Comments on: New Cricut Machines 2026 | All About the Joy 2 & Explore 5

By: Susan Perry

Susan Perry — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:42:18 +0000

Kelsey, I completely agree with you on your assessment of the new machines. I also did not like the new blade system, for the same reason..higher cost to replace. And I also did not like that the Explore 5 has no lid. It is not as nice looking with the open top, and I agree that it will attract dust. I have and Explore and a Maker, and they both work just fine for me. I am more unhappy about Design Space and how difficult they are making it for experienced Cricut users who know what they are doing. I appreciate you honest review.

By: GP

GP — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:11:43 +0000

Totally agree with your assessment here. Cash grab for cricut with blade housing and not being fully closed is huge issue. My air2 will no longer allow custom settings so I’m sure there will be massive updates and issues as machines come online. Huge silhouette fan now. I would consider the new joy2 only because of portability and quick use vs dragging out a larger machine. Especially for quick cards or print then cut stickers. I also noticed the new joy2 is super quiet compared to larger machines. So if I ever got another cricut it might be the joy2 for those reasons.

By: Liz J Gembala

Liz J Gembala — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:51:48 +0000

In reply to Kelsey. My Air2 still allows me to choose media when “custom” is engaged. But the interface to choose materials looks a little different. There’s just a little ^ icon in the top right of my computer screen which opens a drop down menu for materials. It’s tricky to find so I though same thing at first too.

By: Gita

Gita — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:38:07 +0000

Thank you for your review. It mirrors my thoughts. I have the Maker 3 and until it dies I won’t be upgrading. But it would like to see a bigger tool housing, switching from score/deboss to blade is my biggest slowdown in my work flow.

I don’t like the price tag of the new replacement parts.

Design space is a large pain, especially the pushing towards their images. I am a subscriber. But I buy a lot of svgs because search sucks, CAP artists designs can’t be sold. There is no way to filter them out – so I shop elsewhere.

Thanks for letting me rant.

By: Kelsey

Kelsey — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:27:49 +0000

In reply to Ellen Dodson.

I have this blog and video that might help! https://dinosaurmama.com/post/cricut-design-space-update-2026/

By: Kelsey

Kelsey — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:27:07 +0000

In reply to Gail. I agree completely. Also, someone left a comment saying their Air isn't allowing the CUSTOM on the dial anymore. They get a warning. I am wondering if they are attempting to brick these. Such a shame.

By: Gail

Gail — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:14:06 +0000

Great review! To me, the machines, never mind the new blade assembly, look almost “3d printed by someone’s kid.”
The new blade assembly is definitely a cash grab, as are the new pens. I am sure that sooner or later, someone will figure out how to 3d print the housing and a pen adapter, but until then, $15 is too high a price for a blade. And, I am assuming, you would need several different blades to be able to cut a range of materials.
They should have put the time and effort into fix the buggy software! No software on the planet should require updates every 36-72 hours! (At least that’s what it seems to me.)
I’ll be sticking to my Air 2. When it no longer works, I will replace with another Explore, unless I can find a really good deal on a first or second generation Maker.

By: Ellen Dodson

Ellen Dodson — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:30:56 +0000

To be honest. . . . I have a Maker 3 and it works great! I’m not a heavy user, but when I do sit down to make something, it most always turns out great. Last year, because of an illness, I did not touch my Cricut for the whole year, and now find the upgrades have set me back to being a beginner! I’m wanting to work again now. I quickly need sources to help me catch up. Any ideas?