Cricut’s newest cutting machine is the perfect size for casual crafters

I’ve never met a crafting tool I didn’t want to test, so of course I was excited when I heard Cricut was releasing a new cutting machine. I've also owned the Cricut Explore Air 2 for several years, so I am curious to see what the new machine could do. The brand is known for its precise, easy-to-use cutting tools, which are beloved among crafters and to cater to those who might not have the space (or the need) for a full-size Cricut, the brand just launched a smaller version of their iconic product: the Cricut Joy Xtra ($199 at Cricut). 

This new mid-size model is more compact yet still offers most of the same functionality as a full-size Cricut. I tested out the new Joy Xtra for a few weeks, and I think it’s the perfect option for casual crafters. 

What is the Cricut Joy Xtra?

• Dimensions: 12.5 x 6 x 5.5 inches
• Weight: 6 pounds
• Max cut size (with mat): 8.2 x 11.7 inches
• Max cut size (with Smart Materials): 8.5 inches x 4 feet 
• Cut speed: 5.65 inches per second

• Compatible tools: Premium fine-point blade, foil transfer tool, pens and markers
• Compatible materials: Vinyl, iron-on vinyl, infusible ink, paper/cardstock, writable labels, printable sticker paper
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Operating systems: iOS, Mac, Windows, Android

The Cricut Joy Xtra is the latest cutting machine from the well-known crafting brand. It’s essentially a cross between the larger Explore models and the brand’s smallest product, the Cricut Joy. The mid-sized (and mid-priced) Xtra has several features of the brand’s larger machines, such as the ability to cut printable sticker paper and draw with pens and markers. Yet, it’s still more compact than a full-size Cricut machine. 

The Cricut Joy Xtra can cut 50+ materials, including paper, cardstock, and different types of vinyl. While it comes with a standard fine-point blade, you can also outfit it with a foil transfer tool or any of the brand’s markers or pens. It cuts at an impressive speed of 5.65 inches per second, and when using a mat, your designs can be up to 8.2 x 11.7 inches—roughly the size of a standard sheet of paper. 

Like other Cricut machines, the Xtra works with Cricut Design Space, which is free to use. The new machine retails for $199, and it comes with a mini weeding tool and fine-point pen.

What we like

It’s a convenient size that’s easy to store

As much as I love my Cricut Explore Air 2, it's quite a large machine. It’s more than 21 inches wide and weighs over 10 pounds, and I usually leave it out on my crafting desk because I simply don’t have a good spot to store it. If you’re short on space, a full-size Cricut definitely takes up quite a bit of real estate. 

By comparison, the Joy Xtra is delightfully small. It’s only 12 inches wide and 6 pounds, so it’s much more manageable if you have a smaller crafting station. Despite its small size, it can still cut out larger designs up to 8.5 inches in width—using it, I created an iron-on decal that was big enough for an adult-size T-shirt. This is one of the biggest differences between the Xtra and the regular Cricut Joy, which has a maximum width of just 4.5 inches. 

It’s a breeze to operate

During testing, I was pleasantly surprised that the Joy Xtra was easier and more streamlined to operate than my Explore Air 2. The Xtra connected to my laptop quickly and easily via Bluetooth, and each time I went to use it, my computer could “find” the Xtra faster than it does with the Explore Air. 

Several other processes were also more convenient when using the Joy Xtra. For example, my Cricut Explore Air has a button you have to press to load and unload your mats, but the Xtra does it automatically. It has a sensor that detects when you place a mat on the machine and automatically pulls it in. 

I also preferred the Xtra’s method of material selection. Right before you send a project to the machine, Design Space gives you a long list of all the materials that work with the machine, and you simply select the right one. It automatically adjusts the settings to perform optimally on the material—for instance, glitter iron-on vinyl is much thicker than regular iron-on, and the machine knows to use more pressure to cut it. By comparison, my Explore simply has a dial on the machine itself with basic categories like “vinyl” and “cardstock,” which can make it tricky to find the right settings.

These small changes improve user experience, and I appreciate that Cricut has streamlined its machines and made them easier and more intuitive to use. 

It’s compatible with “smart” materials

I’ve never used Cricut’s “Smart Materials” before, but now that I have, I can’t believe I waited so long to try them! Smart vinyl differs from regular vinyl because it doesn’t need to be placed on a cutting mat. Instead, you can just feed it directly into the machine. Cricut sent me several sheets of Smart vinyl for the Joy Xtra—including both regular and iron-on materials—and it was so convenient to simply put them into the machine and watch it start cutting. It shaved quite a bit of time off my projects, as well. 

The downside, however, is that Smart materials are quite pricey, and they’re only available through Cricut. (That’s how they get you.) A 3-foot sheet of Smart Vinyl for the Joy Xtra costs $7.99 and probably only provides enough material for three or four projects. By comparison, you can get a massive 14-foot roll of regular off-brand vinyl for $8.49. So you’re definitely paying a premium for the convenience of not using a mat. 

What we don’t like

It needs 10 inches of clearance behind the machine

This is a minor complaint, but I encountered it every time I used the Cricut Joy Xtra. When you insert a mat, the Joy Xtra automatically pulls it all the way through the machine to ensure it’s aligned properly. As a result, there must be around 10 inches of clearance behind the machine, which means it needs to dominate the center of your workspace. 

While testing the Xtra, I consistently forgot that the machine needed so much room. The mat ended up hitting the wall behind my desk, forcing me to take it out again and re-align it. I’m sure I’d get used to it eventually, but it’s different from my Cricut Explore, which only pulls the mat in as far as it needs to cut. 

Should you buy the Cricut Joy Xtra?

Yes, if you’re looking for a smaller, easy-to-use cutting machine.

If you’ve been put off by the Cricut Explore 3's size (or high cost), the Joy Xtra will be a game-changer. It’s nearly half the size of the brand’s Explore Air 2, making it much easier to set up and store, yet it boasts nearly double the cutting width of the smaller Cricut Joy. With this new machine, we could create sizable projects, including cards, iron-on designs, vinyl labels, and more. We also love that the Xtra is compatible with “Smart” materials, which don’t require a mat to cut, and overall, it’s easier and more convenient to operate than the brand’s bigger cutting machines. 

For these reasons, the Cricut Joy Xtra is an ideal choice for hobby crafters who want all the cutting power of a full-size Cricut without having to store a bulky machine. 

Cricut Joy Xtra

Don’t be fooled by its small size—this new Cricut can still make big projects!

$199 at Cricut