Cricut Maker Vs. Cricut Explore Air 2

 The Maker and theExplore Air 2 devices of Cricut are the two most popular options among Cricut. These are both great options. They both have a lot to offer and do their work perfectly. However, making a comparison between them can be a little tough as they are old versions of the top two models that Cricut makes.

They both are similar in size and productivity. Most of the tools and materials can be used with both of them. Both of the machines are quite similar, but the Cricut Maker provides more versatility in comparison with the Cricut Explore Air 2. Also, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is less costly than the Cricut Maker.

What is Cricut Maker?

The Cricut Maker is like the Roll-Royce of the Cricut machines. People choose Cricut Maker over other machines as it has so many functions.

Features of the Cricut Maker

●     Easy to use

●     Adaptive tool system

●     It includes a handful of really neat tools, like the rotatory blade, knife blade, embossing tool, etc.

●     The rotatory blade allows you to cut the fabric

●     Uses for a huge variety of creative projects

●     Provide cuts, writes, scores, debosses, engraves, and many other tools

●     2x faster cutting

●     Improved print then cut features

●     Two tool cups

●     Phone and tablet holder

●     Compatible with over 300 different materials.

Cons

●     Expensive

●     Design Space Software could be better

The Cricut Maker is Cricut’s flagship machine. It can be used for a wide range of projects and works with over 300 different materials, but it is a little more expensive than the other Cricut models. It is great at cutting thick materials with a fine point blade and deep cut blade and is extremely versatile in terms of performance.

What is Cricut Explore Air 2?

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a better choice for people who love to craft. It has a lot of the same functions as the Cricut Maker does and costs a bit less, but it is compatible with only 100 materials and is a little more simple when it comes to functionality.

Features of the Cricut Explore Air 2

●     Does almost the same work that the Cricut Maker does and is less costly than the Cricut Maker

●     Provides cuts, writes, and scores with five different tools

●     Cuts over 100 different materials

●     Easy to use

Cons

●     Not as versatile as the Cricut Maker

●     You will have to use Design Space Software

Key Difference Between the Maker and the Explore Air 2

The Cricut Maker can cut fabrics with its rotatory blade or knife blade, while the Cricut Explore Air 2 cannot do it. If you like to do anything with the fabric, like make patches or quilts, then the Cricut Explore Air 2 is not the best option for you. The Cricut Maker can do many things which the Cricut Explore Air 2 cannot, like engraving and debossing various materials.

The Cricut Maker has two clamps inside the device to hold up to a dozen alike tools. And the Cricut Explore Air 2 has only five tools. And you cannot use thick items like leather or basswood with the Cricut Explore Air 2.

	Cricut Maker	Cricut Explore Air 2
Material Compatibility	300+	100+
Cuts	Yes	Yes
Scores	Yes	Yes
Debosses	Yes	No
Writes	Yes	Yes
Engraves	Yes	No
Print-then-cut	Yes	Yes
Commercial grade performance	Yes	No
Bluetooth connectivity	Yes	Yes
Works with design space app	Yes	Yes
USB connectivity	Yes	Yes
Insertable tools	12+	5+
Material maximum length	12 inches	12 inches
Material maximum width	24 inches	24 inches

How Do the Maker and the Explorer Air 2 Fit in the Cricut Lineup?

Cricut consists of three types of levels: Maker, Explore, and Joy. Cricut Joy's compact size makes it an indispensable helper for beginners, and it also has its own accessories, tools, and materials. It's great if you're traveling with or with people who don't want to put a lot of space into their craft.

The Cricut Maker and Explore lines are the best mid-range machines. Most accessories are interchangeable, perfect for beginners looking to expand their crafting options.

What More the Machines Can Do: Maker Vs. Explore Air 2

The Cricut Maker can offer you more offers in comparison to the Cricut Explore Air 2. You can cut the hard material with the Cricut Maker, and so you can make leather jewelry, clothing, costumes, or anything. A person can mat their artwork because of cutting matboard.

You can cut fabric for sewing projects without backing material. The Cricut Maker can work over basswood as well. Basswood is quite thin as wood but does not use in building furniture. Basswood can be used for many other items, such as cravings and musical instruments.

Without backing material, a person can cut fabric for a sewing project. Over 500 digital sewing patterns and quilt blocks are available.

Which One is Suitable?

Out of Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2, the Cricut Maker is the winner. The engraving and debossing are some cool features that Cricut Explore Air 2 does not provide. While the Cricut Explore Air 2 cannot cut thick items but still can do a lot of quiet things. There are many great features provided by the Cricut Explore Air 2.