Cricut Maker vs Cricut Air 2: Which Cricut Should You Buy?
Ready to dive into the world of crafting? Choosing the right cutting machine can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Two of the most popular options, the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Air 2, are often at the top of crafters’ lists. Both promise to unlock your creative potential, but which one is the best fit for your projects?
This comparison will break down the key differences between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Air 2, helping you make an informed decision. We’ll explore their features, capabilities, and ideal user types. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, this guide will provide clarity.
Get ready to discover which Cricut machine will empower you to bring your creative visions to life. We’ll look at the cutting power, materials supported, and overall value of both the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Air 2. Let’s find the perfect cutting companion for your crafting journey!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Cricut Maker | Cricut Air 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Force | 4000g | 400g |
| Cutting Materials | Over 300 materials | Over 100 materials |
| Smart Materials Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Blade Compatibility | Rotary Blade, Knife Blade, Scoring Wheel, etc. | Fine-Point Blade, Deep-Point Blade, etc. |
| Adaptive Tool System | Yes | No |
| Maximum Cutting Width | 12 inches | 12 inches |
| Maximum Cutting Length | 24 inches (with mat) | 24 inches (with mat) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB | Bluetooth, USB |
| Print Then Cut | Yes | Yes |
| Software | Cricut Design Space | Cricut Design Space |
| Included Tools | Fine-Point Blade, Rotary Blade | Fine-Point Blade |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Cutting Force
- Cricut Maker: Boasts 4 kg of cutting force, allowing it to cut through thicker and denser materials like wood, leather, and chipboard. This increased force expands project possibilities but can be overkill for simpler materials.
- Cricut Air 2: Provides 2.75 kg of cutting force, suitable for a wide range of materials like vinyl, cardstock, and iron-on. While versatile, it struggles with thicker materials, limiting its capabilities compared to the Maker.
- Winner: Maker
Cutting Materials
- Cricut Maker: Can cut over 300 materials, including fabric, balsa wood, and more. This broad compatibility makes it ideal for diverse projects but requires specific blades and adaptive tools.
- Cricut Air 2: Cuts over 100 materials, including vinyl, cardstock, and heat transfer vinyl. While still versatile, it has limitations with thicker or more rigid materials.
- Winner: Maker
Adaptive Tool System
- Cricut Maker: Features an Adaptive Tool System, allowing for use of various specialized tools like the Knife Blade, Rotary Blade, and scoring wheel. This expands functionality beyond simple cutting.
- Cricut Air 2: Does not have an Adaptive Tool System, limiting its tool compatibility to standard blades and pens.
- Winner: Maker
Blades and Tools
- Cricut Maker: Compatible with a wide range of blades and tools, including the Rotary Blade for fabric and the Knife Blade for thicker materials. More tool options mean more project types.
- Cricut Air 2: Uses standard blades and pens, offering fewer specialized options. This limits the types of projects that can be undertaken.
- Winner: Maker
Software Compatibility
- Cricut Maker: Uses Cricut Design Space software, offering a user-friendly interface with extensive design features and access to a library of pre-designed projects. Both machines use the same software.
- Cricut Air 2: Uses Cricut Design Space software, offering a user-friendly interface with extensive design features and access to a library of pre-designed projects. Both machines use the same software.
- Winner: Tie
Speed
- Cricut Maker: Cutting speed varies depending on the material and tool used. While capable, some complex cuts may take longer with certain blades.
- Cricut Air 2: Offers a “Fast Mode” that can speed up cutting operations, making it faster for certain materials like vinyl and cardstock.
- Winner: Air 2
Price
- Cricut Maker: Generally more expensive due to its advanced features and capabilities. This higher price point reflects its expanded material compatibility and tool options.
- Cricut Air 2: More affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for beginners or those with simpler project needs.
- Winner: Air 2
Connectivity
- Cricut Maker: Connects via Bluetooth and USB, offering flexibility in how you connect to your computer or device.
- Cricut Air 2: Connects via Bluetooth and USB, providing convenient connectivity options.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Cutting Force | Cricut Maker |
| Material Variety | Cricut Maker |
| Tool Variety | Cricut Maker |
| Ease of Use | Cricut Air 2 |
| Value | Cricut Air 2 |
| Overall Versatility | Cricut Maker |
What They Have in Common
- Software: Both machines utilize Cricut Design Space software for design and project creation, offering a user-friendly interface for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
- Connectivity: Both the Cricut Maker and Cricut Air 2 offer Bluetooth and USB connectivity options, allowing for flexible connection to computers and other devices.
- Print Then Cut: Both machines are equipped with Print Then Cut functionality, enabling users to print designs on their home printer and then precisely cut them out with the Cricut machine.
- Smart Materials: Both machines are compatible with Cricut’s Smart Materials, allowing for mat-free cutting of various materials, saving time and simplifying projects.
- User-Friendly Design: Both machines are designed with ease of use in mind, with intuitive interfaces and step-by-step instructions in the design software.
Cricut Maker Vs Cricut Air 2 Buying Guide
Cutting Capabilities
The Cricut Maker boasts significantly enhanced cutting capabilities compared to the Air 2. It features the Adaptive Tool System, which allows it to use a wider variety of blades and tools, including the Rotary Blade for fabric, the Knife Blade for thicker materials, and the Scoring Wheel for crisp folds. This versatility opens up a world of possibilities for projects beyond paper and vinyl, encompassing fabric, leather, balsa wood, and more. The Air 2, while capable, is limited to a narrower range of materials due to its blade system.
Material Compatibility
Material compatibility is where the Maker truly shines. While both machines can handle common materials like vinyl, cardstock, and iron-on, the Maker’s ability to cut fabric without backing and thicker materials is a major advantage. It effortlessly cuts delicate fabrics and thicker materials like basswood and chipboard, expanding project options. The Air 2 works well with these, but it is limited to these options. This makes the Maker the better choice for diverse crafting needs.
Software and Design Space
Both machines use Cricut’s Design Space software, a cloud-based design program. The interface is user-friendly and offers a vast library of pre-designed projects, fonts, and images. Design Space is regularly updated with new features and content. The software experience is largely similar between the two machines, but the Maker benefits from the added tools and features that complement its advanced cutting capabilities. Learning the software is straightforward.
Speed and Performance
The Cricut Air 2 is known for its speed, offering quick cuts on various materials. The Maker provides a great user experience, but it is not known for its speed. The Maker, while slightly slower in some instances, compensates with its precision and ability to handle more complex projects and materials. The choice depends on project needs; if speed is paramount, the Air 2 is ideal. However, for intricate designs and diverse materials, the Maker’s performance is worth it.
Tool and Accessory Options
The Cricut Maker has a wider range of compatible tools and accessories. The Adaptive Tool System supports a variety of blades and tools, including the Rotary Blade, Knife Blade, Scoring Wheel, and Engraving Tip. The Air 2 is compatible with standard blades and pens. This extensive tool ecosystem enhances the Maker’s versatility and allows for more advanced projects. Cricut constantly creates more tools for the Maker, increasing its options.
Price and Value
The Cricut Air 2 is generally more affordable than the Maker, making it an excellent option for beginners or those with simpler crafting needs. However, the Maker offers greater value if you require more advanced cutting capabilities and plan to work with a wider range of materials. The initial investment in the Maker is higher, but its versatility and potential for complex projects can justify the cost. Consider your crafting goals and budget when deciding.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Cricut Maker If…
- You plan to work with a wide variety of materials, including thicker materials like wood and leather.
- You need the versatility of specialized blades like the Rotary Blade and Knife Blade.
- You want the advanced features of the Adaptive Tool System.
- You anticipate tackling more complex projects with intricate designs.
Buy Cricut Air 2 If…
- You are new to crafting and want a more affordable option.
- You primarily work with paper, vinyl, and other common crafting materials.
- You want a machine that is fast and efficient for everyday projects.
- You are looking for a compact and easy-to-use machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Air 2?
The primary difference lies in cutting capabilities. The Maker has the Adaptive Tool System, enabling the use of various blades for materials like fabric and leather. The Air 2 is limited to common materials like vinyl and cardstock, although the Air 2 is still a great option for these materials. The Maker is more versatile.
Can I cut fabric with the Cricut Air 2?
Yes, you can cut fabric with the Cricut Air 2, but it requires a fabric grip mat and bonded fabrics. The Cricut Maker can cut unbacked fabrics with its Rotary Blade, a significant advantage. This allows for more intricate fabric projects. The Air 2 is suitable for simple fabric cuts.
What materials can the Cricut Maker cut that the Cricut Air 2 cannot?
The Cricut Maker can cut a wider range of materials, including thicker materials like basswood, chipboard, and unbacked fabrics. The Air 2 is limited to materials like vinyl, cardstock, and iron-on. The Maker’s versatility makes it ideal for more diverse projects. The Air 2 is a great option for beginners.
Is Cricut Design Space free to use?
Yes, Cricut Design Space is free to download and use. However, some images, fonts, and projects require a Cricut Access subscription. This subscription unlocks a vast library of designs and provides additional benefits. Basic functionality and access to personal uploads are free.
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Cricut Air 2 is often recommended for beginners due to its lower price and simpler operation. It’s an excellent entry point into the world of crafting. The Maker is more complex and has a steeper learning curve. The Air 2 is the better choice for those getting started.
Can I use my own designs with either machine?
Yes, both the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Air 2 allow you to upload your own designs in various file formats, such as SVG, JPG, and PNG. You can then cut these designs using your chosen materials. Design Space makes it easy to integrate personal creations.
Which machine is faster?
The Cricut Air 2 is generally faster than the Cricut Maker for cutting common materials like vinyl and cardstock. However, the Maker’s precision and ability to handle more complex projects and materials can offset the speed difference. The Air 2 is still quite fast.
Final Verdict
The Cricut Maker clearly wins in terms of versatility and cutting capabilities, offering more options for materials and project types. Its advanced tool system and ability to cut a wider range of materials make it the superior choice for experienced crafters and those seeking more complex projects. The Air 2 remains a great option for beginners.
Winner: Cricut Maker