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I love the promise of creativity that Cricut inspires. I've been testing out the Cricut Maker 4 for a few weeks now, and it's such an impressively built piece of hardware.
But it's also overkill for people just starting out on their crafting journeys. As much as I'm intrigued to try it, I can't see myself engraving metal any time soon.
Enter Cricut's newest products.
The Cricut Joy 2 and Cricut Explore 5 represent a significant shift toward making the "making" process more accessible. Both machines have been redesigned to take up less space on your desk while making the software side of things much less intimidating for beginners.
A more portable DIY companion
The Cricut Joy 2 remains the baby of the family, but it has learned some impressive new tricks. It now features a "Print Then Cut" sensor, which is a big deal for anyone who wants to create their own full-colour stickers using a home printer.
Weighing in at just over 1kg, it is designed to be tucked away in a cupboard or moved around the house easily. It can handle more than 75 different materials, from basic cardstock to iron-on vinyl for customising T-shirts.
Shrinking the power of the Explore
For those who need a bit more versatility without the bulk of a professional machine, the Cricut Explore 5 is the place to start.
It is 30 per cent more compact than its predecessor, finished in a neutral taupe that should blend into modern home decor much better than the tech-heavy looks of the past.
Despite the smaller footprint, it still offers the full 12-inch cutting width. It also works with six different tools for writing, drawing, and scoring, making it a solid middle-ground option for wedding decor or custom magnets.
Software that holds your hand
Hardware is only half the experience with these machines, and Cricut is leaning heavily into a revamped Design Space experience. The new "Guided Flows" feature acts as a digital assistant, showing you exactly what tools and materials you need based on the project you select.
"Our users have consistently told us they want products that are easier to use and more affordable," said Ashish Arora, CEO at Cricut. "We listened and simplified the entire experience end-to-end."
The update also includes Create AI for paid subscribers, which generates custom designs from text prompts. If you have ever wanted to see what a "dinosaur with a unicorn horn riding a skateboard" looks like as a vinyl decal, the software can now build that for you in seconds.
Both machines are being sold as "Essential Bundles" in Australia, meaning you get the machine, a selection of materials, and the necessary tools to start your first project the moment you get home.
Pricing and availability
The Cricut Joy 2 and Cricut Explore 5 will be available from Friday, 6th March 2026. Both machines are being sold as "Essential Bundles" in Australia, meaning you get the machine and enough supplies to start making immediately.
Cricut Joy 2 Essential Bundle
- RRP: $249
- Australian retailers: Spotlight, Officeworks, and Big W.
- Bundle inclusions:
- Cricut Joy 2 smart cutting machine
- 10 x Value Cardstock sheets (8.5” x 11”)
- 6 x Smart Vinyl sheets (5.5” x 8.5”)
- 6 x Transfer Tape sheets (5.5” x 8.5”)
- 4 x Smart Iron-On sheets (5.5” x 8.5”)
- 2 x Insert Card Sets (4.25” x 5.5”)
- 3 x Printable Vinyl sheets (A4)
- Premium Fine Point Cutting Tool and Scoring Tool
- Dual-Sided Marker (Black)
- Light Grip Machine Mat (4.5 in x 12 in)
- Card Mat (5.5 in x 8.25)
- Tool kit: Paper Ruler, Weeder, Scraper, Spatula, and 12” Trimmer.
Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle
- RRP: $449
- Australian retailers: Spotlight, Harvey Norman, and Officeworks.
- Bundle inclusions:
- Cricut Explore 5 smart cutting machine
- 10 x Value Cardstock sheets (8.5” x 11”)
- 6 x Smart Vinyl sheets (13” x 9.5”)
- 6 x Transfer Tape sheets (13” x 9.5”)
- 4 x Smart Iron-On sheets (13” x 9.5”)
- 2 x Insert Card Sets (4.25” x 5.5”)
- 3 x Printable Vinyl sheets (A4)
- Premium Fine Point Cutting Tool and Scoring Tool
- Dual-Sided Marker
- Light Grip Cutting Mat (12” x 12”)
- 2x1 Card Mat
- Tool kit: Paper Ruler, Weeder, Scraper, Spatula, and 13” Trimmer.