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Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2: Which Machine Should I Buy and Why?

Written by Kimberly Coffin · This post may contain affiliate links · 27 Comments

1.6K shares

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2: Which Machine Should I Buy and Why?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut.

If you've been contemplating whether to purchase the Cricut Maker or the Explore Air 2, then look no further! I'll be covering both machines in depth, showing the similarities as well as the differences and helping you to make an informed decision about which machine is right for ALL of your crafting needs!

Purchase my Sweet Red Poppy's Guide to Cricut Ebook Here. 

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 reivew: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy.

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 reivew: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy.

What can the Cricut Explore Air 2 do?

Let's start by covering all that the Cricut Explore Air 2 is capable of doing!

For beginners, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is a cutting machine that utilizes smart technology. It cuts and writes up to 2x faster than previous models.

The Cricut Explore Air 2 cuts over 100 materials. It can cut everything from cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on to thick materials like leather. The Cut Smart technology allows you to precisely cut a wide variety of materials with incredible precision.

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: What can the Cricut Explore Air 2 cut?

With the Cricut Explore Air 2, you can create on a computer, tablet, or smartphone iOS or Android app.

The Explore Air 2 utilizes Bluetooth for wireless hassle-free cutting. I love that I can connect it to my phone and create wherever I go!

It features a smart set dial on the right-hand side for easy cutting. If you plan to cut the same material over and over, you can set it and forget it. Pretty neat, right?

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Explore Air 2 Storage for Blades

Cricut Design Space

Cricut's Design Space allows you to upload your SVG files for free or choose from thousands of pre-made designs.

Visit the Ready to Make page to find inspiration from beautiful photos of projects that are available within Design Space.

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Explore Air 2 A & B Clamp Holds Blades, Pens and Scoring Tool

The Cricut Explore Air 2 features a double tool holder which allows you to cut and write or cut and score. The A clamp can be used to hold a pen or a scoring stylus while the B clamp can be used to hold a standard blade, bonded fabric blade, or deep cut blade.

Now you're probably wondering what the different blades are used for.  Let's go ahead and go over each of them!

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut Vinyl, Heat Transfer Vinyl, Paper, Cardstock, Leather, Felt and Draw.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Blades

Fine Point Blade

The Fine Point Blade is designed to cut light and mid-weight materials like vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and posterboard. The blade is made out of premium German carbide for longer-lasting cuts and sharpness. This is the blade I use for the majority of my projects when using the Cricut Explore Air 2.

Bonded Fabric Blade

Designed specifically to cut bonded fabrics the Fabric Blade is made of German carbide as well. It allows you to cut a variety of lightweight fabrics that have a backing on them. This is a great option for creating appliques!

Deep-Point Blade

Need to cut thick materials like stiff felt, leather, cardboard or even magnet? This blade does the trick! The steep angle of the blade (60 degrees vs 45) allows you to cut thicker materials than the Fine Point Blade. With this blade, you can cut materials up to 1.5mm thickness.

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Explore Air 2 and Maker Blades. Bonded Fabric Blade, Deep Cut Blade and Fine Point Blade.

Explore Air 2 Print and Cut

The Cricut Explore Air 2 offers the ability to print and cut images.

Use your home printer to bring your images to life and cut them with perfect precision on the Cricut Explore Air 2. It's the ideal way to create beautiful gift tags, stickers, and cutouts.

Cartridge Adapter

There is an accessory adapter on the Explore Air 2 machine which is compatible with Cricut cartridges, so you still have access to all of your most loved images.

Explore Air 2 Storage

The Explore Air 2 has multiple compartments for storage!

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Explore Air 2 Tool Holder, Smart Dial and Extra Storage
Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy

Overall this is an incredible machine that will give a professional look to all of your craftings.

You can purchase the Cricut Explore Air 2 here.

The MSRP on the Explore Air 2 is $299

Here's a side by side comparison of the Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2.

Cricut Maker versus Cricut Explore Air 2 Which one should I buy and why?

What can the Cricut Maker do?

Now let's move on to the Cricut Maker! The Cricut Maker can do everything the Explore Air 2 can do plus so much more! It's the ultimate smart cutting machine.

The Maker cuts over 100 materials quickly and accurately, from the most delicate crepe paper and fabric to tough leather and wood.

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: The Maker cuts over 100 materials quickly and accurately, from the most delicate crepe paper and fabric to tough leather and wood.

Cricut Maker Adaptive Tool System

What sets the Cricut Maker apart from any other machine on the market is the Adaptive Tool System. The gear on the Adaptive Tool System is what allows the interchangeable tools to move in any direction creating even more precise cutting ability as well as 10x the cutting force. Yep, 10X the force!! That means you can take on even more difficult projects than before with even greater precision.

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Maker Adaptive Tool System Allows for Interchangeable Tools

 

Cricut Maker Rotary Blade

Similar to a hand-held rotary blade traditionally used by seamstresses but quite a bit smaller, the tiny wheel glides across fabric allowing it to quickly and accurately cut virtually any type of fabric. The rotary blade paired with the fabric mat eliminates the need for paper patterns, tracing paper and marking pens. Now, you can spend more time doing what you love: sewing!

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Maker Rotary Blade Fabric and Sewing and Quilting Patterns.

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Maker Simplicity Sewing PatternsCricut Maker Knife Blade

The Knife blade resembles a miniature E-ACTO blade which is capable of slicing through dense materials like balsa wood, heavy leather or matboard. It's the perfect tool for hard to cut materials. The Knife blade allows you to add the extra dimension to your projects by precisely cutting through dense materials with ease.

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Maker Knife Blade can Cut Wood

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Maker Chipboard Project

Cricut Maker Scoring Wheels

The newest tool in the Cricut Maker series is the scoring wheel. This combo creates crisp and clean score lines adding a professional finish to everyday projects. This is a paper crafter's best friend! Now you can get perfect score lines on any project.

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Maker Scoring Tools Create Perfect Creases


*Images via Cricut.com

The Bonded Fabric Blade, Deep Cut Blade, and Fine-Point Blade are all compatible with the Cricut Maker.

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Maker Tools: Bonded Fabric Blade, Rotary Blade, Scoring Wheel, Knife Blade, Fine Point Blade and Deep Cut Blade

Cricut Maker has 10x the Force 

Choose from hundreds of different materials to cut within Design Space. The Adaptive Tool System allows the perfect amount of force (up to 4K g) to be applied to each specific material for best results.

Cricut Maker Sewing Pattern Library

This is my very favorite part of the Cricut Maker! Cricut teamed up with Simplicity Patterns to bring you a library of digital patterns. Gone are the days of meticulously cutting and tracing patterns by hand which allows you to spend more time sewing!

If you love to quilt, you can even find a wide variety of quilting patterns available within Design Space.

But it gets even better!! There's a washable marking pen that draws in the seam allowances and pattern markings for you!

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Cricut Maker Sewing Pattern Library
Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy:


How to Sew With Cricut Maker

You can purchase a cartridge adapter for cartridges from older models.

An access trial membership comes with the purchase of a Cricut Maker.

Try out 50 free ready to make projects including 25 sewing projects.

You can read more of my thoughts on the release of the Maker here.

Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Maker?
Which should I buy and why?

Now for the big questions!! Which machine should I buy?

After using the Cricut Explore Air 2  and the Cricut Maker for a wide variety of projects, I have a favorite! Any guesses?

If you plan on using your machine to mainly cut out vinyl and paper the Cricut Explore Air 2 is the perfect fit.

BUT...

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Why you should buy the Cricut Maker Cutting Machine

If you want to use a wide variety of materials, you love to sew, make intricate paper crafts and you want to have even more creative capabilities I'd recommend upgrading to the Maker.

For only $100 more (MSRP $399) you can have the top of the line machine, and you will have the ability to do SO much more with your machine! Plus, rumor has it there are more tools in the works!

You can purchase the Cricut Maker.

Winner of the Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 Debate: Cricut Maker!!!

With the Cricut Maker, you get the most bang for your buck, and you can cut the widest variety of materials.

Get all of my favorite Cricut hacks here.

Learn how to use your Cricut Machine with Online Cricut Classes: Cricut® Made Easy with Sweet Red Poppy!

Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 review: Which Machine to Buy, a review featured by top US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy
This cricut maker vs explore air 2 post is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Joan says

    May 31, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    Thank you for this article. I tried and tried to find out which was the best machine to purchase until my spouse decided on the maker. I haven't received it yet, but I'm so glad he did get it and I can't wait to receive it!!! My life is almost complete!!!! A Bernina sewing machine and serger and now a Circuit maker!!!!!

    Reply
    • Ash says

      January 19, 2021 at 2:51 am

      Can i create stickers with the maker ?

      Reply
  2. Sue says

    June 10, 2020 at 2:49 pm

    Can the cricuit maker be programmed to cut fabric strips and pieces for a quilt?

    Reply
    • Johnny Brown says

      December 29, 2020 at 5:06 pm

      Yes it can

      Reply
  3. Lokie says

    June 30, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    I have seen etching done on resin. They said they use a Cricut for doing that. Is there a special blade that would needed for that?

    Reply
  4. Riza says

    November 08, 2020 at 4:32 am

    May I ask which font was used for the "Merry Christmas"? It's beautiful!
    https://sweetredpoppy.com/advent-calendar/img_5656/

    Reply
  5. Shirley says

    November 21, 2020 at 4:58 am

    I have cricut cartridges that I linked to my cricut explorer. Just wondering if I can link those same cartridges to a cricut explorer air2. Or to the cricut maker.
    If I sell my cricut explorer would the linked cartridges work for the person that buys it?

    Reply
    • Teresa says

      November 29, 2020 at 11:00 am

      The linked cartridges are connected to your Design Space account and not to the machine. If you sell the machine, the cartridges stay with you. They will still be available in the Design Space App.

      Reply
      • Anne says

        February 20, 2021 at 12:34 pm

        But not to the people who buy your old cricut.

        Reply
        • Vasanti Rego says

          May 25, 2021 at 2:43 pm

          Can I make labels for my tea shirt

          Reply
  6. Caroline Abel says

    January 02, 2021 at 3:37 am

    Can the maker Bluetooth connect as well?

    Reply
  7. Inez says

    January 02, 2021 at 11:14 am

    Can you do photos (pictures) on heat vinyl for a t shirt with the crucit maker .like a baby photo

    Reply
    • Bflogal says

      March 17, 2021 at 10:05 pm

      Yes, you would print an image no larger than 6.75 x 9.25 inches onto Printable Iron On Transfer sheets. And then have your Cricut cut it out. If it is just a rectangle or square photo, you can skip the cutting of it by a Cricut Explore or Maker and just print it out onto Printable Iron On Transfer Sheets and cut with scissors or a paper cutter. I personally like Jolee's and Starcraft brand of printable iron on transfer sheets. I use sheets marked for dark fabrics, even if placing on white shirts. I feel my printer prints a more vibrant image and I don't have to mirror the images. Follow all heat application and printing instructions on the Printable Iron On Transfer products you purchase.

      Reply
  8. Mackenzie Wagner says

    February 11, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    Hi! Thank you for the breakdown of all of the Cricut products! I'm so torn on which Cricut I should purchase! I'm torn between the Joy and Explorer Air 2. My main goal is to make wedding invitations and birthday/thank you cards along with some labeling. I want high quality cards and materials so my cards and invitations don't look homemade! Which Cricut should I go with?

    Reply
    • Sara says

      February 19, 2021 at 4:10 pm

      The insert cards for the Joy work fantastic on the card mat, but unless you make your own design the options are all kind of one-note. Also, all of the cards are insert cards, meaning the corners will be cut out to hold that additional paper backing. The card mat also only offers three sizes. For wedding invitations I would go with the Air 2 or Maker.

      Reply
  9. Chelsey says

    February 25, 2021 at 3:51 am

    I just want to say that it was very hard to concentrate and get any information from your post with all the ads. It is very distracting and I wouldn’t visit this site again. I’m sorry 🙁 the ads ruin it

    Reply
    • Alicia says

      April 17, 2021 at 11:12 am

      Unnecessary - this was a great article and any site that you go to is going to have ads everywhere- you should probably just stay off the internet.

      Great job Sweet Red Poppy! ♥️

      Reply
      • Cindy says

        October 22, 2021 at 7:11 am

        I agree with Chelsey! The ads are so overbearing they make it to hard to follow along. They take up so much space and make it to where over half the photos don't load. Makes it quite useless then. Which I believe wasn't her intent.

        Reply
  10. Kelly says

    March 14, 2021 at 6:53 pm

    I’m stuck between the maker and air explore 2. I don’t sew. I basically want it to make T-Shirt iron ins, and Vidal stickers to put on candles, tumblers, glasses, just small projects. What do you honestly suggest. Plus I would only use it randomly here and there. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Bflogal says

      March 17, 2021 at 10:12 pm

      The Explore can do what you want. But as she mentioned in the video, the Maker is the ultimate machine. I have both and I don't sew. But I found that the Maker is just an overall better machine. My intricate paper cut projects take 1/2 as much time to cut with my Maker vs the Explore, because the Maker has 10x the cutting pressure, it doesn't have to make as many passes to cut intricately. I also purchased some of the additional blades/tools that are for just the Maker, and I have the Foil tip tool which can also be used in the Explore. If you can afford it, buy the Maker, if not, you will be happy with the Explore.

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        March 24, 2021 at 6:50 am

        Thank you for specifying between the two machines. It was a bit overwhelm g with all the features presented, . I also dont sew, but love what you said about the cutting pressure. That sold it for me! Can't wait until it arrives!

        Reply
      • Mary D says

        October 29, 2022 at 3:26 am

        Great comment, thank you. I’m trying to make this decision.

        Reply
  11. Melissa P Pittman says

    April 18, 2021 at 3:40 am

    I am trying to decide if I need to get the maker or the air. I mainly want it for viny decals, signs, stencils & light crafting. Can anyone that has used the two suggest which one & why I would need that one over the other? Thank you all for any info.

    Reply
  12. Bip says

    April 18, 2021 at 9:18 am

    Hi, thanks for a great article! Im also super confused on which one to get! I do lots of vinyl and paper stuff with my joy but am just wanting to be able to get more creative with bigger stuff etc, i wont be sewing but would like to do leather and engraving on clear plastic (forgot the name of it) Help!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Coffin says

      September 23, 2021 at 9:41 pm

      Hey! If you are wanting to explore more materials, I'd recommend getting the Cricut Maker!

      Reply
  13. Pamela J VanderBerg says

    September 20, 2021 at 1:22 am

    My name is Pam and I just want something to cut paper piecing , die cuts for little people or items. What should I buy? We dont have alot of money but sone we could afford now. Another question. Can I use the older cartridges in a newer machine? Or should I just use cricit?

    Reply
    • Kimberly Coffin says

      September 23, 2021 at 9:40 pm

      Hey Pam! I would recommend getting either the Cricut Explore. You can contact Cricut customer support for help connecting your older cartridges to your machine.

      Reply

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Ready, Set, Sew! An online sewing course for beginners by top US sewing blogger, Sweet Red Poppy.

Hello, I’m Kimberly, the creator of Sweet Red Poppy!

I’m a wife, mother to 3, seamstress, and lover of all things crafty! Sweet Red Poppy is my creative outlet where I find and create inspiration. It’s a place where I can share my never-ending sewing projects and my love of learning!

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Ready, Set, Sew! An online sewing course for beginners by top US sewing blogger, Sweet Red Poppy.

Hello, I’m Kimberly, the creator of Sweet Red Poppy!

I’m a wife, mother to 3, seamstress, and lover of all things crafty! Sweet Red Poppy is my creative outlet where I find and create inspiration. It’s a place where I can share my never-ending sewing projects and my love of learning!

Read more about me →

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