The Cricut manufacturer designs quality cutting machines for crafting amateurs and business owners with online shops. Only people may have a hard time deciding betwixt multiple products from the same brand which serve similar purposes, peculiarly when it's impossible to test them first mitt.

Cricut maker 3 or cricut explore air 2

Not to worry since we're here to help. If you're trying to brand up your mind between buying Cricut Maker 3 or Cricut Explore Air 2, you tin can trust us to prepare the record direct.

Working With a Cricut Machine

Cricut is a brand that creates cutting plotters for dwelling crafters and small business organization owners. It's considered by many to be the very best in the business, thanks to superior quality, versatile features, and fantabulous results. Its family of products includes Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, Cricut Joy, Cricut EasyPress, and Cricut MugPress.

Cricut Maker 3 vs Cricut Explore Air 2: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Cricut Maker three is the near complete product, ideal for low-, medium- and large-scaled projects. It works for several types of crafting, whether your business handles habiliment, greeting cards, embroidery, art prints, wall art, custom vinyl stickers and decals, wedding decor and favors, or something else.

Cricut Explore Air ii is the middle child of Cricut: smaller than Cricut Maker iii only bigger than Cricut Joy. Although information technology's not as powerful every bit the Maker 3, you can all the same apply the Explore Air 2 to sustain a niche crafting business that deals with softer materials, such equally newspaper, vinyl, iron-on, light cardstock, cardstock, fabric, or poster board. It'south a great choice for beginners who are just discovering the globe of artisans.

What's new with Cricut Maker three?

Compared to Cricut Maker 2, the previous version, Cricut Maker 3 can make matless cuts when using Smart Materials that are up to 12 ft (three.65 cm) long. And, information technology can do this two times faster than its predecessor, allowing you to fulfill client orders in record time and thus bringing in more coin for your business.

Cricut Maker 3 is more expensive than the previous version, but information technology's definitely worth taking into business relationship if you programme on upgrading your Cricut auto. You tin can find out more in our Cricut Maker iii review.

What'south new with Cricut Explore Air 2?

When it comes to Cricut Explore Air 2, you should know that information technology has received plenty of upgrades. The nigh significant one is speed since the machine tin can now cut materials two times faster than before. And, the cutting force has as well been slightly increased to allow you to work with thicker materials.

In addition, compared to Explore Air one, the Air ii comes in different colors. It also added the Dual-Carriage organisation so that you can apply two tools simultaneously to describe and cut within the same cutting session. Another pro of the Air 2 is that the car can be connected to your desktop or smartphone through Wi-Fi. Notice everything about this auto in our Cricut Explore Air 2 review.

Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Explore Air 2 Specifications

Hither's a breakup of the technical details when it comes to both machines from the Cricut lineup:

Cricut Maker 3 Cricut Explore Air 2
Car Dimensions 22.half dozen x 7.09 x 6.22 in (57.4 x xviii x fifteen.8 cm) 24 x 9.5 x 9.5 in (lx.96 x 24.xiii ten 24.13 cm)
Machine Weight 22.7 lbs (10.3 kg) 14 lbs (six.35 kg)
Max Cut Length 12 ft (3.6 m) 24 in (60.96 cm)
Max Material Width 13 in (33 cm) 12 in (30.48 cm)
Cutting Force eight.81 lbs (4 kg) 0.88 lbs (400 g)
Material Thickness Up to 0.09 in (two.4 mm) Up to 0.07 (2 mm)
Material Compatibility 300+ materials 100+ materials
Tool System Adaptive Tool System Smart Set Punch
Blade Auto Scale? No Yes
Tools 13 6
Fine-Point Bract Aye Yep
Deep-Bespeak Blade Yes Yeah
Bonded-Fabric Blade Yes Yep
Foil Transfer Kit Aye Yes
Rotary Blade Yes No
Knife Blade Yes No
Pens and Markers Yeah Yes
Scoring Stylus Yes Aye
Can Cut? Yeah Yes
Can Draw? Yes Yeah
Uses Mats? Yes Yes
Compatible with Smart Materials? Yeah, 13 ft wide, upward to 75 ft (33 cm wide, upwards to 22.8 m) No
Supports Impress & Cut? Yeah (various colors) Yes (white only)
Cartridge Slot No (needs adapter) Yes
Dual Wagon? Yes Yes
Fast Fashion? Yes Yes
Machine colors Blue, Rose, Champagne, Lilac, Mint Pink, Mint, Black, Blue, Ruddy, and more
Noise level Decent Decent
Free Design App? Yeah (Design Space) Yeah (Design Space)
Connectivity Bluetooth, USB Bluetooth, USB
Optimal for Commercial Uuse? Yes Yep
Batteries Required? No No
Toll View price on Cricut View price on Cricut

At present, permit's take a closer look at each cutting motorcar.

Size and Weight

Cricut maker 3

We can safely say that neither machine is portable and so, if you plan on carrying it around or frequently changing its position in your abode or at the part, you can kiss those plans goodbye. The Explore Air 2 is only a bit larger than the Maker 3, just both machines tin be placed on a standard-sized desk next to a computer that you lot can utilize to create and upload the designs.

Despite the modest difference in dimensions, the Explore Air 2 is surprisingly lighter than the Maker 3 by 8.7 lbs (3.95 kg). It may not seem like much, only it matters when y'all still need to pack upward your cutting machine and head off to a crafting convention.

Cutting Size and Force

Without a uncertainty, the eight.81 lbs (4 kg) cutting force of Cricut Maker 3 surpasses Explore Air 2's 0.88 lbs (400 m), which allows you to cut harder materials with up to 0.09 in (two.4 mm) thickness – Explore Air 2 can't cut through materials that are thicker than 0.07 (2 mm).

This ways that, if you had to cull between the two, Cricut Maker three is more than reliable and less likely to break downwardly when attempting to cutting thicker materials since it handles pressure better (literally). Only this doesn't mean you should ever try to cut something that exceeds the thickness limitations, regardless of which motorcar you attempt to use. Always follow the instructions manual.

Furthermore, y'all can apply the Maker 3 to cut materials up to 12 ft (three.six m) long and thirteen in (33 cm) broad, compared to Explore Air two'south 24 in (60.96 cm) long and 12 in (30.48 cm) wide. This makes the Maker iii more versatile if you want to go afterwards bigger projects, such as long banners or big posters.

Colors and Speed

Cricut explore air 2 colors

Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Explore Air 2 come in multiple colors, but the colour range of Explore Air 2 is a bit bigger, so yous tin discover more options to detect the one that works best for your home function.

As far equally the speed is concerned, we oasis't noticed anything significant betwixt the ii. Compared to their predecessors, both machines have been improved to now cut materials two times faster when using Fast Style.

Moreover, the Maker 3 and Explore Air two have a Dual-Carriage Arrangement, which means that the machines tin cutting and draw at the same time. This is a huge assist when you're working with a deadline. On the downside, the Maker 3 doesn't have a cartridge slot, and then you volition have to separately purchase an adapter if you need 1.

Types of Materials

Equally we mentioned in the beginning of this article, the Cricut Maker 3 is more than suitable for craftmakers whose business covers more than areas since information technology would be a shame to not put the machine to good use by processing over 300 types of materials.

This doesn't mean that Cricut Explore Air two should be ignored since information technology's still impressive with its capability of handling over 100 materials. They are obviously fewer materials involved, but it makes sense when taking into account the thickness they can handle.

Both machines tin use mats, but only the Maker 3 can use Smart Materials (Smart Vinyl, Smart Fe-On, and Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock) and so that yous tin can perform matless cuts that are upwards to thirteen ft wide and 75 ft (up to 33 cm wide and 22.8 thou).

You can utilize the Print & Cut characteristic in both cases, but the Explore Air 2 supports but white, while the Maker 3 can work with various colors without any issues.

The Cricut Maker 3 Tool Organization and Calibration

Cricut vs silhouette accessories

Equally far as the tool organisation is concerned, the Maker three features the Adaptive Tool System. Information technology gives you the possibility to easily change 13 unlike tools and blades dedicated to scrapbooking, quilting, leatherworking, engraving, debossing, sewing, and other kinds of craftmaking.

These are: Knife Blade, Rotary Bract, Fine-Signal Bract, Pens and Markers, Foil Transfer Tool, Wavy Blade, Debossing Tip, Engraving Tip, Scoring Wheels, Perforation Tools, Deep-Signal Blade, Bonded-Fabric Blade, and Washable Fabric Pen.

As well quickly swapping blades and tips, a huge advantage of the Adaptive Tool Arrangement is that you don't need to also change the housing tool because you can count on the QuickSwap Housing System.

The downside is that Cricut Maker 3 doesn't have automated calibration. The machine automatically calibrates itself for the Rotary Blade when starting time sending a project to the machine, but you lot will have to manually conform the scale settings from the design software application every time you want to use a dissimilar fabric or tool.

The Cricut Explore Air 2 Tool System and Calibration

Cricut Explore Air ii has a Smart Prepare Dial that works with just 6 tools: Fine-Signal Blade, Deep-Signal Bract, Bonded-Textile Bract, Foil Transfer Kit, Pens and Markers, and the Scoring Stylus. Although it supports fewer tools than the Maker 3, y'all should know that they work with both machines (they are interchangeable). So, if you already have a Cricut Maker 3 or Cricut Explore 2 and make up one's mind to buy the other machine, you can utilise the same tools in both cases.

At present, it's time for the Explore Air 2 to exist ameliorate at something: compared to the Maker three, the Explore Air 2 automatically calibrates settings without whatsoever problems. After loading a type of material (paper, vinyl, iron-on, calorie-free cardstock, cardstock, fabric, poster lath, or custom), you simply have to turn the dial to the matching option. Adjacent, the Explore Air 2 will automatically suit the pressure, depth, and speed settings to deliver fine-tuned results and give your crafting projects a truly professional, polished look.

Storage Space, Cartridge Slot, Docking Station

Since there are multiple tools available for cut and drawing, you need a place to store them in. Luckily, both the Maker three and Explore Air 2 accept internal storage space dedicated to all your blades and tools, so that y'all can hands find them without having to use extra parts.

A cartridge represents a set of predefined images that allows you to start cutting tasks on the fly. The reason why yous can't find a cartridge dull in Cricut Maker 3 is that it doesn't need it. You can direct use Pattern Space to locate and use various designs set up for cutting.

A docking station is put at your disposal in Cricut Maker iii and then that you can place your tablet or smartphone on pinnacle of the automobile, in order to easily operate Design Space. It also has a USB port on standby if yous want to also charge your tablet or smartphone. The docking station isn't available in Cricut Explore Air 2.

Same Software: Design Space

Cricut maker 3 vs cricut explore air 2 design space

When purchasing Cricut Maker 3 or Cricut Explore Air 2, you lot get a complimentary copy of Design Infinite, which yous can utilise to create your crafting designs and send them to the auto for cut. The app is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. If you're using a Windows or Mac PC, you tin can either download and install the tool, or apply it in your web browser afterwards creating a free business relationship.

Design Infinite is fun and super-intuitive, requiring no kind of feel with graphic design applications. Yous can notice cool templates that can exist applied to your designs, reuse unabridged projects designed past other artisans, as well as upload your ain images to the Cricut car in .jpg, .gif, .png, .bmp, .svg, or .dxf format.

The app gives you the possibility to apply more than than 150,000 images and 500 fonts. Merely non all designs are gratis, unless you start paying a subscription fee for Cricut Access for $9.99/calendar month or $95.88/year (relieve $24). A 30-day free trial to Cricut Access becomes available as soon as you buy a auto.

On the downside, Pattern Space isn't a true graphic editing software program because you can't actually utilize it to create elaborate designs from ground upwardly. And then, if you want to come up up with original designs from scratch and promote them for your crafting business, you still need to purchase a separate application like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Corel Draw.

Wireless Connectivity and Noise

Although you can connect your computer to the Maker iii or Explore Air 2 with the assist of a USB cable, you can resort to Bluetooth engineering science if your device supports it, because information technology means no more than wires can get tangled on or under your desk-bound. Evidently, the downside is that having Bluetooth turned on volition drain your smartphone's battery faster.

As far as the noise level goes, it'south decent in both cases – definitely quieter than a blender or a vacuum cleaner. Nonetheless, that changes as soon as you enable Fast Mode to cut materials twice equally fast every bit normal.

Craftmakers have said that Silhouette and Brother machines are quieter, which puts Cricut to a disadvantage. Yous can't really employ it to work late-dark shifts or in the weekends without waking up your kids or disturbing your neighbors. A workaround is to disable Fast Mode, which means slowing downwardly your business operations.

Pricing

The total cost for Cricut Maker 3 is $399.99. Meanwhile, the consummate asking price of Cricut Explore Air 2 is $249.99, but you lot can get it for $199.99 correct now.

Since the Explore Air 2 has limited features compared to the Maker three, it makes sense that it's cheaper. Plus, Cricut Maker three is newer on the market. Withal, you lot should also be happy to know that the Cricut maintenance costs are low, regardless of which car you finish up ownership.

The Cricut blades, tools, mats, and other accessories are really affordable, specially when comparing to other brands (Brother Scan and Cut comes to mind). You lot won't need to spend a fortune every time you lot wish to replace the blades, tips, and housing.

The Pros of Cricut Maker iii

Cricut, Lilac Maker 

If you lot're inclined toward purchasing Cricut Maker 3 for your pocket-size crafting concern, you lot won't regret your decision since it's the near complete product from the Cricut family and we can see why.

Thanks to its impressive viii.81 lbs (4 kg) cut strength, you volition be able to cut more than 300 materials that are upward to 0.09 in (two.4 mm) thick. This ways that you tin can augment your horizons when it comes to crafting since you can work with fleece, knits, moleskin, cashmere, printable magnet sheets, cardstock, foil poster board, and others.

The Adaptive Tool System works with 13 distinct tools. When the blades go dull and need to be replaced, yous won't need to too change the housing tool, cheers to the QuickSwap Housing System.

The automobile comes in multiple colors and can be used to perform cuts with or without a mat. Smart Materials are supported, then that you tin can cut materials up to thirteen ft wide and 75 ft long (upward to 33 cm wide and 22.8 thou long). Impress & Cutting manner is supported.

Cricut Maker 3 can handle large-scaled crafting tasks in record time when enabling the Fast Mode. And, thanks to the Dual-Carriage organization, you can cut and draw at the aforementioned time.

You can connect to the cutting plotter in cordless style and use Design Space to effortlessly explore templates, import your ain designs, and quickly upload them to the machine.

The Cons of Cricut Maker iii

Although it'due south slightly smaller than Cricut Explore Air 2, the Maker 3 is heavier past 8.vii lbs (3.95 kg), making it hard to move information technology around if you need to rearrange your workspace.

It tin can't calibrate itself automatically, which ways that you accept to perform this task manually in Blueprint Infinite every fourth dimension you lot wish to change materials and tools. On the bright side, there are simple steps accompanied past intuitive instructions and illustrations in the design software.

Cricut Maker three isn't the loudest machine in the industry, simply information technology'due south not the quietest either. The noise levels increase when switching on Fast Manner, then you won't be able to work late at night or in the weekends (unless yous disable Fast Way and cut materials slower by 50%).

Blueprint Space isn't dedicated to experienced designers who want to create original projects from basis up. If you autumn in this category, you still need to purchase a third-political party graphic editing application like Photoshop unless you already own a re-create.

On top of that, Design Space requires around-the-clock online connectedness. If you frequently lose the Internet connection in your area, your crafting business will endure since you won't be able to use the pattern program.

Compared to Cricut Explore Air 2, the Maker three is more than expensive past $150.

The Pros of Cricut Explore Air 2

Cricut explore air 2

Cricut Explore Air 2 is better than the Maker iii if you're interested in a cheaper cutting automobile for a niche crafting business that deals with softer materials. It works with more than 100 materials (but fewer than the Maker three).

Unlike its bigger brother, the Explore Air 2 performs self-calibration after you select the type of material when using the Smart Prepare Punch. This means that yous won't have to manually adjust the pressure, depth, and speed when switching tools or materials.

In fourth dimension, this will prove to be an splendid time-saving and cost-saving solution since you volition complete crafting jobs quicker and by minimizing waste. Some other cool reward of the Smart Fix Dial is that you don't have to use a slice of software for calibration (like in Maker 3) since a physical button is easier to operate.

Thanks to the Dual Wagon system, your machine can cut and draw at the same fourth dimension. Just like the Maker three, it supports Fast Style, comes in multiple colors, and can be connected to your computer or smartphone using Bluetooth.

Design Infinite is a child's play. Plus, it'due south free to use and gives you access to countless templates and fonts.

Explore Air ii is significantly cheaper than the Maker 3 (past $150).

The Cons of Cricut Explore Air two

Although it'south a groovy choice for commercial utilise, the Explore Air two isn't every bit suitable as the Maker 3 for large-scaled projects since it has a smaller cutting forcefulness and tin can't cut big sizes or materials thicker than 0.07 (2 mm).

While some tools are interchangeable with the Maker 3, the Rotary Blade and Knife Blade don't work with the Explore Air 2. On summit of that, information technology doesn't support Smart Materials or matless cuts.

Print & Cut is supported, but only on white.

Since the Blueprint Infinite program is also bachelor for the Explore Air 2, the software drawbacks from the Maker 3 apply hither, also.

FAQ: Learn More than almost Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Explore Air 2

Can you cutting material with Cricut Explore Air 2?

Certainly. You can cut cloth, bonded-fabric, and other types of materials using Cricut Explore Air 2, such as newspaper, vinyl, fe-on, normal and low-cal cardstock, poster lath, canvass, aluminum foil, construction paper, chalkboard vinyl, corrugated cardboard, craft cream, denim, duct tape sail, epoxy glitter paper, leather, felt, and magnetic sheet.

Should I get the Cricut Explore Air 2 Everything Bundle?

If you've never used a Cricut machine before, it's definitely worth getting the Cricut Explore Air 2 Everything Package instead of just the auto. The fiscal gap is too small to thing, merely the extra tools and materials tin make a difference and give you a articulate idea of all that you can accomplish with this cutting machine.

What's the all-time software for a Cricut machine?

Design Space is the proprietary design software awarding of all Cricut machines, and it's the merely one yous can use to upload projects for cut. It's complimentary, easy to use, and comes bundled with the Cricut package. However, you lot tin apply any other software programme to create and personalize designs that you lot can later import into Design Space, in social club to simply cut, or impress and cut with your Cricut auto.

Do I have to pay a monthly fee for a Cricut machine?

No, you simply have to make a one-time payment when getting the Cricut auto. However, there are maintenance costs involved. For example, the blades must be replaced when they become tiresome. Although Pattern Space, the proprietary design software awarding, is gratuitous, you tin pay a monthly or yearly subscription for Cricut Admission to get unrestricted admission to all templates and designs made available by the Cricut community.

Does Cricut Design Infinite need an Cyberspace connection?

Aye, you need a working Internet connectedness to operate Design Space, in order to explore online projects and utilise the cut auto. Notwithstanding, if you want to come upwardly with your own designs from scratch, you lot can apply a third-party software program like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to create the images that will be after imported into Pattern Space and sent to the Cricut cut car.

What's the deviation between the Adaptive Tool Organization and the Smart Set Dial?

The Adaptive Tool System is used by Cricut Maker three to easily swap between 13 distinct tools without changing the housing. Meanwhile, the Smart Set Punch is used by Cricut Explore Air ii, works with six tools, and automatically calibrates the machine settings based on the fabric you lot select. The 6 tools compatible with the Smart Set Dial also work for the Adaptive Tool Organization.

What'south included in the Cricut package?

It depends on what Cricut motorcar you're getting. If nosotros were to exclude package deals, the Cricut Maker iii box contains a Premium Fine-Point Bract with Housing, plenty materials to do cuts, a welcome card, a USB cable and power adapter, Design Infinite with 100 ready projects available online,  and a 30-day free trial to Cricut Access (new subscribers only).

If you want to buy Cricut Explore Air 2 (without a bundle), you will receive a Premium Fine-Signal Blade with Housing, a blackness Fine-Point Pen, a LightGrip Auto Mat with the size of 12 x 12 in (30.5 x 30.5 cm), plenty materials to practice cuts, a welcome volume, a USB cable and ability adapter, Blueprint Space with 50 free, set up projects that you can download from the web,  forth with a 30-day free trial to Cricut Admission (new subscribers just).

Terminal Thoughts: What to Choose Between Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Explore Air 2?

To recap, Cricut Maker 3 represents the latest improver to the Cricut family, as well as the nearly complete cutting plotter released by this manufacturer. Information technology costs $399.99 and gives y'all the possibility to play with all features supported past Cricut, including all blades and tools, Smart Materials, and big cut projects.

Cricut Explore Air 2 is a step down since it comes with several limitations. But it's withal an excellent choice for niche crafting businesses that deal with paper, vinyl and cardstock. If you ever plan on expanding your business, though, it's safer to get Maker iii now rather than regretting it subsequently, assuming that that $150 difference won't make a pigsty in your budget.

Once you play with your new Cricut car and find its possibilities, make certain to render to this page and share your feel with us by leaving a comment in the section below. We tin can't wait to hear what you call back!