Both the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Cricut Maker afford users a compact, high-quality die cutting machine. But choosing between the two will depend on how versatile and powerful a machine you want.

According to the brand, the new model is twice as fast as its predecessor, the Cricut Explore Air. It cuts over 100 materials from vinyl to poster board, offering itself as a full-service DIY machine.

The Cricut Maker is a much more powerful machine, boasting 10 times the cutting power of the Explore Air 2. It cuts faster and through denser materials up to 2.4 millimeters.

The Cricut Maker is a much more powerful machine, boasting 10 times the cutting power of the Explore Air 2. It cuts faster and through denser materials up to 2.4 millimeters.

Both the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Cricut Maker afford users a compact, high-quality die cutting machine. But choosing between the two will depend on how versatile and powerful a machine you want.

Currently ranked as Amazon’s Choice in Scrapbooking Die-Cut Machines, the neat and compact Cricut Explore Air 2 is available for $199. This popular device lets you tackle all kinds of DIY projects.

Cricut sales are the best time to scoop up one of the brand’s crafting machines. And right now — aka peak crafting season — the Explore Air 2 is just $149 at Target instead of its usual $227 ...

We tested the Cricut Explore Air 2 with a seasoned crafter who had a wealth of experience in paper crafting, namely card-making. They’ve been using this Cricut model for about three years.