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.
Cricut Explore Air 2Cricut Maker 1