This question is one I see often, is the Cricut Joy worth it especially due to its small size? It is a good question and one worth asking if you are looking for a portable vinyl cutter.
We will have a look at this small and compact cutting machine in our Cricut Joy review helping you to understand if this is the machine for you and is it really Small but Mighty!
This little machine from Cricut is the baby of all the Cricut cutting machines! The Cricut Joy is a small and lightweight cutting and drawing machine that is perfect for Cricut beginners or those who only want to use a home vinyl cutting machine every now and again.
So if you do not want to spend a whole lot for a Cricut machine and only want a machine that you can use for quick and easy projects, then the Cricut Joy may be the machine for you.
Some features of this leading DIY home vinyl cutter include Bluetooth functionality, the ability to cut and draw, cut without a mat when using Smart Materials, and can make custom cards in a jiffy by using the Cricut Card Mat.
It can also work with over 50 different materials and is able to cut one image up to 4″ wide and 4′ long or repeated images up to 20′ long.
As you can see already, this small machine is capable of doing quite a bit for its size and if you want to hit the ground running when you purchase this cutting machine, have a look at some of the awesome Cricut Joy bundle deals to help you get started!
Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com, or
Grab Your Cricut Joy from Amazon Here
So is the Cricut Joy Really that Mighty?
You bet it is!!
Watch the short Cricut Joy video below to see some of the machine's top features!
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Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com, or
Grab Your Cricut Joy from Amazon Here
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Cricut Joy Rating
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User Experience
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Cutting Specs
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Materials Supported
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Software
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Value for Money
Our Verdict
Cricut Joy is a small and compact desktop vinyl cutter machine. It features wireless connectivity, precision cutting with or without a mat. The Cricut Card mat makes cards quickly and easily and can also draw and write. The Cricut Design Space software is easy to use and can be used on various devices. If you are after an easy-to-use cutting machine, then this is the one for you!
Pros:
Built-in Bluetooth connectivity, matless cutting when using smart materials, can cut one image up to 4″ wide and 4′ long or repeated images up to 20′ long, ability to draw and cut, freedom to download fonts and create custom artwork to use.
Cons:
You can only use the Design Space software that comes with the machine, which works with a limited number of materials.–
Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com, or
Grab Your Cricut Joy from Amazon Here
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Cricut Joy Review
Below you will find our detailed Cricut Joy Review.
I will outline the top features, specs, pros, and cons of the Cricut Joy Wireless Cutting Machine. I will also give you suggestions of who this Cricut vinyl cutter would be perfect for; in order for you to help figure out if this machine is the right match for you!
You can see how this machine stacks up to other Cricut machines in our Cricut machine reviews and comparisons guide.
If price is one of the points you need to consider when buying your cutting machine then read our post about cutting machines under $300 to help you compare machines that fall within a similar price range.
Cricut Joy Features
Let's have a look at all the nifty features that you will find if you decide to purchase this cute little cutter.
Compact Size
The Cricut Joy is so small it can fit in the palm of your hand so is a great machine for those who are short on space in your crafting area or need to ensure that it is easily stored away when not in use.
The small size means that it weighs very little, only 3.9 lbs (1.75 kg) which makes it a great machine for transporting to events, shows, or even if you like to craft when not at home.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Whilst the Bluetooth functionality is not new, it is worth mentioning that it has this nifty feature! I love the flexibility of being able to place my vinyl cutting machine well out of the way from my working desk space. So incredibly handy!
Cutting Size
Despite this cutting machine being small in size, it is great for large-scale projects that are super long! It is super-easy to cut, super-long cuts without a cutting mat.
The Cricut Joy can cut individual shapes up to 4 ft long or makes repeated cuts up to 20 ft long when using Smart Materials.
Cricut Joy Blade
The Cricut Joy comes with only one blade, a German carbide premium blade as it can cut a limited number of materials. The 50+ materials that the Joy can cut include iron-on, cardstock, vinyl, paper, and Smart Materials.
Draw and Cut
This tiny machine has the ability to draw or cut! It only has a single tool holder compared to the other Cricut range, like the Maker or Explore machines, that have a double tool holder.
This by no means limits its capabilities as it is simply a quick swap from blade to pen if need be.
If you wish to draw, you will need to grab yourselves some Cricut Joy pens and markers.
Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com, or
Grab Your Cricut Joy from Amazon Here
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Cricut Joy Specifications
Here is everything you need to know about what you will get in the box and what size and weight it will be.
In the Box
- Cricut Joy machine
- Cricut Joy Blade + Housing
- Cricut Joy Fine Point Pen, Black (0.4 mm)
- Cricut Joy StandardGrip Mat, 4.5″ x 6.5″ (11.4 cm x 16.5 cm)
- Welcome card
- Power adapter
- Free trial membership to Cricut Access™ (for new subscribers)
- 50 ready-to-make projects online
- Materials for a practice cut
Cricut Joy Size
The Cricut Joy dimensions and weight are as follows
- Height: 10.16cm (4″) 8”x4”x4”
- Length: 20.32cm (8″)
- Width: 10.16cm (4″)
- Weight: 3.9 lbs (1.75 kg)
What can Cricut Joy Cut?
The Cricut Joy is a great machine for those who wish to work with a few materials and focus on only a few types of craft projects. It has the ability to cut over 50 materials; from vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, paper, and Smart Materials.
If you want to cut thicker materials like leather and balsawood then we would recommend that you look at the Cricut Explore 3 or the Cricut Maker 3 as these machines can handle the thicker materials really well (although you will need to purchase the Deep Cut Blade additionally)!
Cricut Explore Joy Cutting Size
The maximum cutting size of the Cricut Cutter Machine is 4.5″ x 6.5″ (11.4 cm x 16.5 cm) when using a cutting mat. However, if you use Cricut Smart Materials you can cut up to 20′ long.
Although this is smaller than the standard size for a personal vinyl cutting machine, it will be sufficient for card-making projects or projects using vinyl.
Cricut Joy Software
You will either hate or love the Cricut Design Space. Beginners will most likely love the fact that the software is super easy and straightforward to use!
You can also use your own images and fonts for free or you can Cricut images from cartridges or the Cricut store. The software also contains 3,000+ ready-to-make projects and quick cuts to help you get started ASAP.
For the more advanced users who love using programs that they know in-and-out, you will be frustrated to know that the Cricut machine has been designed to only work with their software only, so no Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw access for you!
The Cricut Design Space App is really nifty too, as it allows you to sit in front of the TV and work on your iPad or iPhone before sending your creations wirelessly to the vinyl cutter.
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Warranty & Support
Your Cricut Air Machine comes with a 1-year warranty. You will also have access to their Help Centre, their ‘How-To' tutorials as well as videos on how to set up the Cricut craft cutter properly.
Cricut Price
If you are wondering where to buy your Cricut Joy, we highly recommend Amazon or Cricut.com. You can often receive free postage on these machines as well as get their great 30-day return.
I personally love shopping directly from Cricut, so that if there is a problem I can just reach out to them directly. Another tip is to sign up for their newsletter and they will give you $10 off your first purchase as a ‘thank you'.
Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com, or
Grab Your Cricut Joy from Amazon Here
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The Cricut Joy Machine Review
Below you will find our Joy Cricut machine review; focusing on the pros and cons of this machine together with information on who this machine would be perfect for.
Pros
Small & Compact
The biggest selling point about this machine is that it is small in size making it great for those who are short of space when crafting.
Super Long Cuts
This is the machine for you if you are after super long designs. Its ability to cut individual shapes up to 4 ft long or makes repeated cuts up to 20 ft long. This is a great feature especially for those who want to save time by being able to cut multiple projects at once.
Draws
The Cricut Joy can draw any shape and can write in a variety of styles. This is an attractive feature for projects those cardstock and paper projects.
Freedom to Download Fonts and Create Custom Designs
The freedom and flexibility of being able to download any font mean that this is one of the best vinyl monogram machines on the market. The ability to create custom designs is definitely a selling point as well.
Cons
Ability to Cut 50+ Materials
Although the ability to still cut over 50 different materials is great for this tiny machine, it does mean that you are limited to those materials and projects. If you are a beginner and gain confidence using your machine, progressing to other projects or materials will require you to purchase a different machine.
It Can't Do Print Then Cut
In comparison to the other Cricut cutters, the Cricut Joy can not do Print then Cut. If you wish to do Print then Cut then I recommend you look at the Explore 3 or the Maker 3. You can see our comparison guide between the Cricut Maker 3 vs Cricut Joy here.
Hidden Extras
To get started with your Cricut Joy you will probably need to buy quite a few extras, although the price point is quite attractive you will need to keep some room in your budget for the following:
- Cutting mats that are specifically designed for Joy’s smaller size
- Smart Materials, pens, and markers specially designed for the Joy
- Card mat despite the fact that one of the machine’s main benefits is its card-making capabilities we would think that this would be included with the machine
Who is the Cricut Joy Cutter Perfect For?
This Cricut Joy Machine is one of the best-selling vinyl cutters for desktop use. This machine excels in offering top-notch features and specs. The machine is perfect for beginner crafters or those who wish to have a small and easy machine to use alongside their full-size cutting machine.
Due to the great price point of this small cutting machine, it also makes a fabulous Cricut gift idea. This is a hands-down winner with beginner and experienced crafters.
The only reason why this machine will not be for you is if this is your first cutting machine and you think that over time you will want to start making projects that require a more powerful cutting machine.
If you are after some great deals to save you money, please scroll down to our deals and accessories below!
Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com, or
Grab Your Cricut Joy from Amazon Here
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Cricut Joy Tools & Accessories
Cricut Tools Craft Basic Set
Grab all the handy Cricut tools in one handy set! Includes the following Cricut Tools: Scissors with protective blade cover; Tweezers; Weeder; Scraper; and Spatula.
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Cricut Smart Materials
If you are after Smart Materials for the Cricut Joy, check out the variety of Smart Materials specially designed for the Cricut Joy! If your go-to craft is card making or using vinyl there is sure to be a great deal on the material of your choice
>> CHECK THE PRICE ON AMAZON NOW!
Cricut Foil Transfer Tool
Create stunning foil effects on a variety of projects – think cards, invitations, gift tags & more. This unique tool gives you pro-level, polished results that shine. The tool kit comes with 12 foil transfer sheets so you will have everything you need to make get add these stunning foil accents with your Cricut Joy.
>> CHECK THE PRICE ON AMAZON NOW!
Over to You:
- Did you find our Cricut Joy Review helpful?
- Can you add any helpful information to our Cricut Joy review?
- Will you be purchasing a Cricut Joy cutting machine?
