Discover the 8 best Cricut machines for crafters of all levels and budgets

Introducing the latest model, it's one step up from your favourite budget Cricut cutting machine, but this one does more and still fits in small spaces so you can tuck it away when not in use, but easily pull it out again to make fun things. It looks really nice too. One reviewer said: "Love this machine, especially when making stickers. Easy to use and the size is perfect even for slightly bigger projects and does not take much space."

Cricut Joy Xtra™ cuts, writes, draws, and foils. You can enjoy making all sorts of popular projects from full-colour stickers, custom cards, T-shirts, vinyl decals, and more. It works with the free Design Space™ app too; if you're stuck for design ideas, there are plenty to choose from, and you can connect from your mobile device via Bluetooth.

Another happy customer describes it as "a great little machine and a major upgrade from the Joy." They said that they continue to use both machines as a back-up to their Cricut Maker 3, but that the Xtra really stands up to the task for A4 projects and print and cut projects; they continued: "I am more likely to use the Xtra if I don't need the size of the Maker 3. The original Joy is still used for labels and small projects." The only downside for them is that they found the mat seems to get caught and fold at the corners a fair bit.

Mother and Baby Digital Writer Zara shares her full review of the Cricut Joy Xtra, saying, "I can see that there is the potential for lots of creativity and fun family projects. I think it will be very useful towards Christmas for making personalised gifts for friends and family, and if you have kids they can join in as a fun seasonal activity. I can imagine other personalised gifts throughout the year too, like teacher gifts, party decorations and rainy day activities. Vinyl decals and heat-transfer designs open up all sorts of opportunities for personalising clothes and belongings too."

With this bundle you get the latest model plus all the extras. As well as the awesome cutting machine we mention above, you get a basic tool set, plus a variety of mats, paper, and samples to have fun and experiment with. It's the perfect compromise if the higher-priced models are out of your price range, and ideal if you want to get started with this new hobby without investing in a large machine.

Check out the huge list of extra materials included in the bundle in the 'Features' tab below.

So, you’ve popped all of your ideas on to your inspiration board? Great; now all you need to do is make them. This pint-sized powerhouse is an affordable creative tool from the Cricut series that will help make it easier than ever to bring your projects to life. Although one reviewer says: "I wouldn’t say amazing value for money as you only get a small amount of vinyl to start you off but it’s not a bad starter package." They also felt it was a bit of a fiddle to begin with as they were a Cricut beginner, but thought that the instructions for set-up were clear.

You can download a free app to help with designs; another reviewer says: "The Cricut Joy app is easy to use and means I can instantly create basic labels, stickers, and paper crafts. The starter set came with everything I needed to experiment." But do note that there is an additional charge if you want to subscribe for a greater selection of designs; some reviewers find this disappointing to have to pay extra.

While the machine is very small and handy, the power cable pin is really thin and could be vulnerable to damage, so this is something to watch out for.

This is the smallest Cricut machine, which means there will be limitations as to what you can achieve with it because of the smaller size of the machine compared to some of the others. You won't be able to do any of the more fancy things either, like embossing leather or cutting for larger projects like bigger T-shirt motifs. It's great for small crafty activities to do with the kids though, and ideal for creating labels for home organisation.

Set your creativity free with this amazing Cricut Joy Starter Kit. It has everything you need to get started on your creative projects; a bundle including the Joy mentioned above, plus materials and extras. It comes with a rose weeder, Joy transfer tape, Joy fine point pens, a card mat, and more to help get you started and feeling confident; one reviewer described the machine as being fantastic for doing crafty jobs of all sizes - they said: "Heat Transfer Vinyl is my new favourite thing to do, my iron has never been used so much!"

You might even get a bit addicted; one reviewer who bought this for their daughter said she loves the machine and has hardly stopped using it: "From vinyl decals on everything to making key rings, gift tags, cards and cake toppers to name just a few."

This great Cricut EasyPress connects to the Cricut Heat app via Bluetooth connection to offer precise temperature control settings. It works well with the iron-on vinyl (HTV), infusible ink, and sublimation products, so if you have plain T-shirts that need jazzing up with cool logo designs, this is a must-have product.

One reviewer who had used the machine on T-shirts and tote bags, both with heat transfer vinyl and sublimation prints, described it as an excellent heat press with consistently great results. They said: "The app is great as it advises on temperature and time depending on material used, although it is a little limited. For any materials not listed, you can search online and input settings manually. It’s a sturdy unit and not overly heavy. Very impressed!" Others said that it is easy to use and that the tutorials and guides are very useful.

The Cricut Explore 3 cuts, draws, scores, and more, twice as fast as the previous model. It works with six different cutting tools and is compatible with Smart Materials for cuts up to 3.6m without a mat – meaning you can create big banners without a cutting mat. The variety of materials you can use the machine with is immense, from card stock to bonded fabric; the possibilities are endless. With the free Design Space app you can connect via iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac to find loads of inspiration and templates to use. Do note that for the full range of designs and inspiration you can subscribe in the app for an additional cost.

One reviewer said it was worth the money just to watch her daughter's eyes light up when she opened the box and saw the Cricut 3 (her daughter is a teacher); she says her daughter "picked it up and ran like the Grinch into an empty room and started using it. Thankfully we brought the bundle and press machine which included the practice assignments for learning! Excellent investment for the whole family!" Another reviewer who had never heard of Cricut before said: "The fact you can make your own T-shirts was enough for me to take the plunge."

Some say the instructions aren't great, but with so many people online doing demos you shouldn't have a problem. One customer advises: "I'd highly recommend doing research before buying and see how it all works before making the purchase. It really helped me get up and running within minutes of the machine arriving." In particular, they recommend watching as many YouTube videos as possible.

The Cricut Maker 3 + Essentials Bundle + Cricut Access Subscription includes the Cricut Maker 3 machine, plus a bundle of accessories and materials, and one month's subscription to the design app.

The Maker 3 can cut anything from delicate fabrics to heavy chipboard, leather, and balsa wood. It cuts up to 3.6m without a cutting mat, and the bundle comes with 13 tools to cut, score, write, deboss, engrave and more. Once you realise the possibilities your creative juices will really start to flow. We're not just talking T-shirts and greetings cards any more; this machine helps make leather jewellery and even personal picture puzzles. In fact, the only downside we came across was that if you're new to Cricut, this bundle might overwhelm you, and new users might prefer a simpler starter pack.

The price is, of course, very high; but, as one reviewer points out: "you get solid features and good quality for your money." They warn that the cutter must be connected to a computer to transfer the designs, which may be a limitation for some users. One other thing to be aware of is that the Cricut won't connect to an iPad, but you can use your iPhone.

We’ve all got that special mug that we don’t like to share. Well, the Cricut mug press will help personalise your favourite mug so that no-one can mistakenly use it again. Alternatively, use the machine to create gorgeous personalised gifts for friends and family. All you need to do is create your design using the Circuit infusible ink material, attach it to your mug, and let the press machine do the magic. If you're not very arty though, don't worry because you can use the cut-and-press ready-made projects found in the Cricut Design Space app; do note that you need a subscription at an additional cost to benefit from all the designs in the app.

It's really easy to use, with simple one-touch settings you can't go wrong. It even has an auto-off function. The only thing you need to worry about is using it in a well-ventilated area, so make sure you open a window. One reviewer liked that everything you need to get started comes with the machine; they said: "I had my first one printed off in an hour after opening the box. Simple instructions are easy to follow, obviously need to get more colours as time goes on, but all-in-all a great starting point."

Want to save money on your little one's birthday invitation cards? Then this is for you. The Silhouette Portrait 3 will leave you in awe and features incredible designs that will allow your craft projects to stand out. Not only does it come with the compact cutting machine, but it also comes with cutting-edge updates, giving your work the best experience.

One review said: "Brought this cutting machine in January, l have used it loads making personalised cards, paper bunting, gift tags, I’ve cut vinyl to decorate key rings, glasses, bottle and tiles. This is my first cutting machine and I love it. I’m very happy with my purchase and like the fact that I can use any brand of vinyl in this machine."