Starting your Cricut journey is an exciting step into the world of personalized crafting. With so many machines available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming for a beginner. This guide simplifies that process by highlighting the best Cricut machines and tools for newcomers in 2025. We focus on user-friendly features, versatility for starter projects, and excellent value to help you make the perfect choice for your creative goals.
Whether you dream of making custom t-shirts, intricate paper crafts, or home decor, there is a Cricut machine designed to match your ambition and skill level. Our roundup includes everything from compact cutting machines to essential heat presses, complete with key features and benefits. Read on to find the ideal tool to bring your first projects to life with confidence and ease.
Our Top Cricut Picks for New Crafters
- Cricut Easy Press 2 Bundle: Heat Press Machine, Everyday StrongBond Iron-On, Weeding Kit, Raspberry, 9×9
- Cricut 2000293 Cuttlebug Machine, 14.4 by 12-Inch, Green
- Cricut EasyPress 2 Heat Press Machine (6″ x 7″), Ideal for Baby Clothes, Hats, Accessories and More, Mint
- Cricut Maker – Smart Cutting Machine – with 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art, Home Decor & More, Bluetooth Connectivity, Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows & Mac, Blue
- Cricut Explore Air (Previous Model) – Mint + Bonus Digital Inclusion
- Cricut Joy Machine with Smart Vinyl Rolls, Standard Grip Cutting Mat and Joy Tool Set Bundle – Starter Kit for Stickers and Decals
- 18V Power Cord Replacement for Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2 Cutting Machine
- Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine – Vinyl Starter Bundle
- Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine – Vinyl Starter Bundle
- Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine
Cricut Easy Press 2 Bundle: Heat Press Machine, Everyday StrongBond Iron-On, Weeding Kit, Raspberry, 9×9
This comprehensive bundle is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in apparel decoration. The Easy Press 2 itself provides a much more reliable and consistent method for applying iron-on vinyl than a standard household iron, leading to professional-looking results that last through many washes. The included weeding kit and sample iron-on material mean you have everything required to complete your first project right out of the box.
The 9×9 inch heating plate is a versatile size, suitable for a wide range of designs on adult and youth t-shirts, tote bags, and more. With precise temperature control and an automatic shut-off timer, the process is simplified, removing guesswork and helping beginners achieve success on their initial attempts. This bundle represents strong value by combining essential tools in one purchase.
Cricut 2000293 Cuttlebug Machine, 14.4 by 12-Inch, Green
For crafters who enjoy traditional techniques like die-cutting and embossing, the Cricut Cuttlebug is a fantastic and affordable manual machine. Its primary benefit is simplicity; there are no software programs or digital designs to manage. You simply turn the handle to press dies into your material, making it incredibly straightforward for beginners of all ages.
Its compact, foldable design is a major advantage for those with limited craft space, as it stores easily on a shelf or in a cabinet. The Cuttlebug is also compatible with a vast library of existing metal dies from various brands, offering great flexibility without locking you into a single ecosystem. It’s perfect for creating detailed shapes and textured patterns for card making, scrapbooking, and other paper crafts.
Cricut EasyPress 2 Heat Press Machine (6″ x 7″), Ideal for Baby Clothes, Hats, Accessories and More, Mint
The smaller 6″x7″ Easy Press 2 is a specialized tool perfect for projects on curved or hard-to-reach surfaces. Its compact heating plate is ideal for applying designs to baby onesies, baseball caps, shoes, and small accessories like pencil cases or patches. This size offers greater control and precision for detailed work.
Like its larger sibling, it provides accurate, consistent heat up to 400°F and features an insulated safety base and auto-shutoff. For beginners focusing on smaller items or working with children’s clothing, this model is a practical and space-efficient choice. It delivers the same professional-quality adhesion as the larger presses but is tailored for a specific range of projects.
Cricut Maker – Smart Cutting Machine – with 10X Cutting Force, Cuts 300+ Materials, Create 3D Art, Home Decor & More, Bluetooth Connectivity, Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows & Mac, Blue
The Cricut Maker is a powerhouse machine for the beginner who wants no limits on their creativity from day one. Its standout feature is the adaptive tool system, which includes a rotary blade for cutting fabric without a backing mat and a knife blade for thicker materials like balsa wood and leather. This makes it the most versatile cutter in the Cricut lineup.
It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to the free Cricut Design Space software on your computer or mobile device. With the ability to cut over 300 different materials, you can progress from simple paper and vinyl projects to advanced sewing, home decor, and sign-making as your skills grow. It’s an investment that will support a wide range of crafting hobbies for years.
Cricut Explore Air (Previous Model) – Mint + Bonus Digital Inclusion
The Cricut Explore Air is a previous-generation machine that remains a superb and often more budget-friendly entry point into digital cutting. It includes built-in Bluetooth for wireless operation and a dual carriage that allows it to cut and draw or score in one step, streamlining the creation of things like greeting cards and labels.
This model comes with a helpful bonus of $80 in digital images for the Design Space platform, giving you immediate access to professional designs for your early projects. It can cut a robust selection of over 60 materials, including cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on. For a beginner who wants a proven, capable machine without the latest premium features, the Explore Air offers tremendous value.
Cricut Joy Machine with Smart Vinyl Rolls, Standard Grip Cutting Mat and Joy Tool Set Bundle – Starter Kit for Stickers and Decals
The Cricut Joy is the ultimate compact and user-friendly machine for beginners with space constraints or who want to focus on small, everyday projects. This bundle is particularly helpful as it includes the machine, smart vinyl rolls, a mat, and essential tools, so you can start crafting immediately. Its small size makes it portable and easy to store.
It is designed for simplicity, using the Cricut Joy app and proprietary “Smart Materials” that can be fed into the machine without a cutting mat for certain projects. It’s perfect for creating custom stickers, labels, decals for water bottles, and embellishments for cards. The Joy is a low-commitment, high-fun gateway into the world of Cricut crafting.
18V Power Cord Replacement for Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2 Cutting Machine
This is a vital accessory rather than a primary machine, but it’s an important inclusion for any beginner. If you purchase a used Cricut machine or if your original power adapter is lost or damaged, having a reliable, compatible replacement is necessary to get started. This universal 18V adapter is built to meet safety standards and works with many Cricut Explore and Maker models.
It features built-in protections against over-voltage and overheating, providing peace of mind. For a new crafter troubleshooting a machine that won’t power on, this affordable cord is often the simple solution. Always ensure your machine is compatible before purchasing a replacement power supply.
Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine – Vinyl Starter Bundle
The Cricut Maker 3 is the latest flagship machine and this bundle makes starting exceptionally easy. It includes the machine, a digital image library, a roll of permanent vinyl, transfer tape, mats, and a tool kit. This means you have all the core supplies to begin making custom decals, stickers, and signs from your very first day.
The Maker 3’s key advancement is its ability to cut Smart Materials without a mat, allowing for faster projects and cuts up to 12 feet long for banners and large wall decals. It retains all the powerful capabilities of the original Maker, including cutting 300+ materials with specialized blades. This bundle is ideal for the committed beginner ready to invest in top-tier performance from the start.
Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine – Vinyl Starter Bundle
The Cricut Explore 3 bundle offers a perfect balance of modern features and beginner-friendly operation. Similar to the Maker 3 bundle, it comes with vinyl, tools, and mats, providing excellent out-of-the-box value. The Explore 3 is designed to be intuitive, with a simple setup process and straightforward material settings.
This machine can cut over 100 popular craft materials and utilizes Smart Materials for matless cutting, which simplifies the workflow. It can also write, draw, foil, and score, making it a highly capable all-in-one tool for paper crafts, vinyl projects, and more. For beginners who want a current-model machine with enhanced speed and convenience but don’t need the heavy-duty fabric and wood cutting of the Maker, the Explore 3 is an outstanding choice.
Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine
The Cricut Joy Xtra is the newest and larger sibling to the original Joy, designed to bridge the gap between compact and full-sized machines. It offers a bigger cutting width, allowing you to work on larger projects than the standard Joy, such as bigger decals or multiple smaller items at once, while still maintaining a relatively small footprint.
It shares the Joy’s signature ease of use, app-based operation, and compatibility with convenient Smart Materials. This machine is an excellent option for beginners who like the simplicity of the Joy platform but desire more project flexibility without stepping up to the size and cost of an Explore or Maker. It’s ideal for crafters who have outgrown the original Joy or want more capability from the start.
How to Choose Your First Cricut Machine
If you’re looking at the 10 best Cricut machines for beginners 2025, the options can feel overwhelming. I remember being in your shoes, staring at all the models and specs. The good news is, picking the right starter machine isn’t as hard as it seems once you know what matters for a new crafter. Let me walk you through the key things I wish I’d known.
First, let’s talk about the big question: cutting size. Most beginner projects like stickers, cardstock shapes, or iron-on for t-shirts don’t need a huge canvas. A machine that cuts a standard 12×12 inch or 12×24 inch mat is perfect. You don’t need the massive width of a professional model. Think about the physical space you have, too. Some machines are pretty compact, which is great if your crafting area is also your kitchen table.
Next, consider what you actually want to make. If your heart is set on paper crafts, vinyl decals, and basic iron-on, an entry-level machine like the Cricut Joy or Cricut Explore series is a fantastic start. They handle these materials like a champ. But if you already know you want to try cutting thin balsa wood, stamp material, or heavier fabrics, you might want to look at a model with more force, like the Cricut Maker series. It’s a bit more of an investment, but it gives you room to grow.
Don’t sleep on the software! Cricut Design Space is free and where you’ll do all your project planning. It works on computers, tablets, and phones. As a beginner, you’ll love the thousands of ready-to-make projects and images. Check if the machine you want can use “Smart” materials—these are vinyl and paper rolls you load without a sticky mat, which is super convenient for long projects like banners.
Finally, be real about the budget. The machine’s price is one part. Remember to factor in the cost of tools (like weeding hooks and scraper tools), mats, and your first bundle of materials. Many “starter bundles” are a good value. My best advice? Choose the machine that fits the projects you’re most excited to try right now. You can always upgrade later as your skills grow!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute easiest Cricut for a total beginner?
For someone who wants to start simple and with minimal setup, the Cricut Joy 2 is often the top pick. It’s small, uses Smart materials without a mat for many projects, and is designed for quick, everyday crafts like custom labels, cards, and decals. Its simplicity helps you learn the basics of design software and cutting without feeling overwhelmed by too many options or a large machine footprint.
Do I need a computer to use a Cricut machine?
Not necessarily! While you can use a desktop or laptop, all current Cricut machines work with the Cricut Design Space app on iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth. This means you can design and cut directly from your tablet or smartphone, which I find super flexible. Just make sure your device meets the app’s system requirements for a smooth experience.
What’s the real difference between the Explore and Maker models?
The main difference is the cutting force and tool versatility. The Explore series is brilliant for paper, vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. The Maker series has a more powerful motor and can use adaptive tool systems, like a rotary blade for fabric without backing or a knife blade for basswood and leather. If you see yourself doing a lot of sewing or working with thicker materials, the Maker is worth it. For most paper and vinyl beginners, an Explore is perfect.
How much do materials and accessories really cost?
This is a crucial budget question. After your machine, you’ll need a cutting mat (around $8-$15), a starter set of tools ($15-$30), and your materials. A roll of vinyl or iron-on can range from $6 to $15 depending on the type and brand. I recommend starting with a variety pack of materials to test what you like. When looking at the 10 best Cricut machines for beginners 2025, check for bundles that include these essentials, as they often offer better value.
Is a Cricut Access subscription required?
No, it’s not required, but it’s an option. Cricut Access is a paid monthly or yearly subscription that gives you unlimited access to a huge library of fonts, images, and ready-to-make projects. As a beginner, I found the free version had plenty to get started. You can also upload your own images for free. I’d suggest trying the free version first, and if you find yourself constantly wanting more designs, then consider the subscription.