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Cricut just launched two exciting new cutting machines: the Cricut Joy 2 and the Cricut Explore 5 — with both releasing in early 2026 and promising improvements for crafters of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first machine or a seasoned maker upgrading your setup, these two models offer distinct advantages and capabilities worth comparing.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Cricut Joy 2 vs Cricut Explore 5 — including features, differences, ideal users, and which one might be best for your creative projects.
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Overview of the New Cricut Machines
In February 2026, Cricut officially announced the Cricut Joy 2 and the Cricut Explore 5, with both machines aimed at different segments of the crafting market.
- The Cricut Joy 2 is a compact, budget-friendly cutter designed for small spaces and everyday projects.
- The Cricut Explore 5 is a streamlined upgrade to the Explore line, designed to be more efficient and versatile while maintaining the same cutting width and material compatibility as previous Explore machines.
What Makes the Cricut Joy 2 Stand Out?
The Cricut Joy 2 is Cricut’s latest portable cutting machine — perfect for makers who want simplicity, convenience, and space-saving design. It hits the market at around $99, making it a very affordable entry point.
Key features include:
- Cutting up to 4.25 inches wide — ideal for cards, labels, decals, and small graphics.
- Cuts over 75 types of materials including vinyl, cardstock, and paper — more than enough for many basic projects.
- New Print-Then-Cut feature — this enables precise cutting around designs you print yourself.
- Portable and compact — perfect for small craft spaces, RVs, or mobile crafting.
- Colors and bundles — available in multiple colors like blue, coral, and a Michaels-exclusive jade green, and offered with beginner project supplies.
Because of its size and simplicity, the Joy 2 is ideal for makers who want to quickly create cards, small decals, labels, stickers, and mini gifts without the complexity or footprint of a full-size machine.
What’s New with the Cricut Explore 5?
The Cricut Explore 5 builds on the popular Explore series but comes in a more compact size (about 30% smaller) than the previous Explore 4. Despite being smaller, it still cuts a wide range of materials — up to 100+ different types — and retains the 12-inch cut width that Explore users expect.
Explore 5 features include:
- Cutting and writing on over 100 materials — from vinyl and cardstock to bonded fabric and specialty papers.
- Compatibility with up to six different tools (including blades and pens) — more versatile for varied project types.
- Upgraded snap-in pen holder — designed to improve writing and drawing precision.
- Beginner-friendly — ships with materials for up to 30 starter projects.
- Neutral color options — available in practical shades like taupe and teal.
Because Explore 5 maintains the power and size of the Explore line — but with a more compact body — it’s a great choice for makers who want full-featured capabilities without taking over their craft space.
Side-by-Side: Cricut Joy 2 vs Cricut Explore 5
| Feature | Cricut Joy 2 | Cricut Explore 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small projects, beginners, space-limited areas | Larger, diverse craft projects |
| Cut Width | ~4.25 in wide | ~12 in wide |
| Material Types | 75+ | 100+ |
| Print-Then-Cut | Yes (new feature) | Yes (in Design Space) |
| Tool Compatibility | Limited | Multiple tools including pens, blades |
| Price Point | Around $99 | Around $199 |
| Ideal Projects | Labels, cards, small decals | Vinyl projects, paper crafts, bonded fabric, larger designs |
What Projects Suit Each Machine?
Cricut Joy 2: This compact cutter shines when used for:
- Custom greeting cards
- Printable stickers
- Simple vinyl decals and labels
- Small gift tags and party goodies
Its small format and new Print-Then-Cut feature make it especially good for sellers who create sticker packs, card sets, or mini personalized crafts.
Cricut Explore 5: This machine is better suited for:
- Larger vinyl and HTV projects
- Paper crafting (albums, invitations)
- Signs and home décor
- Paper, cardstock, and bonded fabrics for weddings or events
Because of its broader material compatibility and tool support, Explore 5 is ideal for crafters who want to push beyond small projects into more elaborate creations.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Cricut Joy 2 if you want a budget-friendly, easy-to-use machine for everyday projects and space is tight.
- Choose Cricut Explore 5 if you need more versatility, larger cutting width, and a broader range of project types.
Both machines are excellent additions to the Cricut lineup, and each serves different creative goals. Whether you’re making quick cards and labels or scaling up to larger craft business products, there’s a machine tailored to your needs.
Final Thoughts
The Cricut Joy 2 vs Cricut Explore 5 comparison highlights two great options for 2026 crafters. Joy 2 brings simplicity, affordability, and portability to compact crafting, while Explore 5 delivers power, versatility, and broader material support in a smaller footprint.
No matter your crafting goals, the latest Cricut machines are designed to help you bring your ideas to life — from quick personal projects to detailed creations for business or gifting.
