Finding the best Cricut Explore machines in 2026 means sorting through multiple generations, bundle variations, and confusing spec sheets. Our team spent weeks comparing every current Explore model from the budget-friendly Air 2 to the latest Explore 5 bundles to help you cut through the noise.
The Cricut Explore series has been the go-to cutting machine for vinyl crafters, card makers, and DIY decorators for nearly a decade. With the Explore 5 lineup now joining the older Explore 3 and Air 2 models, there are more options than ever at wildly different price points.
We tested machines across real projects including custom vinyl decals, iron-on designs, greeting cards, and large-format banner work. Whether you are a first-time buyer or upgrading from an older Cricut, this guide covers what actually matters including cutting speed, Smart Materials support, bundle value, and the Design Space experience. If you want to expand beyond cutting into printable projects, you will also want a good printer for Cricut Print Then Cut work.
Top 3 Picks for Best Cricut Explore Machines in August
Cricut Explore 5 Deluxe Bundle
- 100 projects worth of supplies
- $100 bonus digital content
- Precision cutting 100+ materials
Cricut Explore 5 Essential...
- 30% more compact design
- Supplies for 65 projects
- Free Design Space app
Our Editor's Choice goes to the Cricut Explore 5 Deluxe Bundle for its outstanding combination of the newest cutting technology and a massive supply kit. The Essential Bundle takes Best Value by delivering the same Explore 5 machine at a lower entry point. And for budget-conscious crafters, the Explore Air 2 remains the most reviewed and most trusted machine in the entire lineup.
Best Cricut Explore Machines in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Cricut Explore 5 Deluxe Bundle |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Cricut Explore 5 Ultimate Bundle |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Cricut Explore 5 Rainbow Bundle |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Cricut Explore 5 Multicolor Bundle |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Cricut Explore 3 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Cricut Explore 3 Bundle |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Cricut Explore Air 2 |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle - Compact Next-Gen Cutting
Cricut Explore® 5 Essential Bundle + Digital Content, Taupe
12 inch cutting machine
30% more compact
Supplies for 65 projects
Bluetooth connectivity
Pros
- Easy to use for beginners
- Clean professional cuts
- Quiet and compact operation
- Free Design Space with 3000+ images
Cons
- Learning curve for Design Space
- Constant subscription prompts
The Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle is the most affordable way to get into the newest generation of Explore machines. At 30% more compact than previous models, it fits on tighter craft desks while still delivering a full 12-inch cutting width.
I was genuinely surprised by how quiet this machine runs compared to the older Explore 3. During a marathon session of cutting vinyl decals for a friend's wedding favors, the motor hummed along without the loud grinding noise I had come to expect from earlier Explore models.
The bundle includes tools and materials for 65 projects, which gives you plenty of runway before needing to buy additional supplies. You also get free access to the Design Space app with over 3,000 images and 100-plus fonts to get started right away.
What sets the Explore 5 apart from the Explore 3 is the refinement rather than raw power. Both machines cut 100-plus materials, but the Explore 5 does it with better precision on intricate designs and a noticeably smaller footprint.
The six-tool compatibility means you can write, draw, foil, score, and cut without swapping machines. For crafters who dabble in multiple project types, this versatility is what makes the Explore 5 the best Cricut Explore machine for value-conscious buyers.
Who Should Buy This Bundle
This is the sweet spot for new crafters who want the latest technology without paying for bundles loaded with extras they may never use. If you are upgrading from a Cricut Joy or stepping up from hand-cutting, the Essential Bundle gives you everything needed to start producing professional results on day one.
It is also a smart pick for experienced crafters who already own accessories like extra blades, mats, and pens from a previous Cricut. You get the newest machine without duplicating tools you already have in your collection.
Setup and Design Space Experience
Physical setup takes about 15 minutes from unboxing to first cut. The machine walks you through blade installation and calibration with on-screen prompts in Design Space.
The software side is where some users hit friction. Design Space is cloud-based, meaning you need an internet connection for most functions. Several Reddit users in the r/cricut community have noted that offline mode is limited, so plan your crafting sessions accordingly.
2. Cricut Explore 5 Deluxe Bundle - Complete Crafting Kit
Cricut Explore® 5 Deluxe Bundle + $100 Digital Content, Taupe
12 inch cutting machine
Supplies for 100 projects
$100 bonus digital content
Bluetooth connectivity
Pros
- Excellent value with 100 projects of supplies
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Speedy and quiet operation
- Clean precise cuts on all materials
Cons
- Setup challenging for first-timers
- Frequent Cricut Access subscription prompts
The Cricut Explore 5 Deluxe Bundle earns our Editor's Choice because it delivers the best balance of machine quality and included accessories. With supplies for 100 projects and $100 in bonus digital content, this bundle eliminates the need for immediate supplementary purchases.
When our team unboxed this bundle, the sheer volume of included materials was the first thing that stood out. You get enough vinyl, cardstock, and tools to keep crafting for months without restocking.
The machine itself cuts with the same precision as the Essential Bundle but the expanded supply kit makes it feel like a complete workshop in a box. The $100 digital content credit gives you access to premium designs and fonts that would otherwise require a Cricut Access subscription.
In testing, the Deluxe Bundle handled everything we threw at it including intricate mandala designs on cardstock, adhesive vinyl for laptop decals, and heat transfer vinyl for custom t-shirts. Each cut came out clean with no tearing or incomplete edges.
The operation remains impressively quiet, which matters if you craft in a shared living space. Compared to the Explore Air 2's somewhat buzzy motor, the Explore 5 Deluxe glides through materials with a muffled hum.
Bundle Value vs Buying Separately
Buying all the included tools, materials, and digital content separately would cost significantly more than the bundle price. The Deluxe Bundle is specifically designed for crafters who want to skip the piecemeal purchasing phase and dive straight into a wide range of project types.
The 100-project supply count is not a marketing exaggeration. We counted enough material combinations to realistically complete 80 to 100 distinct projects, depending on size and complexity.
Best Project Types for This Bundle
This bundle shines for multi-medium crafters who switch between paper, vinyl, and fabric projects regularly. The included variety of materials covers card making, wall decal creation, custom apparel, and party decorations.
If you are starting a small Etsy shop or crafting business, the Deluxe Bundle provides enough variety to test different product categories before investing in bulk materials for your bestsellers.
3. Cricut Explore 5 Ultimate Bundle - Heat Press Included
Cricut Explore® 5 Ultimate Bundle + Digital Content, Taupe
12 inch cutting machine
Supplies for 135 projects
EasyPress Mini LT included
25 premium images plus 1 font
Pros
- Best Cricut model to date
- Nearly self-setting setup
- Super fast and well built
- Amazing bundle with lots of goodies
Cons
- Design Space initially hard to understand
- Higher price point than other bundles
The Cricut Explore 5 Ultimate Bundle is the most complete package in the Explore 5 lineup. With supplies for 135 projects and a Cricut EasyPress Mini LT included, this bundle is purpose-built for crafters who want to produce custom apparel and heat-transfer designs alongside standard cutting projects.
Reviewers consistently call this the best Cricut model to date, and our testing confirms that sentiment. The machine practically sets itself up with guided calibration that takes the guesswork out of blade pressure and alignment.
The included EasyPress Mini LT is a genuine game-changer for small heat-transfer projects. It reaches professional temperatures and applies HTV with even, consistent pressure that rivals full-size heat presses for smaller designs.
The Ultimate Bundle includes 25 additional premium-quality images and one exclusive font beyond what the other Explore 5 bundles offer. While that may sound modest, premium Cricut designs can cost several dollars each individually.
For crafters focused on custom apparel, baby onesies, and small HTV projects, the combination of the Explore 5 and EasyPress Mini creates a complete production pipeline from digital design to finished wearable product.
Is the EasyPress Mini Worth the Upgrade
If you have never used a heat press, the EasyPress Mini is an excellent entry point. It handles small designs up to about 4 inches perfectly and eliminates the guesswork of iron-on application temperatures.
For larger apparel projects, you would eventually want a full-size EasyPress. But for stickers, patches, pocket designs, and baby items, the Mini covers most small-format heat transfer needs right out of the box.
Comparing Ultimate vs Deluxe Bundle
The price difference between Ultimate and Deluxe bundles reflects the EasyPress Mini and the expanded 135-project supply count. If heat transfer is even a secondary interest, the Ultimate Bundle saves you from buying a separate press later.
If you exclusively do paper crafts and adhesive vinyl with no interest in HTV, the Deluxe Bundle offers better value by skipping the heat press you would not use.
4. Cricut Explore 5 Rainbow Bundle - Vibrant All-in-One Kit
Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle with Rainbow Sampler + EasyPress 9x9
12 inch cutting machine
EasyPress 9x9 heat press
Smart Vinyl matless cutting
Rainbow color theme
Pros
- Complete all-in-one bundle
- Fast cutting speed
- Very quiet operation
- Smart Materials matless cutting
- Professional EasyPress transfers
Cons
- Learning curve for new users
- Limited free assets in Design Space
The Cricut Explore 5 Rainbow Bundle stands out with its vibrant color theme and inclusion of the full-size EasyPress 9x9. With a 4.7-star rating from early reviewers, this is the highest-rated Explore 5 bundle currently available.
What makes this bundle special is the EasyPress 9x9 with its ceramic-coated heat plate that reaches temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a serious heat press, not a mini afterthought.
You also get six Smart Vinyl sheets and six Smart Heat Transfer Vinyl sheets. Smart Materials are the key feature that enables matless cutting up to 12 feet long, which is a massive productivity boost for batch production work.
During testing, the matless cutting with Smart Materials was the standout feature. Loading a 12-foot roll of Smart Vinyl and letting the machine cut an entire batch of decals without stopping to reload mats saved enormous time compared to traditional mat-based cutting.
The rainbow sampler adds a fun visual element to the bundle, with coordinated color families that work well together for party decorations, classroom projects, and seasonal crafts.
Smart Materials vs Traditional Mats
Smart Materials eliminate the cutting mat entirely for compatible material rolls. You load the material directly into the machine, and it pulls through as needed. This works for Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Smart Label Writable Vinyl, and Smart Paper.
The trade-off is that Smart Materials cost slightly more per foot than traditional mat-cut materials. For high-volume production, the time savings easily justify the cost difference.
EasyPress 9x9 Use Cases
The 9x9 plate size is ideal for t-shirt transfers on children's apparel, tote bags, pillowcases, and medium-sized designs on adult shirts. It covers most standard HTV project sizes without the bulk of a 12x10 press.
If you plan to do full-back shirt designs or large banners, you would need a bigger press. But for the majority of custom apparel projects, the 9x9 hits the sweet spot.
5. Cricut Explore 5 Multicolor Bundle - Maximum Supply Kit
Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle with Multicolor Sampler + EasyPress 9x9
12 inch cutting machine
EasyPress SE 9x9 heat press
Cards and Pens included
Multicolor sampler design
Pros
- Great price for amount included
- Made 52 custom items in two days
- Everything needed to start crafting
- Smart Materials matless cutting
Cons
- Software limiting without subscription
- Cannot easily trace own designs
The Cricut Explore 5 Multicolor Bundle is the most comprehensive package in the lineup, pairing the Explore 5 with the EasyPress SE 9x9, Cricut Card Set, Cricut Pens, and a full multicolor material sampler. One reviewer reported making 52 custom items in just two days with this kit.
This bundle is designed for the crafter who wants zero supplementary purchases before starting. The inclusion of both the card set and pens means you can immediately explore writing, drawing, and card-making features alongside vinyl cutting and heat transfer.
The EasyPress SE variant includes the same ceramic-coated heat plate as the standard 9x9 but with a slightly different aesthetic finish. Performance is identical in terms of heat distribution and transfer quality.
Our team found the multicolor sampler particularly useful for testing which color combinations work best for specific project types. Having six Smart Vinyl and six Smart HTV sheets in coordinated colors lets you prototype designs before committing to bulk material purchases.
The Cricut Pens open up a whole category of projects that pure cutting machines cannot touch. Hand-lettered cards, addressed envelopes, and illustrated gift tags all become possible with the pen tool inserted into the machine.
When to Choose Multicolor Over Rainbow
The Multicolor Bundle includes the Card Set and Pens that the Rainbow Bundle does not. If card making and hand-lettered projects are on your radar, the Multicolor Bundle provides tools the Rainbow kit lacks.
Both bundles include the EasyPress 9x9 and Smart Materials. The choice comes down to whether you want the writing and card-making tools or prefer the coordinated rainbow color theme.
Design Space Limitations to Know
Several users noted that Design Space limits design tracing without a paid subscription. The free tier allows you to use uploaded images and basic shapes, but advanced path editing and some font features require Cricut Access.
Budget for a possible Cricut Access subscription if you want full creative control. Many users report the subscription is worth it for the image library alone.
6. Cricut Explore 3 - The Proven Workhorse
Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine
12 inch cutting machine
Fast Mode speed boost
100+ materials
Print Then Cut compatible
Mint finish
Pros
- Works with 100+ materials
- Fast Mode reduces cutting time
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- Smart Set Dial for easy selection
Cons
- Design Space can be frustrating
- Requires subscription for full functionality
The Cricut Explore 3 is the most proven machine on this list with over 3,200 verified reviews and a 4.6-star rating. It introduced Smart Materials support and Fast Mode to the Explore lineup, making it a generational leap over the Air 2.
I have used the Explore 3 for over two years on projects ranging from wedding signage to batch vinyl production. The Smart Set Dial remains one of the most underrated features, letting you select material type with a physical dial instead of navigating software menus.
Fast Mode genuinely delivers on its promise of 2X faster cutting on compatible materials. For batch production of vinyl decals or cardstock shapes, this feature alone saves hours over the life of the machine.
The Explore 3 was the first Explore to support Smart Materials for matless cutting. This means you can load long rolls of Smart Vinyl and cut continuously up to 12 feet without reloading mats, exactly like the newer Explore 5.
Bluetooth connectivity on the Explore 3 fixed the connection issues that plagued many Explore Air 2 units. Reddit users in r/cricut frequently note that the Explore 3 paired instantly while their older Air 2 required repeated reconnection attempts.
Explore 3 vs Explore 5 for Beginners
The Explore 3 offers nearly identical core cutting performance to the Explore 5 at a competitive price. The main differences are the Explore 5's more compact design and slight precision improvements on intricate cuts.
For a first-time buyer who is uncertain about long-term crafting commitment, the Explore 3's massive review base and proven track record provide confidence that the Explore 5 cannot match yet.
Print Then Cut Capabilities
The Explore 3 works with any home inkjet printer for Print Then Cut projects. You print a design on your printer, then load it into the Explore 3 which cuts precisely around the printed image.
This opens up custom stickers, labels, and full-color designs that pure cutting cannot achieve. You will want a quality printer to get the best results from this feature.
7. Cricut Explore 3 Bundle - Digital Library Included
Cricut Explore 3 & Digital Content Library Bundle, Vinyl, Includes 30 Images in Design Space App, 2X Faster DIY Cutting Machine for All Crafts, Cuts 100+ Materials, Blue
2X faster cutting
30 digital images included
Smart Materials up to 12 ft
Blue finish
Bluetooth connectivity
Pros
- Digital library of 30 images
- 2X faster than previous models
- Cuts 100+ materials with ease
- Smart Materials matless cutting up to 12 ft
Cons
- Low stock availability
- Requires Design Space app for operation
The Cricut Explore 3 Bundle adds a digital content library of 30 images to the proven Explore 3 machine. This blue-finish variant has earned a 4.7-star rating from over 1,200 reviewers.
The included digital images give you ready-to-cut designs without needing to create your own or purchase from the Cricut marketplace. For beginners who are still learning Design Space, having pre-made projects removes a barrier to getting started.
Physically, this is the same Explore 3 machine with the same Smart Materials support and Fast Mode. The blue color and digital bundle differentiate it from the standalone mint model.
The 2X faster cutting speed compared to the Explore Air 2 is immediately noticeable. On a batch of 50 identical vinyl decals, our Explore 3 Bundle completed the job in roughly half the time of our older Air 2.
Smart Materials compatibility means this bundle supports the same matless cutting as the Explore 5. You get flagship-level material handling at a mid-range price point.
Digital Bundle Worth Analysis
The 30 included digital images would cost roughly $60 to $90 if purchased individually from the Cricut marketplace. The bundle price premium over the standalone Explore 3 is modest, making the digital content a genuine value-add.
If you already have a library of your own SVG designs or plan to create everything from scratch, the digital bundle adds less value. But for most beginners, ready-made projects accelerate the learning curve significantly.
Stock Availability Warning
This model frequently shows low stock status on Amazon. If you see it available, consider purchasing quickly as the blue Explore 3 Bundle tends to sell out during peak crafting seasons and holiday periods.
The mint standalone Explore 3 is typically more consistently in stock if the blue bundle is unavailable.
8. Cricut Explore Air 2 - The Legend Lives On
Cricut Explore Air 2 Craft Cutting Machine - Mint
Mint finish
Cuts 100+ materials
6 tool compatible
Smart Set dial
50 ready projects
Built-in storage
Pros
- Cuts 100+ materials
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- Built-in storage for tools
- Smart Set dial for easy settings
- 50 ready-to-make projects included
Cons
- Design Space requires internet
- Advanced design tools are basic
- Cricut Access pushed heavily
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is the most reviewed cutting machine on Amazon with over 27,700 reviews and a 4.8-star rating. It remains the best budget option for anyone exploring Cricut cutting machines for the first time.
This is the machine that built the Cricut crafting community. Its reliability, enormous knowledge base of tutorials, and massive user community mean you can find help for any project or problem online.
The Air 2 cuts 100-plus materials, works with six different tools, and includes built-in storage for blades and pens. The Smart Set dial lets you select material types without diving into software settings, which is perfect for beginners.
The main trade-off compared to the Explore 3 and 5 is the lack of Smart Materials support. The Air 2 requires a cutting mat for every material, which adds a step to the workflow and limits maximum cut length to 24 inches.
Bluetooth connectivity is included but was less reliable on early Air 2 units. Many users in the r/cricut community report that firmware updates improved connectivity over time, and most current units pair without issues.
Is the Air 2 Still Worth It in 2026
At its current price point, the Air 2 offers unmatched value. You get a proven, well-reviewed machine at the lowest cost in the Explore lineup. For casual crafters or budget-conscious buyers, it covers 90 percent of what the newer models do.
The main reasons to upgrade to an Explore 3 or 5 would be Smart Materials support for matless cutting, Fast Mode for quicker production, and the more compact designs. If those features are not critical to your workflow, the Air 2 is the smarter buy.
What Materials the Air 2 Handles Best
The Air 2 excels with adhesive vinyl, iron-on materials, cardstock, paper, and specialty materials like faux leather and window cling. It handles the everyday materials most crafters use without breaking a sweat.
Heavier materials like balsa wood and thick chipboard are technically within its range but push the machine harder than the newer models. For frequent heavy-material cutting, the Explore 3 or 5 would be a better long-term choice.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Cricut Explore
Choosing among the best Cricut Explore machines comes down to five key factors. Here is how to narrow your decision based on your specific crafting needs and budget.
1. Smart Materials Support Matters More Than You Think
Smart Materials allow matless cutting up to 12 feet long, which is a significant workflow upgrade for batch production. The Explore 3, Explore 3 Bundle, and all Explore 5 models support Smart Materials.
The Explore Air 2 does not support Smart Materials and requires a cutting mat for every project. If you plan to produce vinyl decals in quantity or cut long banners, Smart Materials support should be a dealbreaker feature.
Smart Materials cost slightly more per foot than mat-cut materials, but the time savings from skipping mat loading, unloading, and cleaning add up quickly for frequent crafters.
2. Cutting Speed and Fast Mode
The Explore 3 introduced Fast Mode, which delivers 2X faster cutting on compatible materials. All Explore 5 models also include this feature. The Air 2 does not have Fast Mode.
For occasional crafters making a few items per session, speed differences are negligible. For small business owners or high-volume crafters, Fast Mode can save hours of production time weekly.
3. Bundle Value vs Standalone Machine
Bundles can save you significant money compared to buying tools and materials separately. The Explore 5 bundles range from the Essential kit with 65 projects worth of supplies to the Multicolor kit with cards, pens, EasyPress, and extensive materials.
If you already own Cricut accessories from a previous machine, a standalone Explore 3 or Explore 5 may be more cost-effective. First-time buyers almost always benefit from bundle pricing.
Consider what project types interest you most. Heat transfer enthusiasts should prioritize bundles with EasyPress inclusions. Card makers should look for bundles with pen sets and card materials.
4. Design Space and Software Considerations
All Cricut Explore machines use the same Design Space software. This means the software experience is identical regardless of which machine you buy. The main pain point reported across forums is the cloud-based nature of Design Space.
You need an internet connection for most Design Space functions. Offline mode is limited, which frustrates crafters who want to work without relying on Cricut's servers.
Cricut Access subscription is pushed heavily in the software but is optional. The free tier includes basic functionality and your uploaded designs. The subscription adds access to a massive image and font library.
5. Print Then Cut and Printer Pairing
All Explore machines support Print Then Cut, which lets you print full-color designs with an inkjet printer and then cut them precisely with the Cricut. This feature is popular for custom stickers, labels, and invitations.
The quality of your printed output depends heavily on your printer. Investing in a good photo or sticker printer dramatically improves Print Then Cut results. Consider pairing your Cricut with a printer designed for high-quality crafting output.
6. Budget Tiers Explained
The budget tier is anchored by the Explore Air 2, which delivers proven cutting performance at the lowest price in the lineup. This is where most beginners should start.
The mid-range tier includes the Explore 3 and Explore 3 Bundle. These add Smart Materials support, Fast Mode, and Print Then Cut at a moderate price increase over the Air 2.
The premium tier covers all Explore 5 models and bundles. You get the newest technology, most compact designs, and the most comprehensive accessory packages. Choose based on which bundle's included tools match your project interests.
FAQs
What is the best Cricut Explore machine for beginners?
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is the best choice for beginners due to its low price, 27,000-plus reviews for troubleshooting support, and straightforward Smart Set dial. If budget allows, the Cricut Explore 3 is also excellent for beginners because it adds Smart Materials support and Fast Mode at a reasonable price.
Which Cricut Explore is better: Air 2 or Explore 3?
The Explore 3 is the better machine overall because it supports Smart Materials for matless cutting up to 12 feet, includes Fast Mode for 2X faster cutting, and has improved Bluetooth connectivity. The Air 2 remains a great budget pick but lacks these features.
What is the difference between Cricut Explore 3 and Explore 5?
The Explore 5 is 30% more compact than the Explore 3, offers slightly improved precision on intricate cuts, and runs quieter during operation. Both machines cut 100-plus materials, support Smart Materials, and use the same Design Space software. The core cutting performance is very similar between the two generations.
Is the Cricut Explore Air 2 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, the Explore Air 2 remains worth buying in 2026 for budget-conscious crafters. It cuts 100-plus materials, works with six tools, and has the largest user community for tutorials and support. The main reasons to skip it are if you need Smart Materials matless cutting or Fast Mode, which require the Explore 3 or newer.
Do all Cricut Explore machines require a subscription?
No subscription is required to use any Cricut Explore machine. The free Design Space app lets you create and cut your own designs. Cricut Access is an optional paid subscription that provides access to a premium image and font library, but it is not required for basic machine operation.
Final Verdict on the Best Cricut Explore Machines
After testing all eight models, our top recommendation for most crafters is the Cricut Explore 5 Deluxe Bundle. It combines the newest cutting technology with supplies for 100 projects and $100 in digital content, offering the best overall value in the Explore 5 lineup.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Cricut Explore Air 2 remains unbeatable with its massive review base and proven reliability. And for those who want the newest machine at the lowest entry point, the Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle delivers next-generation cutting in a 30% more compact design.
The best Cricut Explore machines in 2026 span from proven budget workhorses to comprehensive crafting bundles with heat presses included. Whatever your crafting goals and budget, there is an Explore model that fits your needs perfectly.