What’s the Difference Between Cricut Explore, Maker, and Joy?

If you're new to the Cricut world—or just looking to upgrade—it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the different machines: Cricut Explore, Cricut Maker, and Cricut Joy. Each one is powerful in its own right, but they’re designed for different kinds of projects and crafting styles. Let’s break it down so you can confidently choose the one that fits your creative needs best.

Cricut Joy: Mighty Mini for Everyday Fun

Who it’s for: Casual crafters, card-makers, label lovers, and beginners

The Cricut Joy is compact and simple, making it perfect for smaller projects and spaces. It’s incredibly user-friendly and requires minimal setup.

Key Features:

• Cuts over 50 materials (like paper, vinyl, and iron-on)

• Works without a mat using Smart Materials

• Ideal for quick labels, greeting cards, decals, and pantry organization

• Lightweight and portable

Limitations:

• Smaller cutting area (4.5" wide max)

• Limited tool compatibility (basic blade and pens only)

💡 Perfect for crafting on the go or quick wins without hauling out a big machine.

Cricut Explore: The Everyday Workhorse

Who it’s for: Intermediate crafters and hobbyists ready for more versatility

The Explore machines (Explore 3 and Explore 4) strike a balance between power and ease of use. They handle most common materials and offer more tools than the Joy.

Key Features:

• Cuts 100+ materials, including cardstock, vinyl, and bonded fabric

• Compatible with Smart Materials (Explore 3 only)

• Uses Fine-Point Blade, Deep-Point Blade, and Scoring Stylus

• Built-in Bluetooth and storage compartments

💡 Great for crafters who want more size, power, and material options without going full-pro.

Cricut Maker: The Ultimate Crafting Powerhouse

Who it’s for: Serious crafters, professionals, and makers working with complex materials

The Cricut Maker series (Maker 3 and Maker 4) is the top-tier choice for maximum cutting force and tool versatility. It handles the widest range of materials and projects.

Key Features:

• Cuts 300+ materials, from crepe paper to basswood to leather

• Compatible with 13+ tools including Knife Blade, Rotary Blade, and Scoring Wheels

• Maker 3 supports matless cutting with Smart Materials

• More cutting force for tougher materials and precise cuts

💡 If you want to sew, emboss, engrave, deboss, or cut thick materials—this is your machine.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Cricut machine really depends on what you want to make and how often. If space and simplicity are top priorities, the Joy is fantastic. If you want a reliable all-rounder, go for the Explore. But if your imagination has no limits, the Maker will help you bring your most ambitious projects to life.

Still not sure? Start with what you know you'll create first—and build from there. Your Cricut journey is all about creativity, and any of these machines will be an amazing creative companion.

I’ve linked all of these tools in Our Favorite Crafting Tools & Must-Have Supplies — check it out!