Cricut Explore Air 2 - A DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts, Create Customized Cards, Home Decor & More, Bluetooth Connectivity, Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows & Mac, Rose

So, I debated buying one of these for months, and when it was on sale, I bit the bullet. I'm getting married this year and I am going all-in on DIYing this thing, so that was one of my main reasons for buying (though I plan on also using the cricut long after the fact to make cards and other personalized things).Before I go to far I want to touch on those top reviews that claim all the "hidden features" and "subscription required"...There is a 100% OPTIONAL $10/month subscription to "Cricut Access" which gives you lots of pre-made projects, fonts, SVGs, etc. Note: OPTIONAL. When you buy your Cricut they give you a trial, but I haven't even used mine yet. I don't need it. This is meant to be a creative hobby. I'd rather create my own projects than pay to use one that someone else made. At that point why not just go on Etsy and buy it rather than this printer? Honestly, I feel the subscription is for people who are not very computer/internet savvy and don't know how to google/download free fonts and vector graphics to save onto their computer. That's basically all you need. Now, I also am self-taught photoshop, so I use that a lot over their Cricut software, at least for text-based work. However, there is no prior knowledge of any other computer software required in order to make wonderful, unique Cricut projects.There are also negative reviews about how their software was entirely web-based. Well, that's changing in 2020. They've revamped their Design Space tool, and made it available to be used offline and desktop based.So, now down to the actual using of the printer! It's super simple to set up, but there is a slight learning curve. For example: super scripty fonts may look great on the computer, but when it comes to cutting it out on paper when there's a sticky mat, it makes for a hell of a time getting that paper off the mat. My advice would be to get some basic cardstock and cheap vinyl to practice on, so you don't go wasting your best materials off the bat. I mean, all crafting has a learning curve, right? Don't expect to be a Cricut Pro overnight. Watch youtube videos, read blogs for tips, see what other people are making to help inspire you and get an idea of what will work and what might not work so well.Also, get some tools to help pry the paper off the mat. The tool I use is basically a dental scraper, and it works wonderfully. Gets the paper off without tearing. I don't recommend trying to peel it all by hand, unless it's a thick piece of paper and a big project without intricate holes.Bottom line: I highly recommend this printer if you enjoy any type of paper crafts, typography, vinyl work, or are DIYing a lot for your wedding like I am. I'm using this thing to make personalized Wine Tumblers, Hangers, Photobooth Props, and other random decor. There's so much you can do with this one machine.Remember: creativity is required! The Cricut Access subscription is not!

I have waited a long time for a Cricut machine and this was definitely worth the wait. First, the color of the machine is beautiful. I love pink colors and this is a beautiful soft pink color. Secondly, I immediately signed up for the Cricut Design App. There are so many designs... some free, some not but so easy to navigate through. In addition to the app, YouTube has a ton of tutorials. The machine is quiet and works beautifully. I’m still learning my way around the machine as there are so many things you can create and do with it. Cricut is an outstanding product and would definitely recommend it to amateurs and experts alike.

The machines have a margin of error of 1/8" and despite having a white outline around a lot of my stickers that was an 1/8" my machine still cut so offset that it was cutting into the colored part of my stickers. I managed to fix the issue after several hours on the phone with support, but the machine still cuts offset though not as bad and its bearable. Had I known it did that I wouldn't have purchased it. Nor would I have purchased the Cricut had I know how restrictive it is and how it is incredibly wasteful due to print and cuts being restricted to 6x9", wasting sooo much paper. There are work around, but the silhouette doesn't have that issue.

So much fun to create different projects! This machine allows you to make amazing things. It takes awhile to understand how to use it. I recommend watching You Tube videos and getting a Cricut “how to” manual. Be prepared to buy other materials like vinyl adhesive, transfer tape, weeding tools, and mats. I am in love with the pink color I got! Once you get the hang of how to use it you will never regret your purchase!

Before purchasing I read a lot of reviews and watched a lot of videos, therefore it was easy for me to learn! I’ve used it several times and it’s worked perfectly everytime. I have the rose and it’s a pretty pastel pink that I LOVE. I will say the first machine I got was blue (I ordered pink) but amazon made the exchange SO easy. It’s really helped me get back in touch with my crafty side and get through this quarantine!

I love mine. I have only used it once because my family ordered this but forgot to order the foil. When I got the foil I could not cut anything. I thought this was user error. I took a Certified Cricut class and they could not get my cricut to cut. The instructor took my blade out and put hers in. That was the problem. I have not used it since because I cannot remember what blade to get. Now I can't leave the house because of COVID so I cannot use at the moment.

I bought two as Christmas gifts for my daughters. They are very pleased with their Cricuts. There is a learning curve which is understandable given the versatility of what can be done and different materials. Both daughters use laptops with the larger screens. Does not work with Chromebooks.

The media could not be loaded.  The color is a bit darker than the photos but it is beautiful. I really like the design. It is a bit loud but it didn’t disturb me. Installation is very easy. If you have your own design you can use the software free. However if you want to use cricut’s designs that requires subscription.

TL;DR - if you bought any Cricut machine recently, return it ASAP. Its functionality is already underwhelming, and now we're being forced into subscription services just for the freedom to upload more than 20 of our own images and proprietary designs per month.I had bought this in October 2020 as an investment for my sticker and art print shop. To be clear for context, the only purpose I have for purchasing a cutting machine was to upload my illustrations and use the "Print and Cut" feature. Soon after, I quickly realized that the cut alignment was very inconsistent and Cricut's Design Space software was glitchy, but I was willing to put up with it as it was past my return window and I had more good cuts than bad on most days. It was simply doing its bare minimum job and so far I was OK with it as I do not have the means to look into competitor products at this time. I would have given it 3 stars except...On March 12, 2021, Cricut released the news that for those of us who use the free version of Design Space, we will soon be limited to 20 image uploads per month. The only way to upload unlimited images is to pay the Access subscription fee. This is just BAD NEWS all around.1. It's normal to upload and re-upload images multiple times due to Design Space issues screwing up your image quality. Their FAQ's about this states that even if you delete uploads, it counts against your 20 per month. You also can't carry over any unused uploads to the next month.2. This is a consumer hostage situation. We'd have to pay extra to get the same service we currently have, and who knows how much they'll increase subscription prices for all tiers in the future?3. The cutting capabilities are not even close to good enough to justify this cost - ESPECIALLY if you mostly use print and cut, since you're limited to a workspace of 6.75 x 9.25 inches. Even if perfect cuts could be guaranteed, I'd still find this to be a particularly scummy corporate move.4. Some people will be looking to sell their machines due to this news. According to members in the crafter community, Cricut chat support has also been stating that they will deactivate your device if you try to sell it second-hand. This is pure bs.Note that I'm writing this review on March 14, 2021. The product listing description here still says "DESIGN FOR FREE: Upload or create and design your own images for free from your computer, tablet or mobile phone using Cricut's free design software design space. Enhance your design space experience by subscribing to Cricut Access, Cricut's vast library of over 100,000 images, fonts, and make it now projects and designs". In February 2021, Cricut filed for a $100M IPO on NASDAQ. Don't be fooled, folks - this is just a pre-IPO cash grab. It's like buying a coffee machine that works half the time and years later, the manufacturer tells you that your machine will simply turn off after the 20th coffee you make every month unless you pay 10USD/monthly to allow you to use your own fully paid machine... Cricut executives, tell me how you're going to bait and switch by touting how much you value "designing for free" and then suddenly pivoting from hardware to SaaS?Oh and for those who want to defend this decision by saying "just make more sales" to cover the extra cost, shut the front door. There are plenty of customers who just want to make some dang crafts without needing to sell them to keep up the cost of their hobby.

Just getting to know the machine so far so good

Very quick delivery, great condition and lovely pink colour, fab item