Point of view: you’re thinking about buying a Cricut machine, but have no idea which model is right for you.
If you’ve been following my blog for a bit, I’m sure you’re well aware by now that I’m kind of Cricut obsessed. I recently got the Joy Xtra, so I thought I would take some time to go over some of the differences between it, Cricut Joy, and the other Cricut machines!
If this post is the first time you’ve heard about a Cricut, be sure to head over to my first post in this series for an in-depth in introduction to Cricut and unboxing of the Joy Xtra.
WHAT IS A CRICUT MACHINE?
If you don’t know what a Cricut machine is, you are missing out. They are writing, scoring and personal cutting machines that work with a wide variety of materials. I’m talking everything from paper, vinyl, adhesive foil, craft foam, iron-on transfers, window cling and more.
You can make everything from stickers, t-shirts, labels, vinyl decals, gift tags, greeting cards, customized drinkwear, coasters, party decorations and more. The crafting possibilities are endless!
What I really love so much about Cricut machines though is that they are so incredibly easy to use. You don’t need to be an experienced crafter or designer to make stunning DIY projects!
WHat is the difference between the cricut joy models and larger models?
The Joy line is perfect for small spaces, and is lightweight and conveniently portable. It’s small size makes it perfect for any room. If you don’t have a dedicated craft room, live in an apartment, or want to make something while you multitask, it’s probably going to be your new best friend. I love that I can set it up in my bedroom, or even my kitchen!
The Cricut Explore 3 and Maker 3 (both around 10 lbs) are more ideal for someone where space isn’t a concern, and you want to do larger projects and use materials like fabric, wood or engraving. The Cricut Venture is even larger at 33.9 lbs and is most ideal for someone who has a small business or will be making oversized projects, and has plenty of space or a designated craft room.
How is the cricut joy different from the joy Xtra?
The Cricut Joy Xtra is slightly larger than the Joy (but still small and portable!) making it a great machine if you and want to make small to medium sized projects and don’t have a full-sized Cricut machine, or only want one machine and don’t have a lot of room or storage.
Key features of Cricut Joy Xtra:
- You can make projects up to 8.5 inches x 11 inches on a machine mat, and up to 4 feet long with Smart Materials
- You can print images with your printer, and then cut it out with your machine
- It cuts over 50 materials like vinyl, iron-on, printable materials and cardstock
- You can also write, draw and create foil transfers
Cricut Joy and joy xtra comparison
From maximum cut size, to tools, materials and price, here’s the difference between the Cricut Joy and Joy Xtra models:
Features | Cricut Joy | Cricut Joy Xtra |
|---|---|---|
| Machine weight | 1.7 kg | 2.72 kg |
| Machine size | 21.41 x 13.79 x 10.8 cm | 31.75 x 15.24 x 13.97 cm |
| Maximum cut size | Width: 4.5 in Length: 4 ft | Width: 8.5 in Length: 4 ft |
| Easy printable sensor | No | Yes |
| Price | 179 USD | 199 USD |
Cricut Joy XTRA vs larger modeLs
From maximum cut size, to tools, materials and price, here’s how the Cricut Joy Xtra compares to the Explore and Maker models.
Features | Cricut Joy Xtra | Explore 3 | Maker 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum cut size | Width: 8.5 in Length: up to 4 ft | Width: 11.7 in Length: up to 12 ft | Width: 11.7 in Length: up to 12 ft |
| Cutting speed | 5 in per second | 11.3 in per second | 11.3 in per second |
| Tool clamps | 1 spot | 2 spots | 2 spots |
| What can it do |
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| Supported materials | 50+ compatible materials, including:
| 100+ compatible materials, including:
| 300+ compatible materials, including:
|
| Price | 199 USD | 449 USD | 599 USD |
So, which cricut machine do you recommend?
Honestly, choosing the right Cricut machine really depends on your crafting needs, space and budget. They’re all incredible machines!
The Cricut Joy and Joy Extra are great machines if you want to make small to medium sized projects, but don’t have a lot of room or storage for one of the larger machine. They also make for great companion machines if you already have an Explore or Maker and are looking to get another machine.
The larger machines, like the Cricut Maker 3 or Explore 3, are better for serious crafters who want to explore a wider-range of materials, while the Cricut Venture is great for someone who is using their machine for their business, or who wants to create over-sized projects.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. While I may have received compensation and/or product mentioned in this post, the opinions and text are all mine. This post also contains affiliate links.
How large is the print and cut area?
This would partially depend on your printer! It can be as large as the mat/cut area, but my printer prints only up to 8.5 x 11 so that's the maximum I can do for any of my devices, including my full-sized Cricut machines.