New Cricut Explore 3 vs Explore Air 2 Comparison and Review

Table of Contents

• Introducing the Cricut Explore 3 Cutting Machine
• Physical Differences Between the Explore 3 and Explore Air 2
• New Cutting Features in the Cricut Explore 3
• Speed Test: Explore 3 vs Explore Air 2 Cut Comparison
• Smart Materials and Roll Holder for Long Cuts
• More Resources to Learn About the Cricut Explore 3

Introducing the Cricut Explore 3 Cutting Machine

The Cricut Explore is a computer guided cutting machine that can cut a wide range of materials such as vinyl, paper, iron-on and intricate designs quickly and precisely. A Cricut Explore cutting machine makes it really easy to make tons of cool projects quickly and make them look good.

The Cricut Explore can also use extra tools to write, draw, score and foil. The original Cricut Explore Air 2 is nearly four and a half years old but still extremely reliable and used daily.

What is a Cricut Explore?

Cricut just announced the new Cricut Explore 3 cutting machine. For those new to Cricut trying to decide which one to get, the Cricut Explore is a computer guided cutting machine that can cut various materials into intricate designs quickly and precisely.

Unpacking: What's Included with Each Machine

The Cricut Explore Air 2 comes with the machine itself, power cable, USB cable, premium 5-point blade and housing, accessory adapter, a machine mat, Cricut pen, and two small test material pieces. The Cricut Explore 3 comes with the machine itself, power cable, USB cable, premium fine point blade and housing, accessory adapter, a 13-inch wide test material piece, and a bonus material pack including smart vinyl, smart iron-on, smart paper, and transfer tape. These full-sized materials allow you to make something right out of the box.

Physical Differences Between the Explore 3 and Explore Air 2

The Explore 3 has a solid color, matte-textured top to resist fingerprints and dirt. The buttons are also more clearly labeled, and there are now two accessory cups instead of one. The dial for setting material type has been removed since 'custom' was the best setting.

The Explore 3 lid now has a built-in tray to hold a phone or tablet while working. The front guide rails help align smart materials and machine mats perfectly straight.

New Cutting Features in the Cricut Explore 3

The Explore 3 introduces 3 major new cutting capabilities:

• Cuts up to 2x faster than the Explore Air 2

• Can cut Smart Materials up to 12 feet long without a mat

• Compatible with the Roll Holder to manage long material rolls and automatically trim

Speed Test: Explore 3 vs Explore Air 2 Cut Comparison

In a test cutting the same intricate design at the same time, the Explore 3 finished much faster than the Air 2. Part of this speed comes from a faster maximum cut speed of 8 inches/second (vs. 4 in/sec for the Air 2) and a faster 100 IPS acceleration with Smart Materials.

When cutting on mats, the Explore 3 still finished noticeably faster than the Air 2, taking 30 seconds less on a simple project. For longer, intricate cuts the time savings with the Explore 3 will be even more significant.

Smart Materials and Roll Holder for Long Cuts

The Explore 3 introduces Smart Materials that can be cut without a mat for speeds over 100 IPS. Smart vinyl, iron-on, paper, and cardstock are available.

By cutting Smart Materials up to 12 feet long, the Explore 3 makes projects like large wall decals much easier without piecing. An optional Roll Holder neatly holds these long smart material rolls and automatically trims off pieces.

More Resources to Learn About the Cricut Explore 3

To learn more about the capabilities of the Cricut Explore 3 and see more comparative tests, visit the informational page at jennifermaker.com/cricut-explore-3-maker-3. It includes tutorials on setting up the machine and doing projects.

Post any other questions about the Explore 3 below this article and they will be answered. Consider joining the Cricut Crafter's Facebook group as well.

FAQ

Q: Is the Cricut Explore 3 faster than the Explore Air 2?
A: Yes, the Explore 3 cuts up to 2 times faster than the Explore Air 2.

Q: Can the Explore 3 cut longer materials than the Explore Air 2?
A: Yes, the Explore 3 can cut materials up to 12 feet long compared to just under 2 feet on the Explore Air 2.

Q: What smart materials work with the Cricut Explore 3?
A: The Explore 3 works with Cricut's smart vinyl, smart iron-on, and smart paper in various colors and finishes.