If you are researching the Cricut Joy vs the Cricut Joy Xtra, you are likely trying to decide which compact Cricut cutting machine is the right fit for your crafting needs. Both machines are designed with beginners in mind, but there are important differences that can affect how long each machine will suit you as your skills grow.
I have owned a Cricut Joy for many years, and while it was a brilliant entry-level machine, the Cricut Joy Xtra is often the better long-term choice, especially if you want to create Print Then Cut projects like stickers.
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What You Will Find Here
Cricut Joy vs Cricut Joy Xtra: Which Cricut Machine Is Best?
In this post, I will break down the differences between the Cricut Joy and Cricut Joy Xtra, explain who each machine is best for, and share my experience of using the machines to help you decide which Cricut is worth buying.
What Is the Cricut Joy?
The Cricut Joy is Cricut’s smallest and most portable cutting machine. It was designed for beginners who want a simple way to create labels, decals, cards, and small craft projects without needing a large workspace.
What the Cricut Joy Can Do
- Cut vinyl, iron on, cardstock, and over 50 supported materials
- Use Smart Materials for matless cutting
- Draw and write with Cricut pens
- Create small, quick projects with minimal setup
- Connect via Bluetooth using Cricut Design Space
The Cricut Joy is extremely easy to use and ideal for crafters who value simplicity and portability.
What Is the Cricut Joy Xtra?
The Cricut Joy Xtra builds on the original Joy but adds features that significantly expand what you can make. It keeps the Joy’s compact feel while offering more flexibility and room to grow.
What the Cricut Joy Xtra Adds
- A much wider cutting area
- Support for A4 sized materials
- Print Then Cut capability
This makes the Joy Xtra a strong option for beginners who want more creative freedom without stepping up to a full-size Cricut Explore or Maker.
Cricut Joy vs Cricut Joy Xtra: Key Differences Explained
Cutting Size Comparison
Cutting size is one of the biggest differences between these two machines.
The Cricut Joy can cut:
- Up to approximately 4.5 inches wide using Smart Materials
- Up to approximately 5.5 inches wide using a cutting mat
The Cricut Joy Xtra can cut:
- Up to approximately 8.5 inches wide using Smart Materials
- Up to approximately 8.2 x 11.7 inches using a cutting mat
This means the Joy Xtra can handle full A4 projects, larger vinyl decals, and wider paper crafts, while the Joy is limited to smaller designs.
Print Then Cut: A Crucial Difference
One of the most searched questions when comparing Cricut Joy vs Joy Xtra is Print Then Cut.
The Cricut Joy does not support Print Then Cut. It does not have the sensor required to read registration marks on printed designs.
The Cricut Joy Xtra does support Print Then Cut, allowing you to:
- Print designs on your home printer
- Load the printed sheet into the machine
- Cut precisely around printed images
If you want to make stickers, printable labels, planner stickers, or full colour designs, the Joy Xtra is the clear winner.
Materials and Tools
Both machines cut the same types of materials, including:
- Vinyl
- Iron on
- Cardstock
- Sticker paper
- Paper and lightweight materials
The difference is not what they cut, but how large the materials can be. The Joy Xtra supports wider materials and standard size mats, giving you more flexibility.
Size, Weight, and Portability
The Cricut Joy is smaller and lighter, making it ideal for:
- Small craft spaces
- Portable crafting
- Travel or on the go projects
The Joy Xtra is slightly larger and heavier than the Cricut Explore and Maker machines, but it’s still compact.
My Personal Experience With the Cricut Joy and Why I Recommend the Joy Xtra
I have used a Cricut Joy for years, and it was a fantastic machine when I was starting out. It was easy to use, quick to set up, and perfect for portable crafting. I often used it for vinyl decals, labels, and simple card projects, especially when crafting away from my main workspace.
As my crafting skills developed, I began making more Print Then Cut projects, particularly stickers and printable designs. Because the Cricut Joy does not support Print Then Cut, I use my Cricut Maker. And now I can also use the Joy Xtra for those projects instead.
While the Joy is a great entry-level machine, this showed me how quickly you can outgrow it if your crafting interests expand. If you invest in a machine without Print Then Cut and later decide you want to make stickers, you will need to purchase a second machine.
For this reason, I personally feel that if you already know you want to explore Print Then Cut projects, it is not worth purchasing a machine that cannot support them. When you are starting out, the Cricut Joy is still an excellent introduction to crafting. However, if you want a machine that will grow with you, the Cricut Joy Xtra is the smarter investment.
Paying a little extra upfront can save you from needing to upgrade sooner than expected.
Cricut Joy vs Cricut Joy Xtra: Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Cricut Joy if:
- You want the smallest and most portable Cricut
- You only plan to make small projects
- You do not need Print Then Cut
- You want the lowest price point
Choose the Cricut Joy Xtra if:
- You want to make stickers or printable projects
- You want A4 sized cuts
- You want more flexibility as your skills grow
- You want a beginner Cricut you are less likely to outgrow
Final Verdict: Cricut Joy or Cricut Joy Xtra?
The Cricut Joy is a brilliant beginner cutting machine and remains an excellent choice for small, simple projects and portable crafting. I loved using mine and still think it has a place for crafters who want simplicity above all else.
However, based on experience, the Cricut Joy Xtra offers far better long-term value. With a larger cutting area and Print Then Cut capability.
If you are just starting out and want the best Cricut for beginners that will grow with your crafting journey, it is worth paying a little extra and choosing the Cricut Joy Xtra.
