Why you’ll love it: The
Cricut Explore Air 2 is fun to use, precise, versatile, and fast for quick jobs.
Owners gush over the Cricut Explore Air 2. The spouse of an avid user joked that he’d be divorced if this “homewrecker” vibrated. Why all the fuss? For starters, it’s able to cut many different materials (e.g., vellum, card stock, leather, fabric, balsa wood, etc.), opening up endless possibilities for projects. Also, it’s multifunctional — it cuts with a German carbide premium blade (included), writes with a black pen (included), and even scores and embosses with a stylus (sold separately).
The Cricut Explore Air 2 also comes with a cutting mat and materials for conducting a test-run project as well as practicing using the pen with the blade. It features two compartments for holding accessories, a magnetic strip for grasping extra blades, and a cup-holder-like area for stashing pens or tools. Best of all, this model comes with Bluetooth for cord-free connections to computers, phones, or tablets.
The Explore Air 2 uses Cricut's Design Space software, which contains more than 100 free images and fonts (available for Mac and Windows computers, and iOS and Android mobile devices). Because Design Space is only accessible through the manufacturer’s website, you will need access to the internet. However, the iOS version of Design Space lets you download content for offline use.
Nonetheless, when all systems are go, this model cuts intricate designs with accuracy and surgical precision. And if you are in a hurry, simply switch it to Fast Mode for cutting and drawing at twice the speed.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is one of the top-rated models on BestReviews, the second-highest on Hambly Screen Prints and The Best Vinyl Cutters, and the third-highest on 10Techy. More than 900 of 1,250 Amazon reviewers rate this model 5 out of 5 stars.
Pros: Versatility, precision cutting, Bluetooth connectivity
Cons: Needs to be connected to internet for downloadable content, software has learning curve for some
Buy the Cricut Explore Air 2 on Amazon for $229
Buy the Cricut Explore Air at Walmart for $229