Whether you’re considering an upgrade to your existing Cricut machine, or purchasing a new one, you’ll want a full comparison of the Cricut Maker vs the Cricut Explore Air 2.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
We have become conditioned to upgrade everything, all the time. Whether our fashion, a fast food meal or our homes, everything comes with an opportunity to upgrade these days.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve fallen victim to the “upgrade treadmill” more than a time or two. Five years ago, after being disappointed by an Apple iPhone upgrade, I decided to embrace my inner Jeff Bezos.
Today I exercise more than a little restraint when it comes to purchasing the latest and greatest. Outside of automatic updates on my computer, phone and tablet, I’ve become MUCH slower to upgrade.
I purchased my Cricut Explore Air 2 when it came out in Fall 2016. The Cricut Maker came out a year later. I experienced some major FOMO as the new machine rolled out.
I managed to hold off on purchasing a new machine for over a year (which is like five years in tech time). I finally got my hands on a Cricut Maker (thanks Cricut!) and today I am spilling whether it was worth the wait or if I should have upgraded immediately.
Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air 2
In this post I will compare the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2 machines.
I will cover the differences and similarities in the two machines to help you make an informed decision as to which machine is right for you, whether you’re purchasing a machine for the first time or making an upgrade.
If you’re tight on time, you can skip past my thorough review right down to the comparison chart I’ve created located at the bottom of the post.
Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air 2 Pricing
There is a significant price difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2.
On the surface, you’re looking at a $100 price difference in MSRP. However regular sales and bundle pricing is more readily available on the Explore Air 2. I regularly see Explore machines discounted up to $100, while sales on the Cricut Maker typically run $30 to $40. Taking discounted pricing and sales into consideration, the price differential is often closer to $150.
Get the best deal on the Cricut Maker here.
Get the best deal on a Cricut Explore Air 2 here.
Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air Design
The Cricut Maker comes in four colors with a metallic, pearl finish. It’s nice, but I can not tell a lie. I am a fan of all the bold, beautiful colors available with the Cricut Explore Air 2.
My Cricut Explore Air 2 is the original blue color, but I am in love with the Raspberry.
While both machines are roughly the same dimensions, the Maker is nine pounds heavier than the Explore Air 2. That’s not an issue for me as my machine sits on a shelf a majority of the time, BUT if you’re going to be transporting your machine to work locations, crafting events or friends houses it’s definitely something to consider.
One of the physical features I LOVE about the Cricut Maker is the additional storage incorporated in the machine. It’s holds nearly twice the tools.
It’s easy to design for both the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2 on a tablet or smart phone, but the Cricut Maker actually has a functional “gadget stand.” It can hold just about any size tablet or phone, which is great because I love to design on my iPad Pro (and it’s BIG!).
In addition, a USB port located on the lower right allows you to charge your device while it’s resting in the docking slot above. Another “nice to have” feature.
There are a few features that appear to be “missing” from the body of the Cricut Maker. Don’t worry, you’re not loosing out on functionality.
- Ad additional external storage compartment has been added to the left side of the Cricut Maker. The storage takes the place of the traditional cartridge plugin. If you utilize the cartridges used in conjunction with an older machine, you will need to sync those designs with your Cricut Design Space account or purchase an adapter.
I haven’t used cartridges since I was in college, so this wasn’t a consideration for me. - There is no “open” button on the Cricut Maker, simply pop the lid open manually.
- There is no materials dial on the Cricut Maker, instead materials are selected during the design process.
If you’re cutting the same material on repeat, you might prefer the Cricut Explore Air 2’s set it and forget it dial.
Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore Air Capabilities
Okay. This is where the Cricut Maker really, really stands out. It’s an “upgrade,” so it should come as no surprise that it has expanded capabilities. The Cricut Maker can cut over 200 materials, while the Cricut Explore Air 2 is limited (I don’t know if I can even limited with a straight face) to about 100 materials.
The Adaptive Tool System in the Maker can direct tools (cutting blades, scoring wheels, etc.) to move side-to-side, up and down, as well as lift and turn.
This system allows the Cricut Maker us able to cut with 10x the pressure of the Cricut Explore Air 2. The pressure change alone is pretty impressive, but the new range of tools available with the Adaptive Tool System is really fantastic.
I’ve tried out the rotary blade and can’t wait to work with the new scoring blade.
Cricut has hinted at a number of additional tools that could be developed to work with the Adaptive Tool System. The company’s website says, “Cricut Maker grows with you as you learn each new craft.”
While new tools would be an additional purchase, perhaps the machine itself wouldn’t change as much over time? If that’s the case, I am a BIG fan.
In contrast, the Cricut Explore Air 2 has a drag blade. The blade moves up and down and cuts side-to-side. While it’s still possible to cut through a number of materials, the cut can be less than precise. In addition, many have to be stabilized so that the drag blade doesn’t get caught up.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve often had small bits of vinyl, leather fibers and other excess material get caught in the blade of my Cricut Explore Air 2, which has resulted in a less clean cut and sometimes even caused me to have to start a project from scratch. No bueno!
I am also a bit of a lazy crafter and the idea of having to add stabilizer to each piece of fabric cut has kept me from using my Cricut Explore Air 2 for sewing projects. As an amateur seamstress, I am really excited to try out the rotary blade.
The Cricut Maker’s additional capabilities don’t end with the new pressure and tools. The Print and Cut feature gets an upgrade as well. With the Maker, it’s possible to print on colored paper, as well as white paper.
Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air Comparison Chart
| CRICUT MAKER | CRICUT EXPLORE AIR 2 | |
| List Price | $399 | $299 |
| Machine Colors | Mint, Blue, Rose, Champagne | Wide Variety of Colors |
| Machine Weight | 30 lbs. | 21 lbs. |
| Utilizes Design Space | X | X |
| Bluetooth Wireless | X | X |
| Storage | 2 External Options Deeper Tray Storage | 1 External Option Tray Storage |
| Cartridge Capability | No Cartridge Port – Use Synced Cartridges or Purchase Adapter | Cartridge Port |
| Print + Cut | Print + Cut on White or Colored Paper | Print on White Paper |
| Material Selection | Select in Design Software | Dial on Machine |
| Cutting Capability | Cuts 200+ Materials Including Fabric + Thicker Materials | Cuts 100+ Materials |
| Cutting Pressure | 4KG Max Pressure (10x pressure) | 400G Max Pressure |
| Adjustable Tool System | X | |
| Available Blades + Tools | Knife Blade Rotary Blade Scoring Tool Double Scoring Tool Fine Point Blade Deep Cut Blade Bonded Fabric Blade | Fine Point Blade Deep Cut Blade Bonded Fabric Blade Scoring Stylus |
| Mobile Charging Port | X |
Which Cricut Machine is Best?
Here’s where I get really honest with you…
In the “battle” between Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air 2, I’d go with the Maker.
There’s no denying that both machines are an investment, particularly if you’re using the machine as a hobbyist. As a portion of my income is related to crafting, now that I’ve started working with the Cricut Maker, I wish I would have upgraded sooner.
I am thrilled with the Cricut Maker. I think I will use this machine even more often than I used my Cricut Explore Air 2. Based on a few trial runs, I can already tell it will be put to good use on future sewing projects, but what I am most excited to try? Cutting wood.
Having said that, you may be in a different situation. Let’s chat about when it would be best to purchase a Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore Air 2…
If you’re purchasing a machine for the first time or upgrading from an older legacy machine, purchase the Cricut Maker.
If money is no object, purchase/upgrade to the Cricut Maker.
If you want access to new tools and future updates (FOMO anyone?), purchase the Cricut Maker.
If you like to sew, purchase the Cricut Maker.
If you’re on a tight budget, purchase the Cricut Explore Air 2.
If you work primarily with paper and vinyl and don’t plan to expand to other types of craft projects, purchase the Cricut Explore Air 2.
Looking for a bit of Cricut inspiration? You can check out all of the projects I’ve been making with my Cricut Explore Air 2 here.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
Tauni Everett
Creative Director at Tauni Everett
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