Cricut Joy 2 vs Joy: Which Compact Cutter Fits?
The Cricut Joy 2 and the original Cricut Joy are both compact cutting machines for vinyl, paper, and iron-on projects, but they differ in speed, cutting force, and smart material handling. The Joy 2 is the faster, more powerful upgrade, while the original Joy remains a lighter, cheaper option for basic labels and simple designs. This article compares the two so you can decide which one matches your project needs and budget.
Background: The Cricut Joy Lineup
Cricut introduced the original Joy in 2020 as a small, portable cutter designed for quick projects like labels, cards, and small decals. It uses the same Design Space software as larger Cricut machines but cuts a maximum width of 4.5 inches and a length of up to 4 feet with Smart Materials. In 2024, Cricut released the Joy 2 (also called Cricut Joy Xtra in some regions), which increased the cutting width to 5.5 inches, doubled the cutting force, and added a faster cutting speed. Both machines are part of Cricut’s “Joyâ€� family, but they target different users: the original is for occasional crafters, while the Joy 2 is for those who want more capacity and speed without stepping up to a full-size Maker or Explore.
How Each Machine Works
Both the Joy and Joy 2 use a small blade carriage that moves over a mat (or directly over Smart Materials) to cut shapes, letters, and designs. You design your project in the free Cricut Design Space app or desktop software, then send it to the machine via Bluetooth or USB. The machine reads registration marks if you use a mat, or it relies on the length of Smart Material to cut without a mat.
- Cricut Joy: 4.5-inch cutting width, 0.5 mm blade, cuts up to 4 feet long with Smart Materials, and up to 20 inches with a mat.
- Cricut Joy 2: 5.5-inch cutting width, 0.5 mm blade (same type), cuts up to 4 feet long with Smart Materials, and up to 20 inches with a mat, but with about 2x the cutting force and 2x the speed of the original.
The Joy 2 also supports the new Joy 2 Insert Cards and Joy 2 Pens (which are slightly different from the original Joy pens), so check compatibility before buying accessories.
Key Differences at a Glance
The table below summarizes the main specs you’ll notice in daily use:
- Cutting width: Joy – 4.5 in (11.4 cm); Joy 2 – 5.5 in (14 cm).
- Max cut length (Smart Material): Both – 4 ft (1.2 m).
- Cutting force: Joy – 0.5 mm blade, standard force; Joy 2 – 2x force, can cut thicker materials like magnet sheets and some craft leather.
- Speed: Joy 2 is about 2x faster than the original Joy.
- Bluetooth: Both have Bluetooth, but Joy 2 uses a newer version for faster transfer.
- Weight: Joy – 3.9 lbs (1.8 kg); Joy 2 – 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg).
- Price: Joy is typically $50–$80 less than Joy 2, but prices vary by retailer and bundle.
If you only cut vinyl letters and simple shapes, the original Joy is sufficient. If you plan to cut thicker materials or want to produce more projects in less time, the Joy 2 is worth the extra cost.
How to Choose: Project Type and Frequency
Your choice depends on what you’ll make and how often. Here’s a practical breakdown:
- Labels and small decals: Both work fine. The Joy’s 4.5-inch width is enough for most labels, but the Joy 2’s extra inch lets you cut slightly larger designs without rotating.
- Cards and invitations: Joy 2 is better because it can cut and score thicker cardstock (up to 2.0 mm thickness) and has a dedicated scoring tool. The original Joy can score but with a lighter touch.
- Iron-on (HTV) for shirts: Both can cut iron-on, but the Joy 2 cuts faster and can handle thicker HTV like glitter or flocked. The original Joy may struggle with very thick HTV.
- Sticker sheets: Joy 2’s wider width means you can fit more stickers on one sheet, reducing waste.
- Frequent crafting: If you use your machine weekly, the Joy 2’s speed and force will save you time and frustration. For occasional use, the original Joy is fine.
Also consider the cost of materials. Joy 2 uses the same Smart Materials as the original Joy, but it also supports the new Joy 2 Insert Cards (which are not compatible with the original). If you already own a collection of Joy accessories, the original may be more economical.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the Joy 2 can cut the same materials as the larger Cricut Maker. It cannot – it still uses the 0.5 mm blade and lacks the rotary blade or knife blade of the Maker. Another myth is that you must use Smart Materials with the Joy; actually, both machines work with a standard cutting mat and any material that fits the mat (up to 4.5 or 5.5 inches wide).
Common issues users report:
- Blade dulling quickly: If you cut thick materials frequently, replace the blade after 3–6 months. Both machines use the same Cricut Joy blade, so replacements are interchangeable.
- Smart Material jams: This happens if the material is not loaded straight. Always align the grid lines and press the load button gently.
- Design Space connection drops: Both machines rely on Bluetooth; if you have connectivity issues, move the machine closer to your device or use a USB cable (only the Joy 2 has a USB port; the original Joy is Bluetooth-only).
If you’re having trouble cutting, first check the blade depth and the material settings in Design Space. A common fix is to increase the pressure setting by one notch.
Costs and Accessories
The initial price difference is about $50–$80, but consider the total cost of ownership. The original Joy is often sold in bundles with a few tools and a sample of Smart Vinyl. The Joy 2 comes with a slightly larger set of tools and a welcome project. Both require you to purchase materials and blades over time.
- Blades: Cricut Joy blades cost about $10–$15 for a pack of 2, and both machines use the same blade.
- Mats: Joy uses the 4.5 x 6.5 inch mat; Joy 2 uses the 5.5 x 6.5 inch mat. They are not interchangeable.
- Smart Materials: These are the same for both machines – you can use any Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl or Smart Iron-On on either machine.
- Pens: The original Joy uses Cricut Joy Pens; the Joy 2 uses Cricut Joy 2 Pens (which are slightly thicker). They are not cross-compatible.
If you already have a collection of Joy pens and mats, the original is cheaper to continue with. If you’re starting fresh, the Joy 2’s wider mats and better performance may justify the higher upfront cost.
Safety and Maintenance
Both machines are safe for home use, but follow these precautions:
- Keep fingers away from the blade carriage while it’s moving – the blade is sharp and can cut skin.
- Unplug the machine when cleaning or changing the blade.
- Use only Cricut-approved blades and mats to avoid damage.
- Clean the blade housing with a soft cloth if adhesive builds up.
- Store the machine in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
For iron-on projects, always follow the heat settings for your specific material – the machine only cuts the design; you apply it with a heat press or household iron.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re not sure the Joy series is right for you, consider these alternatives:
- Cricut Explore 3: Cuts up to 12 inches wide, works with 50+ materials, but is larger and more expensive (about $300).
- Cricut Maker 3: Cuts 12 inches wide, can cut wood, leather, and fabric with special blades, but costs $400+.
- Silhouette Portrait 3: A similar compact cutter with a 8-inch width, often cheaper than Cricut, but uses different software.
- Brother ScanNCut: Has a built-in scanner and can cut without a computer, but is more expensive and has a learning curve.
If you only need simple vinyl lettering and want the smallest footprint, the original Joy is the most portable. If you need more width or want to cut thicker materials, the Joy 2 is a better balance of size and capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same mats and blades on both Joy and Joy 2?
No. The mats are different sizes (4.5 vs 5.5 inches wide), so they are not interchangeable. The blades, however, are the same – both use the Cricut Joy blade. Pens are also different: the original Joy uses Joy pens, while the Joy 2 uses Joy 2 pens, which are not cross-compatible.
Is the Joy 2 worth the extra money?
If you cut frequently or want to work with thicker materials like magnet sheets or thick cardstock, yes – the extra force and speed are noticeable. If you only make occasional labels and simple decals, the original Joy is more budget-friendly and takes up less space.
Can I cut vinyl without a mat on both machines?
Yes, both support Smart Materials, which are designed to be cut without a mat. You can also use a standard mat with regular vinyl sheets, but the maximum width is limited to the machine’s cutting width (4.5 or 5.5 inches).
Which machine is better for making stickers?
The Joy 2 is better because its wider width lets you fit more stickers on a sheet, and the faster speed reduces production time. The original Joy works fine for small sticker runs, but you’ll have to cut more sheets.
Do both machines require a computer, or can I use a phone?
Both work with the Cricut Design Space app on iOS and Android, as well as on Windows and Mac. You can design and send projects from a phone or tablet via Bluetooth. The Joy 2 also has a USB port for a wired connection, which the original Joy lacks.
Can I cut fabric with either machine?
No, neither Joy machine is designed for fabric. They use a fine-point blade that can cut paper, vinyl, and iron-on, but not fabric. For fabric cutting, you would need a Cricut Maker or Maker 3 with a rotary blade.
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