, 2026
- Owner reviews checked
- Features side by side
- Quick & easy compare
- Smarter purchase
The short answer
For most people, buy the Cricut Explore 5. It is the newest Explore, it cuts 100+ materials such as vinyl, iron-on and cardstock, it prints and cuts full-color stickers, and the Deluxe bundle in this listing includes starter materials. If you only want cards, labels and small vinyl decals, the Joy Xtra is the cheaper, smaller way in. If you want to cut leather, wood or fabric, step up to the Maker 4 or the newer Maker 5.
Here is the quick way to choose. Pick the Joy Xtra for a small desk and a small budget. Pick the Explore 5 for shirts, decals, stickers and wedding DIY. Pick the Explore 4 bundle if you want the older Explore for less and do not mind that it is last generation. Pick the Maker 4 or Maker 5 if you plan to cut thick materials or sell what you make. Both Makers list 300+ materials.
Do not buy a Maker just because it is the top model. If you only cut vinyl, iron-on and paper, the extra material support goes unused and the Explore 5 does the same job for less. Also skip the Joy Xtra if you want to make full-size shirts or big decals, because it works with US Letter and A4 sized materials. We looked for a current Cricut Venture machine on Amazon and could not find one, so it is not in this lineup.
How we picked: we compared the current Cricut machines sold on Amazon and checked each listing for supported materials, tools and what is in the box. We have not tested them hands-on, so this guide reflects the listings and what owners report. Checked October 2026.
Compare them side by side
Everything that matters, in one table. Swipe to see all 5.
| Product | Best Overall Cricut Explore 5 (Deluxe Bundle) Everyday cutting machine |  Best for Thick Materials Cricut Maker 4 (Digital Content Bundle) Premium cutting machine |  Newest Maker Cricut Maker 5 (Deluxe Bundle) Newest premium machine |  Best Older Explore Cricut Explore 4 (Vinyl and Iron-On Bundle) Previous-generation Explore |  Best Budget Cricut Joy Xtra Small starter machine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore | 92 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 89 / 100 | 85 / 100 | 84 / 100 |
| Best for | Beginners making shirts, decals and stickers | Leather, wood and fabric crafters | Crafters who want the newest Maker | Beginners who want a lower price | Cards, labels and small decals |
| Typical price (checked October 22, 2026) | $230–$330 | $360–$400 | $430–$470 | $220–$240 | $170–$190 |
| Materials | 100+ materials | 300+ materials | 300+ materials | 100+ materials | 50+ materials |
| Size | 12 in (30.5 cm) cutting width | See listing | 12 in (30.5 cm) cutting width | See listing | US Letter and A4 sized materials |
| Tools | Six tools | Cuts, draws, foils, scores, engraves, debosses, perforates | 13 tools | Writes, scores, foils and cuts with extra tools | Cuts, draws, foils and more |
| Print Then Cut | Yes | Yes | See listing | Yes | Yes |
| Listing bundle | Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, cardstock, insert cards, printable vinyl | Fine-Point Blade, pen, Light Grip mat, weeder, sampler, 30 bonus images | Scoring, engraving and deep-cutting tools, Printable Vinyl, insert cards, 25 bonus images | Mat, pen, fine point blade, weeding tool, vinyl and iron-on sheets, digital guide | Machine only (this listing) |
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BeastScore here is our overall rating out of 100, based on published specs and Amazon owner reviews. Prices change daily, so tap "View on Amazon" for today's price. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Why each one made the list
What each pick does best, where it falls short, and the typical Amazon price when we checked.
- 1. Best Overall
Cricut Explore 5 (Deluxe Bundle)
BeastScore 92 / 100Typically $230–$330 on Amazon (checked October 22, 2026)The Explore 5 is the Cricut to buy for most people. The listing calls it the newest generation of the Explore line, with a 12-inch cutting width, 100+ materials and six tools, and says it is 30% more compact than previous models. It cuts vinyl, iron-on, cardstock and printable materials, and it writes, draws, foils and scores. You design in Cricut Design Space on your phone or computer over Bluetooth, and the app walks you through projects step by step. The Deluxe bundle adds Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, cardstock, insert card sets and printable vinyl, so you can start on day one. The limits are material range compared with the Maker line, and the full image library needs a paid subscription. For shirts, stickers, cards and wedding signs, it is the sweet spot.
Pros- Easiest app for beginners
- Bundle includes starter materials
- Print Then Cut for full-color stickers
Cons- Fewer materials than the Makers
- Full image library needs a subscription
- Deep-cut tool is sold separately
- 2. Best for Thick Materials
Cricut Maker 4 (Digital Content Bundle)
BeastScore 90 / 100Typically $360–$400 on Amazon (checked October 22, 2026)The Maker 4 is for people who want to cut almost anything. The listing says it works with 300+ materials, including leather, wood, vinyl, iron-on HTV and cardstock. It also draws, foils, scores, engraves, debosses and perforates. It uses the same free Design Space app as the Explore line, and Print Then Cut works with most inkjet printers. This Digital Content bundle includes a Fine-Point Blade, a Light Grip mat, a pen, a weeder, a materials sampler and 30 bonus images. It costs more than the Explore 5, and that is the main reason to think twice. If you only cut vinyl, iron-on and paper, you will not use the extra range. If you want leather keychains, wood signs or fabric projects, it is the machine to get.
Pros- 300+ supported materials per the listing
- Engraves, debosses and perforates too
- Starter tools and materials in the box
Cons- Costs well above the Explore 5
- Extra range wasted on vinyl-only crafters
- Full image library is a paid add-on
- 3. Newest Maker
Cricut Maker 5 (Deluxe Bundle)
BeastScore 89 / 100Typically $430–$470 on Amazon (checked October 22, 2026)The Maker 5 is the newest Maker, and the Deluxe bundle in this listing packs in a lot. It lists 300+ materials, cuts thicker materials up to 3 mm such as leather and foam core, and engraves materials such as metal and acrylic up to 3 mm. It works with 13 tools, and the bundle includes the Scoring Tool, Engraving Tool and Deep Cutting Tool, plus Printable Vinyl, insert card sets and 25 bonus images. The listing says it is 30% more compact than previous models, with the same 12-inch cutting performance. You get the same Design Space app as the other Cricuts. The catch is the price, and this listing has fewer reviews because it is new. If you want the most capable machine and the tools in the box, buy it. If the Maker 4 already does what you need, save money there.
Pros- Cuts and engraves up to 3 mm
- Deep-cut, scoring and engraving tools in the bundle
- More compact than older Makers
Cons- Highest price in this lineup
- Newer listing, so fewer owner reports
- Overkill for vinyl-only projects
- 4. Best Older Explore
Cricut Explore 4 (Vinyl and Iron-On Bundle)
BeastScore 85 / 100Typically $220–$240 on Amazon (checked October 22, 2026)The Explore 4 is the older Explore, and the Explore 5 has replaced it. Even so, this bundle is a live Amazon listing and can cost less. The listing says it cuts 100+ materials, runs up to 2X faster than earlier models and recognizes inkjet-printed images for full-color stickers. The box includes a cutting mat, a pen, a Fine-Point Blade, a mini weeding tool, sample vinyl and iron-on sheets, and a digital guide. This is a bundle from a third-party seller, so check who is selling it and what the warranty covers before you buy. If the price gap to the Explore 5 is big, it is a solid beginner machine. If the gap is small, get the Explore 5 and the newer design.
Pros- Often cheaper than the Explore 5
- Starter vinyl and iron-on in the box
- Same Design Space app
Cons- Older generation, replaced by the Explore 5
- Third-party bundle, so check the seller
- Digital guide only, no printed manual
- 5. Best Budget
Cricut Joy Xtra
BeastScore 84 / 100Typically $170–$190 on Amazon (checked October 22, 2026)The Joy Xtra is the cheapest Cricut here and the easiest to fit on a small desk. The listing says it works with 50+ materials, including vinyl, iron-on HTV, cardstock and stickers, and that it cuts, draws and foils. It supports Print Then Cut with most inkjet printers, so you can make full-color stickers, and it works with US Letter and A4 sized materials. You use the same free Design Space app as the bigger Cricuts, so you can move up later without learning a new program. The trade-off is size: you will not cut a full-size shirt design or a long banner on it. This listing is the machine only, so budget for vinyl, mats and a weeding tool. For labels, cards, small decals and kids’ projects, it is a good fit.
Pros- Lowest price in the lineup
- Compact and easy to store
- Print Then Cut for stickers
Cons- Small project size
- Only 50+ materials
- Machine only, so supplies cost extra
All 5 compared, in one look
See every pick on one chart, or tap one to put it head to head with Cricut Explore 5 (Deluxe Bundle). Ratings out of 10 are our estimates from published specs and Amazon owner reviews, not hands-on tests. Bigger shape = better.
- MaterialsTie
- Project sizeTie
- Beginner friendlyCricut Explore 5 (Deluxe Bundle) · 9.6/10
- ToolsCricut Maker 5 (Deluxe Bundle) · 9.8/10
- CompactCricut Joy Xtra · 9.4/10
- ValueCricut Joy Xtra · 9.4/10
Who wins where
The winner of each category, based on published specs and Amazon owner reviews. Pick the rounds that matter to you.
- Round 1
Best for beginners
Cricut Explore 5 (Deluxe Bundle) winsThe Explore 5 gives you the newest design, a 12-inch width and a bundle with starter materials. Every Cricut here uses the same Design Space app, so the machine is the only real choice.
- Round 2
Best for stickers
Cricut Explore 5 (Deluxe Bundle) winsThe Explore 5 lists Print Then Cut with a 12-inch width, which is the best balance of sheet size and price. The Joy Xtra also lists Print Then Cut for smaller sticker sheets.
- Round 3
Best for shirts and iron-on
Cricut Explore 5 (Deluxe Bundle) winsA 12-inch machine covers most shirt designs, and the Explore 5 bundle includes Smart Iron-On. The Joy Xtra is too small for most full-size shirt prints.
- Round 4
Most materials
Cricut Maker 5 (Deluxe Bundle) winsBoth Makers list 300+ materials. The Maker 5 adds 13 tools, 3 mm cutting and engraving, and the Deep Cutting Tool in the bundle.
- Round 5
Lowest price
Cricut Joy Xtra winsThe Joy Xtra is the cheapest way into Cricut. If you want something bigger on a budget, the older Explore 4 bundle costs less than the Explore 5.
Which one should you buy?
Find your situation below. That's your pick.
- You want the easiest start
- You make shirts, decals and stickers
- You want starter materials in the box
- You cut leather, wood or fabric
- You want to engrave and deboss
- You want a Maker for less than the Maker 5
- You want the newest Maker
- You want cutting tools included
- You plan to sell your crafts
- You want a 12-inch machine for less
- You are fine with the last generation
- You want starter vinyl and iron-on
- You have a small desk and budget
- You make cards, labels and small decals
- You want to try Cricut first
Cricut Explore 5 (Deluxe Bundle)
The newest Explore is easy to learn, cuts 100+ materials, prints and cuts stickers, and the Deluxe bundle includes starter supplies.
- 12 in cutting width
- 100+ materials
- Starter bundle included
Quick tips before you buy
Blades, mats, vinyl and iron-on add up fast. Check what is in each bundle before you compare prices.
A 12-inch machine covers most shirts and decals. Only pick the Joy Xtra if your projects fit on a Letter or A4 sheet.
Some bundles are sold by third parties. Check who ships it and what the warranty covers.
Design Space is free and runs on a phone or computer. Open it before you buy to see if you like the workflow.
Quick answers
Which Cricut should a beginner buy?+
The Explore 5 Deluxe bundle is the best start for most beginners. It has a 12-inch width, 100+ materials and starter supplies in the box. If you only want small projects and the lowest price, the Joy Xtra is the budget start.
Which Cricut is best for stickers?+
The Explore 5 is the best all-round pick for stickers. It supports Print Then Cut with your home inkjet printer, so you print full-color designs and the machine cuts around them. The Joy Xtra also lists Print Then Cut for smaller sticker sheets.
Which Cricut is best for shirts and iron-on?+
The Explore 5 is the best for shirts. A 12-inch width fits most shirt designs, and the Deluxe bundle includes Smart Iron-On. You will also need a heat press or iron. The Joy Xtra is too small for most full-size shirt designs.
Which Cricut is best for wedding DIY?+
The Explore 5 handles most wedding projects, such as signs, labels, cards and favor tags, with vinyl and cardstock. Pick a Maker 4 or Maker 5 if you want to cut wood, leather or other thick materials.
Which Cricut Maker should I buy, Maker 4 or Maker 5?+
Both list 300+ materials. The Maker 5 is newer, works with 13 tools and its bundle includes the engraving and deep-cutting tools. The Maker 4 costs less. If you do not need the extra tools in the box, the Maker 4 is the better value.
Is the Cricut Maker worth it over the Explore?+
Only if you cut thick or unusual materials such as leather, wood or fabric, or want to engrave. For vinyl, iron-on and cardstock, the Explore 5 does the job for less.
Is the Cricut Venture worth it?+
The Venture is Cricut’s large-format machine for high-volume work, but we could not find a current Venture machine on Amazon, so we did not include it. Only consider it if you cut wide, long rolls for sale. Most home crafters do not need one.
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