Trying to decide between the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2? Want to know which machine is right for you? We will compare everything about Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air 2, so you can choose which one to buy.
What is the main difference between these two machines? The Cricut Maker can do much more than the Cricut Explore Air 2 but comes with a hefty price tag to match. We will go over all of the most significant features of these two cutting machines so you can determine whether the upgrade is worth it to you and what crafting interests you most.
Cricut Maker Vs Explore Air 2: Overview
Cricut Maker is a cutting machine. It is perfect for low, medium, and large-scale craft projects. It works for all types of crafting, whether your small business handles apparel, cards, custom vinyl stickers, wall art, embroidery, prints, home decor, or anything else.
Explore Air 2 is Cricut's middle machine: smaller than Maker but larger than Joy. Although it's not as strong as the Cricut Maker, you can still use the Explore Air 2 to maintain a crafting business, as it helps you create soft materials like paper, vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and fabric. This is a great option for beginners exploring the world of crafters.
Cricut Maker Vs Cricut Explore Air 2: Main Differences
The differences between the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2 come from cutting versatility and price tag. Maker cuts much wider with different compatible blades, while the Air 2 is limited to thinner materials like paper and vinyl. But that doesn't mean that the Cricut Maker is the better deal. Each one has its pros and cons, depending on your craft project needs.
Cricut Explore Air 2 Vs Maker: Similarities
Below are some similarities between these two machines.
Small Footprint For Home Use
Cricut Maker and Explore Air 2 can sit on a desktop, as each cutting machine is less than 2 feet wide and less than 1 foot long. They take up little space, so you can set them up in a home without turning the space into a mess.
Exclusive Cutting With Accessories And Add-on Bundles
Both cutting machines use various additional materials and tools to create craft projects. Sometimes, they come bundled with the cutting machine or bought separately online or at a local store. Both these products can cut, draw, write, score, and add foil effects.
Lastly, both cutting machines come in various colors and cut various materials up to 12 inches by 24 inches using a Cricut mat. These cutting mats help prevent the material from sliding around as the Cricut cut. They use different blades for different types of cutting.
Cricut Software And Printer Connectivity
Cricut Maker and Explore Air 2 work with the Design Space software. It helps you create and store your craft designs. It also comes with several free craft designs. Also, you can pay a monthly payment and subscribe to Cricut Access, where you can access craft projects and designs.
There is some learning curve to using these cutting machines. If you are a bit desktop computer savvy, you can use them. Both cutting machines come with a first craft project to guide you in introducing yourself. You can even find many craft tutorials online. Both machines can be connected to a printer to print images before cutting.
Cricut Maker Vs Cricut Explore Air 2: Which One Should You Buy?
Cricut Maker beats the Explore Air 2 quite a bit with the Adaptive Tool System. It's the best cutting machine for 3D paper crafts, fabric projects, and makers craving versatility.
Still, the Explore Air 2 is the best value cutting machine for a narrow range of uses. If you're cutting exclusively paper and vinyl, we suggest you choose this low cost option.
However, we suggest the Cricut Maker if you don't want to limit your creativity or options. It will cut fabric without binding, score cardstock better, cut thick materials, and allow you to cut a wider range of materials with greater precision than ever before.
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