Cricut reviews and discussion

I have the Cricut Explore 3 machine and i love it so much. Honestly one of the best crafty things i own. It really helps out with my small business.

I had my Cricut Explore Air 2 from 2018-2024 (red light of death - RIP - look this up if you are unaware. Basically the machine fries, and is just a useless brick. Some people have this problem really early on, I had some good years with my guy though). I love it for the occasional project. I am a hobbyist who mainly just uses it for party decorations and invitations - paper stuff. To start, the switch to a weird subscription model is beyond annoying. Continuing, I use Photoshop to do all my design work, and then just import it over to Design Space. Recent update, Design Space requires a higher operating system than I currently use on my Mac. I need an older operating system for my older Photoshop to run, so I can no longer use Design Space on my computer. I think this is ultimately silly, because Design Space needs internet anyway, so why not just have a version through a browser? Nonetheless, this lead me to download the app on my phone, and will likely be using it from there - the app seems WAY BETTER than the computer version, so I'll give them that. Now I'll have to work on my computer, send to my phone, put in the app, then connect my phone to the machine. I found a Maker 1 refurbished for the same price as a new Explore Air 2, so I have just ordered a replacement. Basically, all that to say I am remaining in the Cricut world. I loved the system when it was fully functional on my computer. However, they keep creating these hoops and barriers that make it very difficult to praise and support them in the way I want to.

so overpriced but it is the only thing like it on the market and it makes it so easy! plus it adapts and listens to what the consumers want.

I'm going to be honest with this review: Having a cricut is awesome - you can make so many cool and fun projects with it. The machine itself? Love esp. the "smart" material feature. The software however? No. Just no. I started my DIY journey with a silhouette studio that my public library offers people to use for free, and I loved it so much. Easy to use, intuitive, great. So when I saw the Cricut Maker 3 for sale for $220 (yes, I am pretty sure that was an error because it's never that cheap, but my friend also purchased it for that price a few weeks after me so the store must not have cared about this) I just had to get one since the Cricut (esp. the Maker) seemed to be the Cadillac of those machines. Figured, this must be even better than my previous experience. But nope. You have to have a paid membership to use so many features of the software and it makes it super difficult to import projects you made with other softwares. Also, the materials themselves are expensive, and oftentimes just not that creat? Try the gold sticker vinyl with the transfer tape (both cricut brand) for example and you will see that it will just be a mess. I still would get the maker 3 for the price I got it for - but never for the actual price. In general - big fan of what one can do with machines like this. In practice: Cricut, if you don't start putting your user experience at the forefront of your brand then I fear that another brand eventually will easily take over the market for you eventually.