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Monday, November 7, 2016

Cricut Explore vs Cricut Explore Air 2 Comparison


Cricut Explore vs Cricut Explore Air 2 Comparison at artsyfartsymama.com

A couple of weeks ago I shared the exciting news on Facebook that Cricut has come out with a new machine: Cricut Explore Air 2! The reactions were mostly positive, but there are a few who were wondering why Cricut needed to release a new machine, and what's different about the Explore Air 2. Well, guess what? I've been testing out the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine for a little while now and have been looking forward to showing you all how it compares to the other Explore machines and exactly what makes it different!

Cricut Explore vs Cricut Explore Air 2 Comparison at artsyfartsymama.com

The obvious difference that you'll notice first is in the color of the machines. The original Explore is white with a green bottom. The Cricut Explore Air 2 shown is mint colored with a silver/chrome stripe and white bottom. The machine also comes in a pink, blue, and ivory. Other than that, the machines are built pretty much the same. They are similar in weight, and there's the cup to store your tools in. You can also still plug in any cartridges to load into your Design Space account!

Cricut Explore vs Cricut Explore Air 2 Comparison at artsyfartsymama.com

When the machine is open, they are still pretty similarly built. The Explore Air 2 has a silver/chrome head. Even though it looks shinier, don't worry. It's still got the double carriage for cutting and writing or scoring in one step. The convenient storage compartments are also still there to store tools and blades. Bonus: you can use the same bladescutting mats, pens and scoring stylus as the other machines to create with 100+ materials from vellum to leather!!

Cricut Explore vs Cricut Explore Air 2 Comparison at artsyfartsymama.com

One big difference between the Cricut Explore and Cricut Explore Air 2 is the embedded Bluetooth for wireless cutting. Working wirelessly makes it convenient for you to create on your computer, tablet, and even your smartphone! Even though it's not embedded in the original Explore OR the Explore One machine, you can purchase a Wireless Bluetooth Adapter and plug it in to create wirelessly (as shown above).

Cricut Explore vs Cricut Explore Air 2 Comparison at artsyfartsymama.com

The Smart Set dial has always been one of my favorite features in the Explore machines to make cutting materials even easier. If anything was to prove to you how user-friendly this machine is, this would be it! The settings for each one (including an ever-growing list of custom materials) are already built in so you don't have to worry about it.


The biggest and most surprising difference between Cricut Explore Air 2 and all the others is the ability to use Fast Mode! By checking the Fast Mode option in Design Space, you can cut and write on vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock up to 2x faster. That means you can make the same professional-quality projects in less time!

Cricut Explore vs Cricut Explore Air 2 Comparison at artsyfartsymama.com

Helping my husband in his classroom has kept my Cricut machine pretty busy. My biggest hurdle has been cutting paper and cardstock. My Explore usually cuts pretty well, but I always end up with a few parts of my projects that rip or don't cut all the way through. I decided to put the Explore Air 2 to the test and see how it does up against my current machine.

Cricut Explore vs Cricut Explore Air 2 Comparison at artsyfartsymama.com

I selected a fairly detailed design in Design Space for the test. I also used the same cutting mat and paper. Both machines have new blades and all the settings were set to Paper on the Smart Set dial. Since I was using regular paper instead of cardstock, I wasn't able to turn on Fast Mode for this project. No problem though. My main goal was to fairly compare the cutting quality of the two machines as well as cutting times to see which one would come out on top.

The Verdict:

The Cricut Explore cut the design in 2:41. It did have a few snags in some areas and didn't cut all the way through which made some tears in the paper. I also weeded out the tiny pieces for quite a few minutes.

The Cricut Explore Air 2 cut the design in 2:27. It cut beautifully, and somehow all the tiny pieces stuck to the mat when I peeled the design up which saved me from doing any weeding. Not even kidding. This is certainly a rare occurrence, but it was a magical moment that I will treasure forever.

Cricut Explore vs Cricut Explore Air 2 Comparison at artsyfartsymama.com

Again, I used the same cutting mat, paper and Black Fine Point Pen to draw the design.

The Verdict:

The Cricut Explore drew the design in 2:12. I think it drew pretty well!

The Cricut Explore Air 2 cut the design in 2:02. Other than the 10 second time difference, the drawing is pretty much the same quality to me. However, I'm sure that depending on the project and the amount of detail, the time difference can certainly vary.

Find the perfect Cricut machine for you at artsyfartsymama.com

My conclusion in this crafty experiment would have to be that the Cricut Explore Air 2 wins in saving time while cutting (both in regular time and Fast Mode), as well as a slight edge in quality cuts. My time saved with this new machine will surely add up to help me get that laundry done. Maybe...

Honestly, I would recommend any Cricut Explore machine to everyone I know. For real. They all have their benefits. Just check out the chart above! If you are someone crafty who doesn't necessarily need wireless and wants to save money, I say go for the Cricut Explore One. Want a machine to cut wirelessly and quick - but not too quick? Go for the Cricut Explore Air! Want to do all the fun stuff the Explore Air can do AND be able to do it up to 2x faster? Definitely grab a Cricut Explore Air 2. No matter which one you choose, you can't go wrong.

Which Cricut machine do you have? Which one do you wish you had? Let's chat about it in the comments!

I received the Cricut Explore Air 2 in exchange for my honest review and comparison of the two machines. All opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Would you like to comment?

  1. Hi Lindsay, nice write up! Personally I love having the wireless cutting enabled. It's nice to be able to work from the sofa and not have yet another set of wires/chargers to worry about tripping over - our house is crazy. The cut quality definitely appears to have improved for Explore Air 2. Not just more accurate, but more reliable over longer runs too. It's a beautiful machine and I can imagine it will make a lot of crafters happy!

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  2. Hi there, I was wondering if the air 2 also has the option to plug in, as opposed to just wirelessly? Also, I heard that the software that allows you to create your own designs has to be purchased? Is that true.... I'm wondering.

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  3. Irma Tchamourian the software is free. There is a plug in. The Bluetooth option is for phone and/or tablets mainly.

    Artsy, comparing cuts, I feel like your blade was dull on the explore. I've found no difference in cut quality, just the speed, which is really cool.

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  4. Hello! I have a question about the cricut if you or anyone might be able to answer?! Basically I am an artist looking into purchasing a cutting printer, but I have zero experience with them and I'm a little overwhelmed at where to even start ...(I currently draw my own designs and then hand cut them with an x-acto knife). I work mainly with paper/ cardstock and I am essentially just looking for something to help me expand my art business and be able to create a larger stock of product in less time.

    My biggest question is- If I hand draw something, does that need to be scanned in and uploaded to the design program for it to be cut? Or is it able to detect hand drawn lines and I can just put the paper directly into the machine for it to cut?

    If you happen to have any other feedback/ info/ wisdom to share about purchasing a cutting printer, it would be greatly appreciated! :D Thank you!!!

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    1. If u can get a good picture with ur phone u should be able to do it thT way! I used my husband drawing it was just pincel and paper I snapped a picture and put on a0 shirt!

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  5. Hello! I have a question about the cricut if you or anyone might be able to answer?! Basically I am an artist looking into purchasing a cutting printer, but I have zero experience with them and I'm a little overwhelmed at where to even start ...(I currently draw my own designs and then hand cut them with an x-acto knife). I work mainly with paper/ cardstock and I am essentially just looking for something to help me expand my art business and be able to create a larger stock of product in less time.

    My biggest question is- If I hand draw something, does that need to be scanned in and uploaded to the design program for it to be cut? Or is it able to detect hand drawn lines and I can just put the paper directly into the machine for it to cut?

    If you happen to have any other feedback/ info/ wisdom to share about purchasing a cutting printer, it would be greatly appreciated! :D Thank you!!!

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    1. I'm sure by now you've made the choice. But this will hopefully help anyone else looking through these old feeds about which machine to choose. If you have any projects that are as you described (hand-drawn that need to be cut out) the Brother Scan and Cut 2 would be perfect for these! You literally scan the image (hand-drawn or printed on a printer, etc) and choose your margins (i.e. do you want it to cut at the edge, smaller than the edge, or a specific margin larger than the edge) and it cuts it. No printing/scanning/uploading required. I recently saw a demo on the Brother machine and was super impressed, and slightly regretting my Cricut purchase. Hope this helps...

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  6. I have seen comments online like... I wish I still had my Explore One... Honestly, which machine is better?

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  7. My Explore One is having issues with the print and cut feature with the new design space. Cricut said they are working on the problem, but anyone else that is having a problem you might contact Cricut and let them know.

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    1. I have cricut explore one for 3 yrs and I have no problems with it i love it so much and we have done so many projects with it later in the future we will get the air 2 but for now we sticking to this one

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  8. I have an explore air..and frankly its been a complete disappointment. I excitedly use the first project that came with my machine and it was perfect after that it was down hill. I havent made a single thing since. No instructions. I have been to every craft shop in my town and nothing. I guess i need to be a stay at home mom to have time to teach myself how to use this.please keep.in mind i know how to write computer programs and my job takes a high level of computer literacy yet i can't run this..any real instructions ? I have simple wants for vinyl nothing more

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  9. I agree with you as far as no instructions. I havent even done the crafts that have come with it. With no instructions I feel overwhelmed as to where to start. You would think that with the price you pay ( which wasnt cheap) some basics instructions to at least make you feel a little comfortable with the machine. I understand through reading a little on it that practice makes perfect and with the price of materials I'm not thrilled with having to buy materials and have my project not come out less than what I would consider to be perfect. Maybe some basic step by step instructions for a few different crafts would at least give you a little confident In using the machine.

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    1. There are several sites online that provide excellent instructions for cricut machined. I paid $10 for an online site that had so much information instill haven't completed everything this machine can do. Search Google and you will find a ton of info.

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  10. I'm so confused! I don't know which one I would like, I just want something to play with to make some shirts and other crafts. I just don't know which machine to start out with, any suggestions?

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    1. Try by first taking advantage of the FREE use of the Cricut design space app. Play around with it, watch YouTube videos after videos.
      Join the FB Cricut groups... Like all of them ,😂!
      Then buy one off fb marketplace or someone that has one sitting in their closet.
      That way you don't waste too much money on it.
      If you can get design space down, then using the actual machine is a piece of cake.
      Good luck!

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  11. Hello everyone! I purchased my Explorer 1 years ago and I have only used it twice just trying it out. I have several cartridges they were very costly at the time. My step daughter just got an explorer air 2 ,and I'm going to compare mine to hers. I just wander if there are any accessories that she use that I may can use?

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  12. Hi, I am so disgusted with the entire Cricut experience. Many years ago I purchased the first Cricut machine along with many different cartridges. About 6 months later my daughter bought me a Gypsy machine so that I could link my cartridges to it. Which was nice! However, 3 years ago I purchased the Cricut Explore from a previous owner with hopes of the wireless capabilities and transferring my old cartridges to the machine. Sadly, I couldn't do either. The Cricut would not connect to my Bluetooth nor link my cartridges. I thought maybe it was because it was registered to the previous owner. so I tried several times reaching out to their Customer Service Department but to no avail. No one ever answered the phone, they just play a music recording for as long as you stay on the line. So, I purchased a brand new Cricut Explore Air 2 last week and after downloading everything required and going through the testing and sample phase, I finally realize that you can't transfer the cartridges and although the Air 2 works wirelessly via Bluetooth, it does recognize my Bluetooth device. Unfortunately, I have to return it! I only do scrapbooking and would like to cut out pretty images and alpha letters. Is there anyone out there that could possibly offer me some help? I really don't want to see my old products go to waste but maybe I would have better luck with something other than Cricut products. Please help! Thank you

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