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Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Joy 2 vs Cricut Maker 4

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Cricut Maker 4 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.0 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about Beginners and hobbyists seeking intuitive crafting tools — read the strengths below before deciding.

Cricut Joy 2
Ranked #3 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Joy 2
3 sources2 derived$139as of Jul 31

The Cricut Joy 2 is small enough to leave on a desk and quick enough for everyday projects. Tom's Guide pointed to custom cards, decals, and labels as its natural work, and the official Cricut Shop highlights that it pairs with a home inkjet printer for full-color stickers. Essential materials come bundled so you can start right away. What it doesn't have is the cutting capacity of the larger models. Beginners and casual crafters short on space should like it; serious users will run into its limits.

Strengths
  • — Ultra-compact design at 4.5 inches for easy portability and space-saving storage
  • — Works with home inkjet printers to create full-color stickers
  • — Includes essential materials and tools for up to 35 projects out of the box
Watch-outs
  • — Limited cutting width compared to larger Cricut models
  • — Requires Cricut Access subscription for full Design Space software access
$139 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Cricut Maker 4
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Maker 4
3 sources1 derived$376.25as of Jul 31

The Cricut Maker 4 is built to be approachable, with clear setup instructions and calibration that happens on its own. Reviews single out Design Space, whose intuitive interface and pre-made templates make the first project less daunting, while acknowledging the software still takes time to learn. Reviewers found the precision cutting and friendly design work for novices and experienced crafters alike. Hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts getting into electronic cutting are the natural audience.

Strengths
  • — Sleek sage color exterior with modern and clean design
  • — Easy setup process with clear instructions and automated calibration
  • — Beginner-friendly Design Space software with pre-made templates and helpful tooltips
Watch-outs
  • — Learning curve for Design Space software may require time investment for beginners
  • — Initial setup requires account creation and firmware update process
$376.25 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Cricut Joy 2

The Cricut Joy 2 stands out for its ultra-portable design and inkjet compatibility, features not available in the Cricut Explore 4 or Maker 4. However, its limited cutting width and subscription requirement for full software access make it less suitable for complex projects compared to the Silhouette Cameo 5 or VEVOR Vinyl Cutting Plotter, which offer more robust cutting capabilities.

Cricut Maker 4

The Cricut Maker 4 excels in ease of use and beginner-friendly software compared to the Cricut Explore 4 and Silhouette Cameo 5, which require more technical setup. While it doesn't match the portability of the Cricut Joy 2 or the long-cut capabilities of the Cameo 5, it offers a balanced experience for those new to crafting with electronic cutting tools.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCricut Joy 2Cricut Maker 4
Max Cut Width4.5 in12 in
Compatible Materials75+ materialsIron-On Vinyl, Medium Cardstock, Premium Vinyl
Included FeaturesUp to 35300+ materials
Max Cut Length48 in (121.9 cm)24 inches
ConnectivityBluetoothBluetooth, USB
SoftwareDesign SpaceDesign Space
Dimensions9.1"D x 5.4"W x 2.8"H7.1"D x 22.1"W x 6.2"H
Blade Type—Fine-point
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