Cricut Joy Review: Small but Mighty – The Perfect Beginner’s Cutting Machine

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Home » Cricut Joy Review: Small but Mighty – The Perfect Beginner’s Cutting Machine

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5)

Don't let its size fool you—the Cricut Joy proves that great things come in small packages.

Cricut Joy Cutting Machine Review

This palm-sized cutting machine delivers impressive functionality while being perfect for beginners, space-conscious crafters, or anyone wanting a portable crafting companion.

Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com, or

Grab Your Cricut Joy from Amazon Here

Why the Cricut Joy Stands Out

Cricut Joy Projects

Incredibly Compact Design

At just 8″ x 4″ x 4″ and weighing only 3.9 lbs, the Joy fits in the palm of your hand. Perfect for small spaces, easy storage, or taking your crafting on the go. No dedicated craft room required!

Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com

Surprisingly Powerful Cutting

Despite its small size, the Joy can cut individual designs up to 4 feet long or repeated patterns up to 20 feet long using Smart Materials.

That's longer than most full-size machines can handle!

Beginner-Friendly Technology

Built-in Bluetooth connectivity and the intuitive Design Space software make this machine incredibly easy to use.

With 50 ready-to-make projects included, you'll be crafting within minutes of unboxing.

Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com

Key Features That Impress

Cricut Joy Foil Kit

✓ Ultra-compact size – fits anywhere, weighs under 4 lbs
✓ Smart Material compatibility – cut without mats up to 20 feet
✓ Draw and cut capabilities – one machine, dual functionality
✓ Works with 50+ materials – vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, paper, and more
✓ Wireless connectivity – craft from your couch via smartphone or tablet
✓ German carbide blade – precision cutting every time
✓ Budget-friendly price – premium features without the premium cost

Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com

What's in the Box

  • Cricut Joy machine
  • Joy Blade + Housing
  • Fine Point Pen (black)
  • StandardGrip Mat (4.5″ x 6.5″)
  • Power adapter
  • Welcome materials and practice cuts
  • Free Cricut Access trial

Perfect For These Crafters

Cricut Joy
  • Beginners: Simple operation, guided projects, and forgiving learning curve make this ideal for first-time users.
  • Space-Limited Crafters: Apartment dwellers, dorm rooms, or small craft spaces—this machine fits anywhere.
  • Card Makers: Specialized card mat and precision cutting make beautiful custom cards effortless.
  • Portable Crafting: Craft shows, workshops, or vacation crafting—easily transportable.
  • Gift Giving: Affordable entry point into the Cricut ecosystem makes it a perfect gift.

Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com

The Reality Check

Small Cricut Joy Vinyl Cutter
  • Material Limitations: While 50+ materials sounds impressive, you can't cut thicker materials like leather or balsa wood. For those, you'll need an Explore or Maker machine.
  • No Print Then Cut: Unlike its bigger siblings, the Joy can't print and cut, limiting some project types.
  • Additional Costs: While the machine is affordable, you'll likely want Smart Materials, additional pens, and the card mat—budget for extras.
  • Single Tool Holder: You can only use one tool at a time (blade OR pen), requiring tool swaps for combination projects.

Our Verdict

The Cricut Joy delivers exceptional value for its price point. It's genuinely small but mighty, offering capabilities that rival much larger machines in a package that fits in a drawer.

The wireless connectivity, long cutting capability, and beginner-friendly design make it a standout choice.

Bottom Line:

  • If you're new to crafting, short on space, or want a secondary machine for quick projects, the Joy is hard to beat.
  • Just understand its limitations before expecting it to replace a full-size cutting machine.

Perfect starter machine that grows with your skills while keeping crafting accessible and fun.

Grab Your Cricut Joy from Cricut.com, or

Grab Your Cricut Joy from Amazon Here

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Author
Hi, I’m Jolene! I have a whole career based on working with all different types of crafts. Some of my work has also been featured in craft magazines. I’m passionate about helping others to unlock their creative potential and turn it into something beautiful. I don’t just provide tutorials on my website, but also inspirational ideas and advice to help kickstart your creativity.

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