CricutJoy Xtra Cutting Machine

I have been using the Cricut Xtra for a few years now, and am truly impressed with it's versatility. It's compact, with removable power cable, and the housing and components are very sturdy. It's an affordable product that produces accurate and remarkable cuts quickly. Great for any medium with a width of 9.5in (for smaller sizes, I recommend the name brand mat). Cutting tips are easy to change and are available on Amazon from third-party at very reasonable price. Bluetooth connection is stable most of the time - if there's a problem, unplug and reconnect power and it works, with no risk of losing your project.

I'm seriously impressed with this device. Cutting random material with accuracy is difficult for most machines at this price point. Doing is 50 times in a row without a single issue? Not many complaints. The software is a little odd at times, it can separate your cuts into multiple layers unless you "attach" them together. Lack of a usb cable is odd, but the bluetooth connection works fine on my macbook pro. very happy.

This machine is phenomenal! Honestly, one of the coolest things of this century! I immediately purchased the larger machine. This is great for beginners and super fun. The amount of things and variety you can make with this guy is incredible. Definitely worth the buck. I upgraded just because I wanted to make larger cuts, but the possibilities are endless !

My full size Cricut died & I wasn't going to pay $250++ when they just don't last for that cost. I also don't use it enough to use up that much table/counter top. This was a great alternative.If you're considering downsizing like I did keep in mind that Cricut Joy/Joy Xtra uses all different equipment that the full size machines so you will need new blades, mats, adapters, etc.

Pros- It cuts vinylCons- The Cricut software and machine are insanely locked down.- Must sign in. Requires an Internet connection.- Machine is registered to your account.- All designs must be saved to the cloud.- If they close your account, you lose your designs. They can also permanently disable the physical hardware.- Unable to save designs outside of Cricut to edit them with other software.- There is NO export feature. Cannot run designs from Cricut on any other brand of machine.- Cannot open a SVG file from your computer and hit cut. Must log in, then go through several additional steps to save to the cloud.- Third party software improvements are prohibited.- Not compatible with alternative "apps".- They can brick the machine and account for trying to use software besides Cricut.- They can force the machine to update at any time. Materials or features that worked fine yesterday are not guaranteed to work the same tomorrow.- The machine has no physical buttons. No start, pause, reset, load, eject, bluetooth pairing, etc.None of this was clear when purchasing the product. This is being returned in exchange for a Silhouette.

Do what I need it to do

I bought the Cricut Joy thinking it’d be a cute, little craft tool to help me make cards and labels. What I didn’t expect was a machine that had more ambition than I do. This tiny powerhouse is like the underdog of crafting devices—it's small, but every time I use it, I feel like I’m unlocking hidden crafting superpowers. One minute, I’m making custom vinyl decals, and the next, I’m wondering if I could create an entire new wardrobe with just this thing.It’s so easy to use, it’s like Cricut read my mind and decided to make a machine that could be operated by a toddler (or, more realistically, me, because I can't handle complicated tech). The fact that it can cut out intricate designs that make my DIY projects look like I hired a professional? Absolutely unfair.My only complaint: now every time I see a blank surface, I hear the Cricut Joy whispering, “What about me?” It’s got me looking at the world like it’s one giant crafting project.In short, it’s compact, capable, and quietly shaming my lack of creativity. 10/10, would totally recommend for anyone who wants to craft like they’ve got their life together.

Works well. The software is a pain and having to go from computer to phone to print anything is just a tad frustrating. But it’s paid for itself in witty sticker making already! You will not be able to start a side gig with this device so don’t even think about it! Enjoy!