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Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Joy 2 vs VEVOR Vinyl Cutting Plotter

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

VEVOR Vinyl Cutting Plotter comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Budget-conscious crafters needing vinyl cutting for shop use — 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 →
VEVOR Vinyl Cutting Plotter
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
VEVOR Vinyl Cutting Plotter
1 sourceall derived$387.9as of Aug 1

VEVOR's 34-inch vinyl cutting plotter performs well for what it costs. Reviewers praised the sturdy construction and an interface that feels familiar to anyone who's used high-end Roland machines, and rated the included SignMaster software easy to use and capable. Complaints center on the quality of the included vinyl and the low audio in the setup videos. Customer feedback points to shop decals, window graphics, and HTV work as its strengths, with one reviewer calling it a 'workhorse' for its price. There's no Bluetooth connectivity.

Strengths
  • — Sturdy stand with rollers for holding vinyl roll and catch cloth to prevent signs from dropping
  • — Includes SignMaster CUT v5 software on USB thumbdrive and CD with serial number for activation
  • — Clean cuts achieved with proper blade selection (45° for Oracal 651, 60° for small lettering)
Watch-outs
  • — Included vinyl is poor quality with insufficient backing thickness
  • — No Bluetooth connectivity
  • — Software installation video has very low audio quality
$387.9 · 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.

VEVOR Vinyl Cutting Plotter

The VEVOR Vinyl Cutting Plotter offers a cost-effective solution with a sturdy build and familiar interface compared to the Cricut Joy 2 and Brother ScanNCut SDX125E, which lack its roll-holding stand and catch cloth. However, it doesn't support Bluetooth connectivity and has subpar included vinyl, unlike the more feature-rich Cricut Explore 4 or Silhouette Cameo 5.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCricut Joy 2VEVOR Vinyl Cutting Plotter
Max Cut Width4.5 in34 in
Compatible Materials75+ materialspaper, cardstock, vinyl, and fabric
Included FeaturesUp to 35Dual Blades, Adjustable Force and Speed, LED Display
Max Cut Length48 in (121.9 cm)1350 mm
ConnectivityBluetoothCOM+USB
SoftwareDesign SpaceSignMaster CUT v5
Dimensions9.1"D x 5.4"W x 2.8"H60.2 x 25.2 x 40.6 in
Blade Type—45° or 60°
← See the full ranking of best vinyl cutting machines