As a lifelong crafter, I’ve spent countless hours tinkering with tools to bring my ideas to life. When it comes to cutting machines, Cricut’s Explore series has been a game-changer for me, offering precision and versatility. In this article, I’ll compare the Cricut Explore Air 2 and Explore 3, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you decide which machine fits your crafting needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, my goal is to guide you through their differences so you can pick the perfect tool for your next project.
Comparison Table: Cricut Explore Air 2 Vs. Explore 3
| Feature | Cricut Explore Air 2 | Cricut Explore 3 |
| Price (MSRP) | $249.99 | $299.99 |
| Cutting Speed | Up to 2x faster with Fast Mode | Up to 2x faster than Air 2 with Smart Materials |
| Smart Materials Support | Not compatible | Compatible, cuts up to 12 ft without a mat |
| Material Dial | Smart Set Dial for material selection | No dial, material selected in Design Space |
| Bluetooth | Built-in | Built-in |
| Tools Compatibility | 6 tools (Fine-Point, Deep-Point, etc.) | Same 6 tools as Air 2 |
| Print Then Cut | Limited to white paper | Improved sensor, works on colored paper |
| Accessories | Standard mats, blades | Roll Holder, Portable Trimmer for Smart Materials |
| Color Options | Multiple (Mint, Blue, Pink, etc.) | Matte Mint only |
| Storage | Tool cup, storage compartments | Larger tool cup, device docking slot |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs | 11.2 lbs |
| Cut Size | Up to 12″ x 24″ with mat | Up to 12″ x 24″ with mat, 12 ft with Smart Materials |
My Journey With Cricut Machines
I remember the first time I unboxed my Cricut Explore Air 2. The sleek mint machine felt like a portal to endless creativity, cutting through vinyl and cardstock with precision that made my old scissors obsolete. Fast forward a few years, and the Cricut Explore 3 caught my eye with its promise of matless cutting and faster speeds. As someone who crafts everything from vinyl decals to custom cards, I needed to know if upgrading was worth it. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned about these two machines, sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Key Features Of The Cricut Explore Air 2
The Cricut Explore Air 2 has been my trusty sidekick for years, and it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among crafters. This machine is a versatile workhorse, capable of cutting over 100 materials, from delicate tissue paper to sturdy leather. Its Fine-Point Blade handles lightweight materials like vinyl and cardstock with ease, while the Deep-Point Blade tackles thicker options like chipboard or foam board up to 1.5 mm. The Bonded Fabric Blade is a lifesaver for appliques, and the Foil Transfer Tool adds a shiny flair to my projects.
One feature I love is the Smart Set Dial. It’s a physical dial on the machine that lets you select your material type—vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, and more—without fussing too much in the software. It’s intuitive, especially if you’re like me and prefer a tactile approach when you’re in the crafting zone. The dual tool holder (Clamp A for pens or scoring stylus, Clamp B for blades) means I can cut and write or score in one pass, saving time on multi-step projects like greeting cards.
Bluetooth connectivity is another win. I can send designs from my phone or laptop without being tethered by a USB cable, which is perfect when I’m working from my cozy couch. The Air 2 also supports Fast Mode, which Cricut claims cuts and writes up to twice as fast on materials like vinyl and cardstock. In my tests, it’s noticeably quicker, though not always a full 2x speedup—more like 1.5x for intricate designs.
The Air 2 comes in a variety of colors (I went with mint, but there’s also pink, blue, and more), and at $249.99, it’s a budget-friendly entry point for serious crafters. It’s lightweight at 11.2 lbs, making it easy to move around my craft room. However, it requires a cutting mat for most projects, and the Print Then Cut feature only works reliably on white paper due to its sensor limitations.
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Key Features Of The Cricut Explore 3
When I first saw the Cricut Explore 3, I was intrigued by its sleeker design and matte mint finish. It’s the same weight as the Air 2 (11.2 lbs), but it feels more modern with subtle upgrades. Like its predecessor, it cuts over 100 materials and uses the same six tools, so I didn’t need to buy new blades or accessories. But the Explore 3 introduces some game-changing features that had me reconsidering my setup.
The standout is its compatibility with Cricut’s Smart Materials—vinyl, iron-on, and paper designed to feed directly into the machine without a cutting mat. This means I can cut continuous designs up to 12 feet long, perfect for large projects like wall decals or banners. The included Roll Holder keeps Smart Materials aligned, and the Portable Trimmer ensures clean cuts. I was skeptical at first, but cutting a 6-foot vinyl design without wrestling a mat was a revelation.
The Explore 3 ditches the Smart Set Dial, relying instead on Cricut Design Space to select materials. At first, I missed the dial’s simplicity, but I quickly appreciated how the software streamlines settings, reducing errors. The machine also boasts a faster motor, cutting Smart Materials up to twice as fast as the Air 2. In practice, I noticed a significant speed boost for long cuts, though standard mat-based projects felt similar to the Air 2’s Fast Mode.
Another upgrade is the improved Print Then Cut sensor, which works on colored paper, not just white. This opened up new possibilities for my sticker projects, as I could now print vibrant designs on pastel cardstock and cut them precisely. The Explore 3 also has a larger tool storage cup and a docking slot for my phone or tablet, which is handy when I’m using the Design Space mobile app.
Priced at $299.99, the Explore 3 is $50 more than the Air 2, but the matless cutting and enhanced features make it feel like a premium upgrade. The lack of color options (only matte mint) was a minor letdown, but the overall functionality won me over.
Pros And Cons Of The Cricut Explore Air 2
Pros
- Affordable Price: At $249.99, it’s a great value for a machine that cuts over 100 materials with precision.
- Smart Set Dial: The physical dial makes material selection quick and intuitive, especially for beginners.
- Color Variety: Multiple color options let you pick a machine that matches your style.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Wireless design transfer is seamless, giving you flexibility in your workspace.
- Fast Mode: Speeds up cutting and writing on common materials, saving time on repetitive tasks.
- Versatile Tooling: Supports six tools, allowing cutting, scoring, writing, and foiling in one machine.
Cons
- No Smart Materials Support: You’re stuck with mats for all projects, which can be cumbersome for large designs.
- Limited Print Then Cut: The sensor only reads white paper, restricting creative options for printed projects.
- Slightly Slower: Fast Mode is great, but it’s not as quick as the Explore 3 for Smart Materials.
- Louder Operation: I noticed it’s a bit noisier than the Explore 3, especially during long cuts.
Pros and Cons of the Cricut Explore 3
Pros
- Smart Materials Compatibility: Cuts up to 12 feet without a mat, ideal for large-scale projects like banners or decals.
- Faster Cutting: Up to twice as fast as the Air 2 when using Smart Materials, streamlining big jobs.
- Improved Print Then Cut: Works on colored paper, expanding options for stickers and custom designs.
- Sleek Design: Matte mint finish and larger tool storage cup add a modern, practical touch.
- Software-Driven Settings: Material selection in Design Space reduces errors compared to the dial.
- Roll Holder and Trimmer: Accessories make working with Smart Materials effortless and precise.
Cons
- Higher Price: At $299.99, it’s pricier than the Air 2, which might not suit tight budgets.
- No Smart Set Dial: Some users (like me initially) miss the tactile simplicity of the dial.
- Single Color Option: Only available in matte mint, limiting aesthetic choices.
- Learning Curve: Matless cutting and software reliance may feel overwhelming for beginners.
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Comparing Performance: My Hands-On Experience
To really understand the differences, I put both machines through their paces with a few projects. First, I cut a 12-inch vinyl decal on both. The Air 2’s Fast Mode was quick, finishing in about 90 seconds, but I had to align the vinyl on a mat, which added prep time. The Explore 3, using Smart Vinyl, cut the same design in just over a minute without a mat—a small but noticeable time-saver. The Roll Holder kept the material steady, and I didn’t have to fuss with mat alignment.
Next, I tried a Print Then Cut project: a set of custom stickers. On the Air 2, I used white cardstock, and the cuts were spot-on. But when I tried colored paper, the sensor struggled, misaligning cuts. The Explore 3 handled colored cardstock flawlessly, cutting intricate shapes with no issues. This was a big win for me, as I love experimenting with vibrant papers.
For a larger project, I designed a 4-foot vinyl banner. The Air 2 required multiple mat loads, which was tedious and led to slight misalignments. The Explore 3 cut the entire banner in one go with Smart Vinyl, saving me at least 10 minutes and ensuring a seamless result. However, when cutting standard materials like cardstock on a mat, both machines performed similarly, with the Air 2’s Fast Mode keeping it competitive.
Noise was another factor. The Air 2 is noticeably louder, especially during intricate cuts, which can be distracting in a quiet workspace. The Explore 3, while not silent, hums at a lower pitch, making it more pleasant for long crafting sessions.
- Who Should Choose the Cricut Explore Air 2?
The Air 2 is my go-to recommendation for beginners or hobbyists who craft occasionally. Its $249.99 price tag makes it accessible, and the Smart Set Dial simplifies material selection, which is great if you’re new to cutting machines. It’s perfect for projects like vinyl decals, greeting cards, or iron-on T-shirts, where mats aren’t a hassle, and you don’t need to cut anything longer than 24 inches.
If you already own a collection of Cricut mats and don’t plan on making large-scale projects, the Air 2’s performance is more than adequate. Its color options are a fun bonus, letting you pick a machine that sparks joy in your craft room. I’d also recommend it for budget-conscious crafters who want reliable performance without the extra bells and whistles of the Explore 3.
- Who Should Choose the Cricut Explore 3?
The Explore 3 is my pick for crafters who want to push their creativity further. If you’re dreaming of big projects—think wall decals, long banners, or continuous iron-on designs—the Smart Materials support is a game-changer. The ability to cut up to 12 feet without a mat saves time and reduces waste, which I found invaluable for professional-looking results.
It’s also ideal for those who love experimenting with Print Then Cut on colored papers or need a machine that can keep up with frequent use. The $50 price difference feels justified for the speed, matless cutting, and improved sensors. If you’re a small business owner or a serious crafter, the Explore 3’s efficiency and versatility make it worth the investment.
- Cost vs. Value: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
When I weighed the $50 price difference, I had to consider my crafting habits. The Air 2’s affordability is hard to beat, especially if you’re sticking to standard projects. Its performance is reliable, and the Fast Mode keeps it competitive for most tasks. But the Explore 3’s Smart Materials support and faster cutting for large projects tipped the scale for me. I hated the repetitive mat-loading process for long designs, and the Explore 3 eliminated that frustration.
If your budget is tight and you’re happy with mat-based cutting, the Air 2 is a solid choice. But if you can stretch to $299.99 and want to future-proof your crafting, the Explore 3’s upgrades make it a worthwhile investment. For me, the time saved and the ability to tackle bigger projects justified the cost.
- Design Space: The Software That Ties Them Together
Both machines rely on Cricut Design Space, a free, cloud-based software that I use on my laptop, phone, or tablet. It’s where I design projects, upload SVGs, and select material settings. The Air 2’s Smart Set Dial complements Design Space, letting you set materials physically, while the Explore 3 does this entirely in the software. I found the software-driven approach of the Explore 3 more streamlined once I got used to it, as it reduces the chance of forgetting to change the dial between jobs.
Design Space isn’t perfect—it can be basic for advanced users who want more editing options—but it’s intuitive for beginners. Both machines connect via Bluetooth or USB, and I’ve had no issues with connectivity on either. The software’s Print Then Cut feature is where the Explore 3 shines, thanks to its improved sensor, but the Air 2 holds its own for standard cutting and writing tasks.
Accessories And Compatibility
One thing I love about both machines is their compatibility with the same six tools: Fine-Point Blade, Deep-Point Blade, Bonded Fabric Blade, Foil Transfer Tool, Scoring Stylus, and Pens. If you’re upgrading from the Air 2 to the Explore 3, you can bring your existing blades and accessories along, which saves money.
The Explore 3’s Roll Holder and Portable Trimmer are exclusive to Smart Materials, and they’re a big plus. The Roll Holder attaches to the machine’s tray, feeding Smart Vinyl or Iron-On smoothly, while the Trimmer ensures clean edges. I tried using Smart Vinyl with the Air 2, as some crafters suggest it’s possible since it’s the same width as a 12×12 mat, but the lack of guide rails caused misalignment, and the cuts were inconsistent. The Explore 3’s design makes matless cutting reliable and hassle-free.
Longevity And Future-Proofing
As a crafter, I want a machine that’ll stay relevant for years. The Air 2, released in 2016, is still supported by Cricut and works seamlessly with Design Space. I’ve seen posts on crafting forums where users report their Air 2s outlasting newer models, which speaks to its durability. However, its lack of Smart Materials support and limited Print Then Cut capabilities make it feel slightly dated for advanced projects.
The Explore 3, launched in 2021, feels more future-proof with its matless cutting and enhanced sensors. Cricut’s focus on Smart Materials suggests they’re the direction the company is heading, so the Explore 3 aligns better with future updates. That said, the Air 2 is far from obsolete, especially for casual crafters who don’t need the latest features.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)
The Explore 3 cuts Smart Materials up to 12 feet without a mat, is faster for those materials, and has an improved Print Then Cut sensor for colored paper. The Air 2 uses a Smart Set Dial, requires mats for all cuts, and is limited to white paper for Print Then Cut.
No, the Air 2 is still supported and reliable for cutting over 100 materials. It’s a great choice for beginners or casual crafters, though it lacks the Explore 3’s Smart Materials support and advanced features.
The Maker 3 cuts thicker materials (up to 2.4 mm) like wood and leather, supports advanced tools like the Rotary Blade and Knife Blade, and cuts Smart Materials up to 12 feet. The Air 2 is limited to 1.5 mm thickness and six tools.
Technically, you can try, as Smart Vinyl is the same width as a 12×12 mat, but it’s not recommended. The Air 2 lacks guide rails and sensors for Smart Materials, leading to misalignment and inconsistent cuts.Technically, you can try, as Smart Vinyl is the same width as a 12×12 mat, but it’s not recommended. The Air 2 lacks guide rails and sensors for Smart Materials, leading to misalignment and inconsistent cuts.
Conclusion: Your Crafting Journey Awaits
You’re standing at a crossroads, ready to pick the Cricut that’ll bring your ideas to life. The Explore Air 2 is your budget-friendly, reliable friend, perfect for diving into crafting without breaking the bank. The Explore 3, with its matless cutting and faster speeds, is your ticket to bigger, bolder projects. I’ve shared my experiences to help you weigh their strengths and decide what fits your creative vision. Whether you choose the Air 2’s simplicity or the Explore 3’s innovation, you’re on your way to crafting magic. Now, go make something amazing!