What Is the Difference Between a Cricut and a Cricut Joy?

Cricut and Cricut Joy are both cutting machines released by Cricut, Inc., a company that specializes in crafting tools. Both of these machines are designed to help craft enthusiasts cut, write, and draw with precision and ease. While they share many similarities, they also have some key differences that may be important to consider when deciding which machine is right for you.

Size:

The biggest difference between the two models is size. The Cricut is approximately 22” long and 9.5” wide, while the Cricut Joy is just 5.5” wide and 4” tall. The size difference means that the Cricut can handle larger cutting projects than the Cricut Joy can.

Cutting Force:

Another significant difference between the two models is cutting force. The Cricut has a maximum cutting force of 2.5 pounds while the Cricut Joy only has a maximum cutting force of 1 pound. This means that the Cricut can cut through tougher materials like leather and chipboard while the Cricut Joy will struggle with those materials.

Design Space:

The third difference between the two models is their design space software. The Cricut uses Design Space 3 while the Cricut Joy uses Design Space for Desktop or Mobile App 4.0. Design Space 3 is more versatile than Design Space 4 as it allows for more complex designs and layering options.

Compatibility:

Finally, there are differences in compatibility between the two models. The Cricut works with all materials from paper to chipboard while the Cricut Joy only works with thin materials such as paper, vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, and poster board.

In conclusion, there are several differences between a Cricut and a Cricut Joy that may be important when choosing which machine best suits your crafting needs. These include size, cutting force, design space software, and compatibility with certain materials.