Cricut Joy vs Cricut Explore 3: Which is Better?
By Linus Tan
Updated June 2023
The Cricut Joy and Cricut Explore 3 are two smart cutting machines that are designed to make crafting easier and more accessible to everyone. These machines are perfect for those who enjoy DIY projects, as they can cut a variety of materials, including paper, vinyl, and even fabric.
In this review, we compare the Cricut Joy vs Cricut Explore 3 on price, design & specs, and crafting capabilities.
On our list
#1 Price
#2 Design & Specs
#3 Crafting Capabilities
Cricut Joy
✓ Cuts over 50+ materials
✓ Great for vinyls & iron-ons
✓ Works with Cricut Smart Materials
✓ Compact & portable
Cricut Explore 3
✓ Cuts over 100+ materials
✓ Great for large projects
✓ Up to 2x faster than its predecessor
✓ Intuitive companion app
#1 Price
Cricut Joy vs Cricut Explore 3
The Cricut Joy and Cricut Explore 3 are both fantastic cutting machines that can bring your crafting ideas to life. While the Cricut Joy is priced at an affordable US$179, the Cricut Explore 3 is a more advanced model that is priced at US$319.
Naturally, the Explore 3 offers a wider range of additional features due to its bigger price tag. However, if budget is a concern and you do not want to invest too much into one of these devices, the Cricut Joy will definitely be the more wallet-friendly option.
#2 Design & Specs
Cricut Joy vs Cricut Explore 3
From their exteriors, the Cricut Joy and Cricut Explore 3 have obvious differences. Firstly, they differ in size. The Explore 3 is almost twice as large as the Joy lengthwise because of its larger cutting width. Therefore, if you're looking to do large projects and need to cut materials beyond the width of the Cricut Joy, the sensible option would be the Cricut Explore 3.
In terms of design, the Cricut Joy has a compact and cute appearance that gives off a friendly vibe suitable for beginners. The Cricut Explore 3, on the other hand, has a more professional and modern design to meet the needs of more specialised crafters. Although the Joy's miniature size leaves practically no built-in storage space, the Explore 3 comes loaded with pockets & compartments for stashing accessories and tools. Additionally, the top of the Explore 3 features a tablet slot for resting devices while in use.
#3 Crafting Capabilities
Cricut Joy vs Cricut Explore 3
Both the Cricut Joy & Cricut Explore 3 excel at cutting materials like vinyls and iron-ons. They work with your standard fine-point blade to get the job done for you. They’re also able to work with pens and markers to get any writing tasks accomplished as well as foil transfer. And that’s about all their similarities. Cricut states that the Joy will let you cut up to 50 different materials.
On the other hand, the Cricut Explore 3 lets you cut up to 100 different materials because it is compatible with more tools, such as the deep-point blade and bonded-fabric blade. This gives it the ability to cut through a wider range of dense materials, like felt, denim, and fabrics.
In addition to the cutting width, the Cricut Explore 3 also has a larger maximum cutting length compared to the Cricut Joy. The Joy can only cut up to 1.22m in length, while the Explore 3 can cut up to 3.66m, three times the length of the Joy.
To sum up their crafting capabilities, whatever the Joy can do the Explore 3 can essentially do more and better.
Compare Cricut Joy vs Cricut Explore 3
Final Thoughts
Cricut Joy vs Cricut Explore 3
With their user-friendly interface and versatile features, the Cricut Joy and Cricut Explore 3 are excellent tools for both beginners and experienced crafters alike.
Between the two models, the Cricut Explore 3 is definitely the more capable machine. However, the choice between the two ultimately depends on your crafting needs, budget, and preferences. If you don't anticipate needing a larger scale format machine like the Explore 3, it may be worth saving the difference in price and investing in more crafting materials instead.
If you like to read more on Cricut cutting machines, check out our other relevant guides here:
Cricut Maker 3 vs Cricut Explore 3
Cricut Maker 3 vs Cricut Maker
Cricut Maker 3 vs Silhouette Cameo 4
Best Cricut Accessories
Explore the full collection for Cricut on Amazon.com or visit the Official Cricut Singapore Store.
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