Vinyl is such a versatile material that can be used to customize a wide range of products including shirts, hats, wood, glass, and more. You can design your own stickers, wall decals, magnets, labels, and more using a Cricut to cut vinyl. But which is the best Cricut for vinyl? The best Cricut for vinyl overall is the Cricut Explore Air 2 while the best portable Cricut for vinyl is the Cricut Joy. Keep reading to find out why and to find inspiration for vinyl projects you can do with these two Cricut smart cutting machines.
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The Best Cricut for Vinyl: Cricut Explore Air 2 & Cricut Joy
Model | Best Cricut For Vinyl Overall: | Best Portable Cricut for Vinyl: |
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Price | Currently on Sale at 179.99 USD | Check Price |
Dimensions (LDH) | 22.17″ x 7″ x 5.0″ | 8.4″ x 5.5″ x 4.25″ |
Weight | 21 lbs | 3.9 lbs |
Best For | Versatility and speed Cutting bigger vinyl projects | Portability Cutting Smart Vinyl without a mat Cutting long vinyl projects |
Max Cutting Area | 12″ x 24″ | 4.25″ x 6.5″ |
Cutting Versatility | Cuts 100 materials | Cuts 50+ materials |
Tools | Compatible with Deep-Point Blade and Scoring Stylus | |
Tool Holder | Double | Single |
Material Dial | Yes | No |
Mat-less Cutting | No | Yes |
Software | Design Space | Design Space |
Upload Own Design | Yes | Yes |
Tool Storage | Yes | No |
Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
Colors | Blue, Cherry Blossom, Matte Black, Twilight, Mint, Persimmon, Rose | White/Turquoise |
Overall Best Cricut for Vinyl: Cricut Explore Air 2
The

With a 400-gram cutting force, the
With its 12″ x 24″ cutting area, the

What’s comes with the Cricut Explore Air 2
When you purchase a
- Cricut Premium Fine Point Blade and Housing
- Cricut 12″ x12″ LightGrip Adhesive Cutting Mat (Great for cutting Cricut Vinyl and HTV),
- Black Fine Point Pen
- Access to Design Space, Cricut’s design software
- Free 2-week trial to Cricut Access, Cricut’s vast library of fonts, images, and designs
Cricut Explore Air 2

Best Portable Cricut for Vinyl: Cricut Joy
A very beginner-friendly Cricut, the

The Cricut Explore Air is the best Cricut for vinyl for its versatility, impressive precision, wide cutting area, and attractive price point. However, it’s not as portable and space-saving as the
The Joy is the best Cricut for cutting vinyl while on the go. For crafters and makers who often travel with their cutting machine or are in the organization business, the

In addition to its portability, users love how the
Cricut Joy

Best Cricut Ideas for Vinyl Projects
Cricut and cutting vinyl offer endless design and customization possibilities. We collate some of the most beautiful and creative vinyl projects from Cricut’s website for your inspiration.
1. Cut vinyl patterns and texts for walls.

Whether you want to use patterns or wall quotes and messages, Cricut can cut vinyl you can use to fashion your walls into what you like. If you live in a rented apartment where you’re not allowed to paint the walls, removable vinyl can still let you add your personal touch to an otherwise generic, plain wall. Unlike permanent vinyls, removable vinyl doesn’t leave a residue when peeled.
2. Customize shirt, shoes, blankets, towels, pillow covers and more using Cricut Iron-On Vinyl

Vinyl is such a versatile material that you can cut different types of vinyl to customize fabric. You can use the Cricut Iron-On Vinyl, which is also called Heat Transfer Vinyl by other brands. Cricut and other brands carry an array of vinyl materials, including glitter, holographic, foil, sports-grade vinyl, and more. To yield impeccable heat transfer results, you can get the Cricut EasyPress. Its heat plate boasts even heating from edge to edge can get hot for up to 400°F.
3. Label away using your Cricut machine and vinyl

These labels are made from basic Cricut Vinyl, which is among the most affordable ones Cricut offers.
4. Personalize a wide array of products

This vinyl balloon (left) by Jen Causey of Something Turquoise looks like it’s not just a simple DIY vinyl project. The
5. Design and cut your own stickers using Cricut Printable Vinyl

Up your sticker game by designing and cutting your own stickers using the
Summary
These are the best Cricut for vinyl that are worth your investment
Cricut Explore Air 2

Cricut Joy

The Cricut Explore Air 2 takes the crown as the best Cricut for vinyl as it offers the best value for your money. It’s a versatile cutting machine that can cut most vinyl materials with impressive quality without the steep price tag. Meanwhile, if you want a more portable alternative, the Cricut Joy is the best portable Cricut for vinyl. In addition to its compact size, it’s very beginner-friendly and can cut Smart Vinyl without worrying about the mat.
FAQs
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is the best Cricut machine for vinyl as it’s a versatile cutting machine that can cut most vinyl materials with impressive quality without the steep price tag.
With its 12″ x 24″ cutting area, the
The
If you want a more portable alternative, you can consider the Cricut Joy. In addition to its compact size, it’s very beginner-friendly and can cut Smart Vinyl without worrying about the mat.