Cricut Explore Cricut Joy

A New Era of Creativity: Meet Cricut Joy™ 2 and Cricut Explore® 5 

26 February 2026
Cricut

At Cricut, our mission has always been to help you bring your creative ideas to life. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your making journey, our aim is always to make personalization easier. 

Today, we are thrilled to pull back the curtain on the next generation of making: say hello to the all-new Cricut Joy™ 2 and Cricut Explore® 5. 

These aren’t just new machines– they represent a completely reimagined experience. At the heart of this launch is a smarter, simpler Design Space® experience, specifically built to guide you from inspiration to a finished masterpiece with total confidence. 

We’ve listened to your feedback and designed these tools to be more compact, more intuitive, and more powerful than ever before. Combined with all making essentials in “everything-you-need” bundles, we’re making it easier than ever to jump in and start creating. 

Cricut Joy™ 2: Big Creativity, Small Footprint 

The original Cricut Joy changed the game for quick, everyday projects. Now, Cricut Joy™ 2 takes that portability to the next level. It’s still the compact machine you love for labels, cards, and decals, but with a major upgrade: Print-then-Cut. 

For the first time on our smallest machine, you can create full-color stickers using your home printer and your Cricut Joy™ 2. Whether you’re labeling your pantry or personalizing your water bottle, the possibilities just got a lot more colorful. 

Why you’ll love it:  

  • Portability: Fitting in the palm of your hand, Cricut Joy™ 2 offers portability without compromise, enabling creativity in any space in your home. Move it from the kitchen to the craft room with ease. 
  • New Bundle Configurations: We want you to feel confident the moment you open the box. Our new bundles1 include the machine, popular materials, and essential tools, allowing you to make up to 150 projects* right out of the box.  
  • Vibrant Colors: Express your style with Blue, Coral, or the stunning Jade Green (available exclusively at Michaels). 

Cricut Explore® 5: More Compact and Made for Bigger Ideas 

You asked for a machine that fits your lifestyle, and we delivered. The Cricut Explore® 5 is the next evolution of our most popular full-sized machine, redesigned to be 30% more compact than previous generation machines. 

It’s the perfect fit for modern homes and smaller craft nooks, but don’t let the smaller footprint fool you– it still packs a punch. It supports six different tools2, making it your go-to for everything from decals, custom apparel, stickers, and cards to specialty projects like magnets and rubber stamps. 

What’s new:  

  • Streamlined Experience: We’ve improved the writing and drawing features with snap-in pen loading and a simplified interface. 
  • Versatility: Cut 100+ materials3 with precision. 
  • All-in-One Bundles: We’re making it easier to go big! Our new bundle options include the materials and tools you need to grow your skills, helping you create up to 270 projects* right out of the box. 
  • Modern Colors: Available in a chic Taupe and a vibrant Teal (exclusive to Michaels). 

A Smarter, Simpler Design Space® 

A machine is only as good as the software behind it. Along with these new machines, we are introducing a significantly enhanced Design Space® experience, thoughtfully improved to take the guesswork out of making. 

  • Guided Flows: Not sure what you need for a project? Our new guided flows walk you through the process step-by-step, showing you exactly which tools and materials are required before you hit “Make It.” 
  • Live Project Preview: See your design at scale on real-world items like mugs or notebooks before you cut. No more manual measuring or “oops” moments. 
  • Create AI4 (Subscriber Exclusive): Have a wild idea? Just type it in. Our new AI tool generates custom, cut-ready designs from your text prompts in seconds. Want a “dinosaur with a unicorn horn riding a skateboard”? Now you can make it a reality instantly. 

When Can You Get Yours? 

The next generation of Cricut is almost here! Cricut Joy™ 2 and Cricut Explore® 5 will be available beginning February 27, 2026 at Cricut.com and Michaels. Starting March 13, 2026, you will find both of these new machines available wherever Cricut is sold in North America. 

  • Cricut Joy™ 2: Starting at $99 USD 
  • Cricut Explore 5: Starting at $199 USD 

We can’t wait to see what you create with our newest innovations. Visit Cricut.com to find the perfect machine and bundle match for your lifestyle! 

1 Product contents and colors vary by bundle; not available in all regions or all retailers2 Additional/Specialty tools & accessories sold separately. For compatible tools, see cricut.com/blades3 For compatible materials see cricut.com/materials4 Certain software features like Create AI require paid subscription. Cricut Access™ is a paid subscription that automatically renews until cancelled. See cricut.com for all terms and details.* Number of projects based on 4 in x 6 in (10.2 cm x 15.2 cm) average project size using included materials

Cricut Explore® 5 Disclaimer: Tools shown may differ in box. All machines include pre-installed cutting blade—either with metal housing or new Cutting Tool.

All Machines: Limited Warranty. See cricut.com/warranty, or write to manufacturer or authorized region representative at applicable address, for full terms and conditions. Neither Cricut Explore 5 nor Cricut Joy 2 are intended for use by children 12 years and younger.

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