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7 Best Cricut Machine For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Cricut Explore 4 Machine with Vinyl and Iron-On Bundle - Beginner Friendly Craft Cutting Machine with Essential Materials, HTV and Adhesive Vinyl Variety Pack- DIY Decor Projects, Apparel and Decals

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,164
Cutting Capabilities
Ease of Use
Size and Portability

Most important from
9036 reviews

Cutting Capabilities
The machine cuts very smoothly and operates at an impressive speed, nearly twice as fast as previous models.
Ease of Use
It's remarkably easy to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners starting their crafting journey.
Size and Portability
The device is best suited for a dedicated crafting space due to its size and weight, rather than for frequent portability.
Accessories and Add-Ons
The included starter materials and accessories allow you to jump straight into projects without needing extra purchases.
Connectivity
Connectivity options like Bluetooth and USB make linking the machine to your devices seamless and hassle-free.

The Cricut Explore 4 bundle is a solid choice for beginners looking to start crafting with a versatile cutting machine. It stands out with its ability to cut over 100 materials including vinyl, iron-on, paper, and felt, making it great for a wide range of DIY projects like home decor, apparel, and stickers. The machine cuts twice as fast as earlier models, which helps speed up your crafting process. It comes with a helpful digital guide and an assortment of essential vinyl and iron-on materials that allow you to jump right in without needing extra purchases.

The device is relatively large and weighs about 18 pounds, so it’s more suited for a dedicated crafting space than frequent portability. The Explore 4 connects easily via Bluetooth or USB, and its software offers plenty of design options, including built-in project templates and the ability to upload your own designs, which is friendly for beginners but also expandable as skills grow. Included accessories like the cutting mat, pen, blade, and weeding tool cover the basics well, although if you want more advanced effects like foiling or scoring, additional blades and tools are needed.

This machine offers a strong balance of cutting performance and ease of use, paired with a good starter kit, making it a reliable pick for new crafters ready to explore creative projects.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,164
Cutting Capabilities
Ease of Use
Size and Portability

Most important from
9036 reviews

Cutting Capabilities
The machine cuts very smoothly and operates at an impressive speed, nearly twice as fast as previous models.
Ease of Use
It's remarkably easy to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners starting their crafting journey.
Size and Portability
The device is best suited for a dedicated crafting space due to its size and weight, rather than for frequent portability.
Accessories and Add-Ons
The included starter materials and accessories allow you to jump straight into projects without needing extra purchases.
Connectivity
Connectivity options like Bluetooth and USB make linking the machine to your devices seamless and hassle-free.
#2

Cricut Maker 4 - Smart Cutting Machine (Seashell) | Engagement Bundle - Includes Smart Vinyl, Cardstock, Transfer Tape, Iron On HTV, Mat, Pens, Tool Kit, & 25 Images in Design Space App

Rating
9.7
Cutting Capabilities
Ease of Use

Most important from
497 reviews

Cutting Capabilities
The Cricut Maker 4 delivers faster, smoother performance and impressive cutting power, making it a significant upgrade over previous models.
Ease of Use
User-friendly design and versatility make it perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters looking to create intricate, customized projects.

The Cricut Maker 4 is a versatile and user-friendly cutting machine that suits beginners looking to dive into creative projects. It supports over 300 materials, from common ones like vinyl and cardstock to more advanced options like leather, making it a tool that grows with your skills. The machine cuts, draws, scores, foils, and even engraves, offering a wide range of possibilities. It comes with a generous starter bundle including various materials, tools, and digital images, so you can start crafting right away. Its compatibility with most inkjet printers allows for full-color sticker projects using the Print-Then-Cut feature, adding extra creative freedom.

The Cricut Design Space app is easy to use and guides you through your projects, offering many templates and design options that help beginners feel confident. Connectivity options are straightforward, supporting multiple devices like iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. The machine’s size and weight mean it is not the most portable option for frequent moving. Additionally, while the app is powerful, some features unlock only through subscription, which could be a consideration for those on a budget.

For beginners seeking a reliable, all-in-one cutting machine with plenty of creative support and accessories included, the Maker 4 stands out as a strong choice.

Rating
9.7
Cutting Capabilities
Ease of Use

Most important from
497 reviews

Cutting Capabilities
The Cricut Maker 4 delivers faster, smoother performance and impressive cutting power, making it a significant upgrade over previous models.
Ease of Use
User-friendly design and versatility make it perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters looking to create intricate, customized projects.
#3

Cricut Joy Xtra Digital Version

Rating
9.4
Cutting Capabilities
Ease of Use
Size and Portability

Most important from
1989 reviews

Cutting Capabilities
The cutting quality and speed are reliable, providing professional results without compromise despite its small footprint.
Ease of Use
Easy setup and great connectivity make it a user-friendly tool for beginners eager to dive into crafting.
Size and Portability
Its compact size and portability make it perfect for small spaces or mobile crafting setups, fitting conveniently on rolling carts or in tight areas like an RV.
Software and Design Options
This machine offers much more functionality than the standard Cricut Joy, including compatibility with home printers for seamless sticker making and the ability to handle larger projects with ease.
Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity ensures smooth, hassle-free operation across devices, enhancing the overall crafting experience.

The Cricut Joy Xtra Digital Version is a well-rounded choice for beginners wanting a compact and versatile crafting machine. Its cutting capabilities cover over 50 popular materials like vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock, allowing you to explore a wide range of projects from decals to personalized gifts. Beyond cutting, it can write, draw, foil, and score, which adds creative flexibility without needing extra tools. Setting up is straightforward thanks to the automatic operation mode and an included digital content bundle of 30 images to start crafting right away.

The machine is small and lightweight, making it easy to move around or store, which is perfect if you don’t have dedicated craft space. The free Design Space app is beginner-friendly and helps you design and customize projects step-by-step. Plus, it offers built-in learning plans and courses to build your skills gradually. Connectivity is smooth with the app working on most devices, and it supports print-then-cut features using your home inkjet printer for colorful designs.

One limitation is that the Cricut Joy Xtra is designed for simpler, smaller projects and may not handle large or very thick materials well compared to bigger Cricut models. Also, while it includes some digital images, additional images and accessories might require extra purchases. For those seeking a machine that’s easy to use, portable, and covers a broad range of beginner crafts with helpful learning support, this model represents a solid pick.

Rating
9.4
Cutting Capabilities
Ease of Use
Size and Portability

Most important from
1989 reviews

Cutting Capabilities
The cutting quality and speed are reliable, providing professional results without compromise despite its small footprint.
Ease of Use
Easy setup and great connectivity make it a user-friendly tool for beginners eager to dive into crafting.
Size and Portability
Its compact size and portability make it perfect for small spaces or mobile crafting setups, fitting conveniently on rolling carts or in tight areas like an RV.
Software and Design Options
This machine offers much more functionality than the standard Cricut Joy, including compatibility with home printers for seamless sticker making and the ability to handle larger projects with ease.
Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity ensures smooth, hassle-free operation across devices, enhancing the overall crafting experience.

Buying Guide for the Best Cricut Machine For Beginners

Choosing the right Cricut machine can be a game-changer for your crafting projects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, the right machine can help you bring your creative ideas to life with ease. When selecting a Cricut machine, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your crafting experience.
Cutting CapabilitiesCutting capabilities refer to the types of materials the Cricut machine can cut and the precision with which it can do so. This is important because different projects may require different materials such as paper, vinyl, fabric, or even leather. For beginners, a machine that can handle a wide range of materials with ease is ideal. Basic models are great for paper and vinyl, while more advanced models can cut thicker materials. Consider what types of projects you plan to work on and choose a machine that can handle those materials.
Ease of UseEase of use is crucial, especially for beginners. This includes the user interface, software compatibility, and the overall learning curve. A machine with a simple, intuitive interface and easy-to-use software will make your crafting experience more enjoyable. Look for machines that come with beginner-friendly tutorials and support. If you're new to crafting, a machine with straightforward controls and clear instructions will help you get started quickly and confidently.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of a Cricut machine can affect where and how you use it. If you have a dedicated crafting space, a larger machine might be suitable. However, if you need to store it away when not in use or take it to crafting events, a more compact and portable model would be better. Consider your workspace and how often you might need to move the machine. For beginners, a smaller, more portable machine can be a convenient choice.
Software and Design OptionsThe software and design options available with a Cricut machine are important for creating and customizing your projects. Good software should be user-friendly and offer a variety of design templates and tools. Some machines come with access to a library of designs, while others may require additional purchases. For beginners, having access to a wide range of pre-made designs and easy-to-use design tools can help you get started without feeling overwhelmed.
Accessories and Add-OnsAccessories and add-ons can enhance the functionality of your Cricut machine. These can include different types of blades, pens, and mats that allow you to tackle a wider range of projects. Some machines come with a basic set of accessories, while others offer more extensive kits. As a beginner, you might not need all the extras right away, but it's good to know what options are available for future projects. Consider what types of projects you want to do and choose a machine that offers the necessary accessories.
ConnectivityConnectivity options, such as Bluetooth or USB, determine how you connect your Cricut machine to your computer or mobile device. This is important for transferring designs and updates. Machines with wireless connectivity offer more flexibility and convenience, allowing you to work from different devices without being tethered by cables. For beginners, a machine with easy and reliable connectivity options can simplify the crafting process and make it more enjoyable.

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