Cricut Joy Vs Explore Air 2: Choosing Guide

December 28, 2023

Welcome to another informative tutorial to discuss the Cricut Joy vs Explore Air 2 debate. We will help you dig deep into the similarities and differences between these two popular Cricut machines and find the best option for your handcrafting DIY projects. Remember, this article aims to help you find a machine that will perfectly fit your project because both have some versatile features that will come in handy. Let's jump in!

Part 1: Cricut Joy Vs Explore Air 2: Key Differences

We now know that Cricut Explore Air 2 is a versatile machine with a modest price tag and extensive features. On the other hand, Cricut Joy is a smaller and more pocket-friendly version of all Cricut devices. But what can these two machines do? Below is a Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Joy comparison chart before we head to the details:

Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Joy

Now that we have the Cricut Joy machine vs Cricut Explore Air 2 specs, let's intensely discuss why these crafting machines should be part of your DIY projects:

Cricut Explore Air 2 – Best for Experienced Crafters with Online or Retail Businesses

Cricut Explore Air 2 specs and features:

Price: $199 on Amazon
Weight: 4.98 kg
Fast Mode: Yes (up to 2x faster than Explore Air)
Cutting material settings: 100+

First, Cricut Explore Air 2 lets you do much more than you can imagine, including cutting leather. It can make DIY projects up to 12" wide and 24" long, far more than the 5.5" on Cricut Joy. This gives you more size options with your final projects. But despite its impressive specs, you might consider going for Cricut Maker as it's more powerful for cutting toucher materials and has more tool options.

The Explore also has a few features you cannot find on Cricut Joy. These features are essential for the Cricut Joy vs Explore Air 2 stack-up. With the Explore Air 2, you can cut and score simultaneously, whereas the current scoring stylus won't fit on the Cricut Joy machine. The Explore Air 2 also comes with the "print-then-cut" feature, allowing you to print a design on your inkjet printer before cutting using the machine. Cricut Joy cannot print-then-cut because it doesn't have any sensor.

Last but not least, there are some materials that you can only cut with Cricut Explore Air 2. These materials include magnetic sheets, leather, cork, craft form, and other thick fabrics. To achieve this versatility, it has a deep point blade, unlike Cricut Joy, which only has a fine point blade. Therefore, we can rule Cricut Joy out of contention if you plan to cut thicker materials.

Pros:

It is a versatile machine for any craft project.
Connect to your computer using Bluetooth.
Use any color design or shape in the machine.
Customizable cutting depth.

Cons:

Complex lining up when cutting.
Limited capabilities compared to Cricut Maker.

Cricut Joy – Best for Beginners on a Budget

Cricut Explore Air 2 specs and features:

Price: $99 on Amazon
Weight: 1.75 kg
Fast Mode: No
Cutting material settings: 50+

When stacking up Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Joy, we must clearly understand what both machines can work with. From our experience, these machines share many similarities than differences regarding the compatible materials. For instance, both can cut heat transfer vinyl, iron-on, infusible ink sheets, cardstock, bonded fabric, and more. There are at least 50 materials you can cut using Cricut Joy.

But as said before, materials that require deep point blades cannot be cut using Cricut Joy. Put simply, you'll have trouble cutting thicker materials with Cricut Joy. But still, you're allowed to experiment with new materials for this beginner-friendly machine not listed on Design Space. Please ensure you choose the glitter or medium card stock settings.

Another thing to know about Cricut Joy is that it's compatible with smart materials, such as smart vinyl, that can be cut without a mat. This means the machine can make projects up to 20ft long, although you'll be limited to projects 5.5" wide. So, when searching for the ideal Cricut machine for your project, consider the length and width of what you intend to do.

Pros:

It is compatible with the Cricut Joy app, which is more beginner-friendly than Design Space.
A lightweight cutting machine that's best for crafting on the go.
It is the most straightforward Cricut machine to operate.
Compatible with the card mat for making designer cards.

Cons:

The small size can limit the size of your projects.
It cannot cut thicker materials like original leather.
Limited selection of materials compared to the Explore Air 2.

Part 2: Cricut Joy Vs Explore Air 2: How Do We Choose?

Explore Air 2 might be the obvious choice in this comparison if you're familiar with using Cricut machines. But if you're just starting out, the Cricut Joy vs Cricut Explore Air 2 comparison is an interesting one. So, how do you choose a suitable cutting machine between these two?

1. Find Out What You Need to Do for DIY Projects

One thing is certain: Cricut Joy is the ideal cutting machine for beginners. You don't need a manual book or a whole craft room to use this machine because it has smaller accessories and straightforward controls. So, if you want to make those small, simple projects at home, Cricut Joy should be your go-to machine.

On the other hand, Cricut Explore Air 2 is a full-sized machine that gives you more control over the settings and your DIY sessions. Its bigger size and more control settings make it ideal if you plan to do many projects. Overall, Cricut Joy is limited in some ways, but it's still a great addition to your Cricut machine collection.

2. Consider Your Budget

Let's not pretend we don't look at the price tag when shopping. It's essential to consider your budget limits when shopping for a Cricut machine. Depending on the store, a Cricut Joy machine would cost around $100 to $150. Conversely, Explore Air 2 would cost $200 or more. So, is it wise to overspend on Explore Air 2 and have a limited balance for project materials? Probably not!

Cricut Joy Vs Explore Air 2

Part 3: Summary: Which Cricut is best for me?

Are you still undecided about which Cricut machine is best for your project? Here is our opinion! Cricut Joy should definitely top your list if you're looking for something simple and effortless to use. However, those who have used Cricut Maker might argue that the Explore Air 3 also falls into the "beginner-friendly" bracket. Also, Cricut Joy is a pocket-friendly option, making it perfect if you want to sharpen your DIY skills and upgrade later.

But we know purchasing two Cricut machines can be more expensive than buying one. You can get the Explore Air 2 with a hundred bucks extra. This cutting machine can do more DIY crafts and return your investment. But there is nothing wrong with starting the Cricut Joy before upgrading. Choosing the perfect Cricut machine depends on your project needs and budget.