Cricut Joy Xtra vs Explore 5: Small or Full Size? (October 2026)

On this page (8 sections)

1. Cricut Joy Xtra vs Explore 5: which difference matters most?
2. Which Cricut fits the projects you make?
3. Which bundle is more useful out of the box?
4. How should you set up your Cricut for the first project?
5. What common Cricut buying and project mistakes should you avoid?
6. Who should buy Joy Xtra, and who should skip it?
7. Who should buy Explore 5, and who should skip it?
8. Which Cricut should you choose?

Cricut Joy Xtra vs Explore 5 comes down to workspace and project width: pick Joy Xtra for compact crafting, or Explore 5 for 12 in cutting performance. Both connect to Design Space and can support full-color projects made with an inkjet printer.

Joy Xtra suits cards, stickers and decals in a smaller craft area. Explore 5 is the stronger fit if you make wider designs, apparel projects or several copies of a design.

Cricut Joy Xtra vs Explore 5: which difference matters most?

Explore 5 offers 12 in cutting performance, while Joy Xtra is described as a compact machine. Let the widest project you make regularly guide your choice, then check whether the extra material options and bundle supplies matter to you.

Explore 5 works with 100+ materials, including vinyl, iron-on, cardstock and printable materials. Joy Xtra works with 50+ materials, including vinyl, iron-on HTV, cardstock and sticker materials.

Both can cut, write, draw and foil, and both support full-color projects with an inkjet printer. Joy Xtra is compatible with most inkjet printers.

Which Cricut fits the projects you make?

Choose Explore 5 for wider designs and repeat projects; choose Joy Xtra if your work is mostly small crafts and you have limited room. Consider the size of the finished design, not only the machine’s footprint.

Explore 5 is built for projects such as custom decals, personalized apparel, full-color stickers and cards. It also supports making designs in multiples, which helps if you prepare several matching items for an event, team or shop order.

Joy Xtra handles cards, stickers, T-shirts and vinyl decals. Its compact format is a practical match for a shared table or a craft area that needs to be cleared between projects.

If your routine is even smaller, Cricut Joy 2 has a 4.5 in cutting width and works with 75+ materials. Read our Cricut Joy 2 review if most of your projects are quick cards, labels and simple decals.

What to know about materials and tools for Cricut Joy Xtra vs Explore 5

Explore 5 has the wider material range, while Joy Xtra covers common materials for cards, stickers and decals. Match the machine to the materials you actually plan to use, including any specialty material you want to try.

Explore 5 works with 100+ materials and supports 6 tools. Its Deep Cutting Tool, sold separately, is designed for thicker materials such as foam and rubber.

Joy Xtra works with 50+ materials and includes a fine-point blade, fine-point pen and mini weeder. If you are unsure which blade a project needs, our Cricut blade types guide explains the common options.

Is Joy Xtra or Explore 5 better for a small craft space?

Joy Xtra is the more natural choice when compact storage is a priority. Set aside enough space to load materials, unload finished cuts and keep small tools within reach.

Cricut describes Joy Xtra as a machine that fits in small spaces. Explore 5 is 30% more compact than previous Explore models, according to Cricut, while retaining its 12 in cutting performance.

Measure your work surface before choosing. Leave room for the material to move through the machine and for a laptop, tablet or phone you use with Design Space.

Which bundle is more useful out of the box?

Explore 5 Essential includes an assortment of materials for up to 65 projects; Joy Xtra includes basic tools, practice materials and 30 bonus images. Choose based on the supplies you will use, rather than the size of the bundle alone.

Explore 5 Essential includes Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets and Printable Vinyl. It also includes 25 additional premium-quality images and 1 font.

Joy Xtra includes a fine-point blade, fine-point pen, mini weeder, practice materials, USB cable and power adapter. Its bundle also includes a free trial of Cricut Access for new subscribers and 30 bonus images in Design Space.

If you already own craft tools or have a favorite material, make a short list of what you still need. A bundle is useful when its contents match your next projects, not simply because it includes more items.

How do Cricut Joy Xtra and Explore 5 make full-color stickers?

Both machines can cut around designs printed with a home inkjet printer. This Print-Then-Cut workflow lets you add printed color to stickers, decals and other projects before cutting.

With Joy Xtra, Cricut specifies compatibility with most inkjet printers. Explore 5 also supports inkjet-printed images and can recognize and cut around them.

Before making a large batch, try one small design. Confirm the print layout, material placement and cut result before using the rest of your printable material.

How should you set up your Cricut for the first project?

Start by setting up Design Space on a compatible device and preparing one simple project. A small first cut helps you learn the workflow and check that your material, printer and machine are ready.

Explore 5 connects to Design Space through Bluetooth on a compatible computer or mobile device and requires high-speed internet. Joy Xtra also works with Design Space, which connects Cricut cutting machines to the app.

For a first project, choose a familiar material such as cardstock or vinyl, follow the app’s on-screen steps and keep the design simple. Use the included practice materials with Joy Xtra before moving to a special sheet or a multi-piece design.

With Print-Then-Cut, print the design first and then follow the app’s prompts to send it to the machine. Keep the printed sheet positioned as directed, and avoid changing its placement between the print and cut steps.

What common Cricut buying and project mistakes should you avoid?

The most common mismatch is choosing a machine before checking the width of your regular projects. A compact format can be limiting if you often make wide designs, while a larger cutting capability may go unused if your work stays small.

Avoid assuming that the listed number of compatible materials means every material suits every project. Check that the specific material and tool combination works for the cut you have in mind, especially when you plan to use thicker stock or a specialty tool.

Another common mistake is counting on every tool being in the box. Explore 5 supports six tools, but the Deep Cutting Tool is sold separately, so include that in your plan if you want to work with thicker materials.

For smoother cuts, keep the material flat and secure, use the correct material setting in Design Space and remove small scraps before they collect around the cutting area. Store blades and pens so their tips stay protected between projects.

Our guide to Cricut mat sizes can help you match a mat to your machine and material. If your projects may involve thicker stock, see how thick a Cricut can cut before choosing a material.

Who should buy Joy Xtra, and who should skip it?

Buy Joy Xtra if you want a compact machine for small to medium craft projects and its material range suits your plans. It is an easy choice for cards, sticker designs and decals when you do not need Explore 5’s 12 in cutting performance.

Skip Joy Xtra if you regularly need wider cuts or expect to work with materials that fall outside its 50+ compatibility range. Explore 5 is a better match when you need more room for designs, want to make multiples or value the broader material range.

Joy Xtra’s included pen, weeder and practice materials make it useful for someone starting with basic paper and vinyl projects. If you already have a tool collection, look closely at which accessories you would actually use.

Who should buy Explore 5, and who should skip it?

Buy Explore 5 if your regular projects benefit from 12 in cutting performance, a wider material selection or making multiples. Its Essential Bundle is also a fit when the included vinyl, iron-on, cardstock and printable materials line up with your plans.

Skip Explore 5 if you mainly make small cards, labels and simple decals and do not need its wider performance. In that case, Joy Xtra or Joy 2 may be easier to store and better aligned with your everyday projects.

Some tools are sold separately, including the Deep Cutting Tool. If thicker materials are central to your craft, count the extra tool as part of your setup rather than assuming it comes with the machine.

Which Cricut should you choose?

Choose Explore 5 for 12 in cutting performance, 100+ compatible materials and projects made in multiples; choose Joy Xtra for compact crafting and common card, sticker and decal projects. Choose Joy 2 if your work is mostly small labels, quick cards and simple decals.

The clearest decision rule is to measure your widest regular design and compare it with the space you have for setup and storage. Then check which bundle supplies and tools will help you start making the projects you already have in mind.

For a broader comparison beyond these Cricut models, use our electronic die cutting machine guide or our craft cutting machine guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Cricut Joy Xtra or Explore 5 better?

Explore 5 suits wider projects because it offers 12 in cutting performance and works with 100+ materials. Joy Xtra is a better fit when a compact machine matters more and your work centers on cards, stickers or decals.

Start with the widest project you expect to make often.

Can Cricut Joy Xtra make full-color stickers?

Yes. Joy Xtra supports Print-Then-Cut with most inkjet printers.

You can print a design and use the machine to cut around it.

Explore 5 also supports full-color projects made with a home inkjet printer.

Check that your printer and device work with your planned setup.

What is the main difference between Cricut Joy Xtra and Explore 5?

Explore 5 offers 12 in cutting performance and works with 100+ materials. Joy Xtra is a compact machine with compatibility for 50+ materials.

Both connect with Design Space and support projects such as stickers, cards and decals.

Should I get Cricut Joy 2 instead?

Choose Joy 2 if you mostly make smaller cards, labels and simple decals and want a 4.5 in cutting width. It works with 75+ materials and supports full-color stickers with an inkjet printer.

For wider projects, compare Joy Xtra and Explore 5 instead.