Cricut Explore 3 vs Cricut Explore Air 2: Which One is Right for You?

The Cricut Explore 2 was a huge hit when it was released. So when Cricut announced the all-new Cricut Explore 3, people were bound to be curious about the differences between the two popular machines.

Cricut Explore 3

In 2021, Cricut released its newest line of machines: the Cricut Explore 3 and the Maker 3. I received the Explore 3 as part of a promotion this year, and I've been enjoying testing it out. Like the Explore Air 2, it's a machine that I can confidently recommend to most crafters as its perfect for a wide range of DIY hobbies. In this blog post, we'll be exploring the differences between the Explore 3 and it's predecessor, the Cricut Explore Air 2.

What is the Cricut Explore 3?

Like the rest of the Cricut line, the Explore 3 is a versatile electronic cutting machine for crafting. It cuts a variety of materials from cardstock, vinyl & iron-on to glitter paper & bonded fabric and is compatible with 6 tools for cutting, writing, foiling & more.

How do I set it up?

When you purchase a Cricut machine, it will come with setup instructions in the box.

You type in a URL on your web browser, and the guide shows you how to connect your Cricut to your device via USB or Bluetooth, and how to setup Design Space. I've created a step-by-step tutorial video on how to setup a Cricut Explore Air 2 right from the box and you can watch it here for a visual example. It's virtually the same setup as the Explore 3 machine:

If you want a thorough explanation on what a Cricut machine is, how to set it up, and how to use it, click here.

What's Design Space?

Design Space is Cricut's free software for Mac or PC that allows you to setup your design for cutting, and then send it to your Cricut machine. There is also a Design Space app that you can install on your mobile device. The software and app is free to use, but you can pay a monthly fee for Cricut Access which gives you more fonts and images to use.

Learn the differences between the Cricut Explore 3 and the Explore Air 2 and which one is best for you.

What materials can the Explore 3 cut?

The Cricut Explore 3 can cut over 100 different materials including:

Copy Paper
Cardstock
Photo paper
Glitter Paper
Adhesive Foil
Vinyl
Smart Vinyl
Iron-On
Smart Iron-On
Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock
Bonded Fabric
Craft foam
Cricut's Smart Materials
... and many more. Click here to see the full list of the materials that the Cricut Explore 3 can cut.

What Blades and Tools Are Compatible With the Explore 3?

The Cricut Explore 3 can use 6 tools:

Fine point blade
Deep point blade
Bonded fabric blade
Foil transfer tool
Scoring stylus
Pens
Roll Holder

Everything but the fine point blade is sold separately from the machine.

You can easily switch out the tools by opening up the tool clamps, removing the old tool and adding the new tool, and then closing the tool clamp. When you send your design from Design Space to your Cricut, the program will walk you through the material & tool settings so it's fool proof.

What’s the Difference Between the Cricut Explore Air 2 and Explore 3

The main difference between the Explore 3 and it's predecessor, the Explore Air 2, is that the Explore 3 can cut Cricut Smart Materials. It also has a sleeker look and can cut much faster than the Explore Air 2 using Fast Mode. The Explore 3 is also compatible with Cricut's new Cricut Roll Holder for holding Smart Materials.

What are Smart Materials?

Smart Materials are materials for the Cricut that have their own backing, so they don't require a cutting mat to cut. They are also wider than regular materials (13 inches vs 12 inches), so they can produce a wider product. You can also purchase Smart Materials in long lengths to create an extra long design up to 12 feet. Cricut's current Smart Materials include Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Smart Label, and Smart Paper. Shop Smart Materials here.

What is Fast Mode?

Fast Mode is a feature of the Cricut Explore 3 machine which allows you to cut and write up to 2x faster than the previous models. You'll be able to cut the fastest when cutting Smart Materials. I definitely noticed how quickly the Explore 3 cut Smart Materials the very first time I used it. It certainly makes my projects go a lot faster!

Cricut Roll Holder

The new Cricut Roll Holder is an accessory to keep your Smart Materials organized and aligned for clean, precise cuts. You attach it to the pull-out tray at the front of the Cricut Explore 3, and it has a handy built in trimmer. This is definitely a nice accessory to have if you're using long lengths of material with the machine.

Visual differences between the models

Here are how the two machines look:

How to setup a Cricut for the first time — Cricut Explore Air 2

As you can see, the Explore 3 and Explore Air 2 look similar, but there are a few subtle differences:

There is no materials dial on the top right of the Explore 3. You choose your material setting in the Design Space app.
The Explore 3 currently only comes in the mint colour. It also doesn't have a contrasting band of colour on the bottom of the machine, so it has a simpler, sleeker look.
The Explore 3 has a matte finish whereas the Explore Air 3 finish is more glossy.

Similarities between the two machines

Though they have differences, here are some things that the Explore 3 and Explore Air 2 have in common:

they're a similar size
both a well-rounded machine suitable for most crafters
they both have a middle-of-the road price
both have a docking slot on the right for mobile devices or storage
they can both be connected to your computer with a USB cord, or to your computer, tablet or mobile device via Bluetooth
both machines can use 6 tools
you can use Cricut Design Space with both machines to create your design
both machines have Print Then Cut capability. You can print a design onto printable vinyl with your desktop printer, and then send it to your machine to cut the design into stickers or decals. The difference is that you can use colored paper to do this on the Explore 3, but not on the Explore Air 2.

What's the cost difference between the two models?

The Cricut Explore 3 is currently over $100 more than the Explore Air 2. My favourite place to buy my Cricut machines, materials and supplies is right off the Cricut website. They often have great sales and I love their bundle deals.

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Should I Get the Cricut Explore Air 2 or Explore 3?

If cutting speed, the ability to use wider and longer material, and the ability to cut materials without a mat (Smart Materials) is important to you, I'd recommend purchasing the Explore 3.

However, if the above benefits don't matter to you, you should buy the Explore Air 2.

If you want to use a rotary blade tool to cut fabrics, leather, felts, crepe paper and more, or use a knife blade to cut thin woods, you should consider the Cricut Maker line. You can learn more about these machines right here.