The Cricut Joy 2 is the latest addition to Cricut's lineup, offering improved capabilities in an ultra-compact, portable design. Perfect for beginners and hobbyists, this machine delivers professional results for small DIY projects.
What Is the Cricut Joy 2?
The Cricut Joy 2 is the new generation of the Cricut Joy lineup—an ultra-compact, portable machine for creating custom cards, decals, and labels. It combines features from previous models with new improvements.
Available in blue, coral, and jade green, this lightweight machine (just 0.91 kg) can cut over 75 materials for everyday projects.
Key Features & Capabilities
Print Then Cut
Use with inkjet printer to print and cut images precisely. Create full-colored stickers, decals, and labels.
Built-in Scoring
Scoring tool creates clean greeting cards, boxes, and paper projects with crisp lines.
Integrated Blade
Built-in cutting tool for better safety—no managing sharp blades during setup.
75+ Materials
Works with iron-on, cardstock, printable vinyl, and more. Capable of writing, drawing, scoring, and foiling.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Connects to Design Space on mobile devices and computers for seamless operation.
Matless Cutting
Supports long Smart Material cuts without the need for cutting mats.
What Can You Make?
Customized Labels
Create personalized labels for jars, containers, and organization.
Greeting Cards
Design personalized greeting or invitation cards with professional finishes.
Small Decals
Cut precise decals for laptops, water bottles, and other surfaces.
Full-Color Stickers
Use print-then-cut feature to create vibrant, full-color sticker designs.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
Extremely small and easy to store in small spaces or while traveling
Print-then-cut feature for printing designs with home
printer
Simple setup and use for beginners
Capable of cutting longer, matless projects
Faster, more efficient cutting for quick projects
Cons
Limited size (4.5" x 12") may not suit longer projects like T-shirt graphics or bulk production
Requires replacing entire blade housing rather than just blade (more expensive)
Can only cut lighter materials—cannot cut tougher materials like leather or balsa wood
Who Should Buy Cricut Joy
2?
Beginners
Perfect for those intimidated by setting up larger cutting machines.
Small Space Users
Ideal for ultra-compact cutting that fits into drawers, apartments, or small craft rooms.
Quick Project Makers
Create vinyl decals, custom cards, and kitchen labels efficiently.
Traveling Crafters
Hobbyists who enjoy crafting on trips with portable equipment.
Who Should Not Buy Cricut Joy 2?
Serious Crafters & Small Business Owners
Need larger machines for creating large T-shirts and projects requiring cutting width over 4.5 inches.
Heavy Material Cutters
Those who want to cut heavier materials such as wood and thick fabrics need more powerful machines.
Bulk Production Needs
If you need high-output crafting and bulk production, consider larger Cricut models.
FAQs
Is Cricut Joy 2 good for beginners?
Yes, it's excellent for beginner crafters who want to create small DIY projects using vinyl for hobby or personal use.
Can Cricut Joy 2 cut fabric or thick materials?
No, Cricut Joy 2 isn't ideal for cutting fabric or thick materials. It can only be used for lighter materials, including vinyl, paper, cardstock, and Smart Materials.
Is Cricut Joy 2 good for a small business?
Yes, it's a cost-effective machine for small businesses to create custom labels, greeting cards, decals, and stickers.
Final Verdict
The Cricut Joy 2 is a compact and versatile cutting machine for crafters with limited space who want to create high-quality projects using its print-then-cut feature.
It's a great machine if it aligns with your needs—particularly for beginners, hobbyists, and small business owners creating customized labels, cards, and stickers.
Learn more: cricut joy machine reviews
Ready to Craft?
The Cricut Joy 2 offers an accessible entry point into the world of digital crafting. With its portability, ease of use, and printthen-cut capabilities, it's perfect for bringing your creative ideas to life—one small project at a time.