Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Maker 3

You’re probably wondering to yourself: should I get the Cricut Explore Air 2 or the Cricut Maker 3. Those that aren’t wondering this are probably thinking to themselves, “What in the world is a Cricut machine?”

They’re ingenious computer-guided cutting machines that can create cutouts from all sorts of materials, including vinyl and foil, quickly and precisely. If you’re thinking of upgrading your arts and crafts game, a Cricut cutting machine is the best tool to get started.

So, back to the original question: should you get the Explore Air 2 or the Maker 3? Today, we’re going to compare the two in a head-to-head match to see which Cricut cutting machine deserves your love and affection.

Cricut Expore Air 2

Cutting Power

What sets the Explore Air 2 apart from other cutting machines is how much cutting power it delivers. Most cutting machines are limited to just about 210 grams of cutting power, whereas this machine can deliver as much as 350 grams. The strength of the cutting tools allows you to place any type of material into the machine to produce intricate cut-outs for wedding parties, baby showers, and so much more.

Cutter and Pen Carriage

One feature that you’ll find in the Explore Air 2, as well as the Maker 3 and older Cricut models, is a dual carriage. The dual carriage sports both a cutter tool and a pen, so the machine can draw and cut simultaneously. Basically, it’s a convenience-adding feature that covers both time-consuming tasks at once, allowing you to focus on other things without having to babysit the cutting machine.

German Carbide Cutter

The more durable the blade, the more designs you can create. The Explore Air 2 features a German Carbide Cutter that slices through 1.2-mm materials like a knife through warm butter. German Carbide is an ultra-resistant material that can slice through thousands of sheets of paper without the blade dulling. However, the thicker the material, the more quickly the blade wears out.

Wireless Controls

To get started, all you need to do is sync the Explore Air 2 to your laptop or computer using Bluetooth. Without cables, there’s less risk of accidents occurring since you won’t have to juggle your work materials while moving long power cords out of the way.

Compatible with 100+ Types of Materials

Cricut markets the Explore Air 2 as a tool that can slice through over 100 kinds of materials. This isn’t a lie per se, as the razor-sharp blade slices through faux leather, iron-on, and much, much more without the slightest hitch. However, users found that the Explore Air 2 excels on the most commonly used materials (paper, vinyl, cardboard) as it can produce super-crisp edges and corners. The analog dial allows you to select the appropriate material type, and it automatically adjusts multiple settings for you.

Double Cutting Speed

If you’ve ever used a cutting machine before, then you’re probably sick and tired of waiting around for the machine to finish the cutting job. With the Explore Air 2, there’s very little waiting involved. Thanks to the double cutting speed mode, the machine completes intricate cutting jobs more efficiently. Any DIY crafter knows the pain of waiting around for a cutting machine to complete, and the double cutting speed on the Explore Air 2 is a real godsend.

Cricut Comparison Table

Cricut	Explore Air 2	Explore 3	Maker	Maker 3
Max material width	12 in (30.5 cm)	13 in (33cm)	12 in (30.5 cm)	13 in (33cm)
Max cut length	1.9 ft (58 cm)	12 ft (3.6 m)	1.9 ft (58 cm)	12 ft (3.6 m)
Material compatibility	100+ materials	100+ materials	300+ materials	300+ materials
Tools/Capabilities	6 tools (cutting, writing, scoring & foiling)	6 tools (cutting, writing, scoring & foiling)	13 tools (cutting, writing, scoring, foiling, debossing, engraving & more)	13 tools (cutting, writing, scoring, foiling, debossing, engraving & more)
Commercial-grade performance	n/a	n/a	✓	✓
Compatible with Smart Materials	n/a	13 in wide, up to 75 ft (33 cm wide, up to 22.8 m)	n/a	13 in wide, up to 75 ft (33 cm wide, up to 22.8 m)
Works with home printer to print, then cut	✓	✓	✓	✓
Free design app	✓	✓	✓	✓
Connectivity	Bluetooth, USB	Bluetooth, USB	Bluetooth, USB	Bluetooth, USB

Cricut Maker 3

Adaptive Tool System

One of the most prominent differences between the Explore Air 2 and the Maker 3 is that the latter comes with the Adaptive Tool System, which allows it to exert as much as ten times as much cutting pressure as the former.

This system consists of a range of cutting tools that are incompatible with the Explore Air 2, hence, this machine can also cut through several more types of materials without the tiniest indication of trouble.

Smart Material Compatibility

If you plan on working with smart materials, then the Maker 3 is definitely the better cutting machine option. Traditionally, you would need to place your work material on top of a Cricut mat to keep it stable.

However, with smart materials, you won’t need any of the four types of mats—simply load your smart material into the machine, and watch as it cuts through it to produce highly accurate details in rapid fashion.

Design Space App

To get started, simply install the Design app onto your computer or laptop. It’s similar to Photoshop, but it’s a 0-learning-curve app that makes designing a cinch. While the Design Space app is technically free, most project types require a “forced” subscription fee, so unless you’re particularly handy designing on a computer, you’ll have to shell out a few bucks every two or three months.

If you have any questions or comments, please add them below in the comment section. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any mistakes or omissions. Thanks!

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Last Update: 2024-04-18 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API