Most modern laptops can work with Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker machines. However, compatibility does not always mean the best performance.
Cricuts are great tools for crafters because they offer a variety of features to cut out different shapes and patterns with expert precision. with a laptop that works well with the Cricut device and software, you have the tools you need for a professional finish Cricut devices and software, you have the tools you need to get the professional results you want.
Laptops come in a wide variety of products, and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. When it comes to the best laptop, what’s inside is important. They all have different specifications and features, so you can choose the best one for each function.
Best Laptop For Cricut Maker | Comparison Table 2022
Top Quality | 5 Star Pick | Great Prices
Image | Title | Buy | |
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Dell XPS 15 9510 (Latest Model) 15.6" Core I7-11800H(8-Core) 512GB PCIe SSD 16GB RAM FHD+ (1920x1200) 500 Nit Non Touch NVidia RTX 3050 4GB Windows 10 Professional | Dell | Check Price | |
ASUS VivoBook S14 S433 Thin and Light Laptop, 14” FHD, Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Thunderbolt 3, Wi-Fi 6, AI noise-cancellation, Windows 10 Home, Indie Black, S433EA-DH51 | ASUS | Check Price | |
Microsoft Surface Book 3 (SKR-00001) | 13.3in (3000 x 2000) Touch-Screen | Intel Core i5 Processor | 8GB RAM | 25GB SSD Storage | Windows 10 Pro | Microsoft | Check Price | |
ASUS ZenBook Duo 14 UX482 14” FHD NanoEdge Touch Display, Core i7-1195G7, GeForce MX450, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, ScreenPad Plus, Windows 11 Pro, WiFi 6E Celestial Blue, UX482EGR-XB74T | ASUS | Check Price | |
Apple MacBook Air MVFK2LLA, 13 Inches 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB - Silver (Renewed) | Apple | Check Price | |
2021 Apple MacBook Pro (14-inch, Apple M1 Pro chip with 10‑core CPU and 16‑core GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) - Silver | Apple | Check Price | |
2022 Newest Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, 15.6" Full HD IPS, AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Processor, 8 GB DDR4 RAM, 256 GB SSD, Intel WiFi 6, Backlit KB, Fingerprint Reader, Amazon Alexa, Windows 11 | Acer | Check Price | |
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 15.6" FHD Gaming Laptop 2022, 11th Gen Intel i5-11300H(up to 4.4GHz), 16GB RAM 1TB NVMe SSD, GeForce GTX 1650, USB-A&C RJ45, Windows 11 | Lenovo | Check Price | |
Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop, Intel i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU, 15.6" Full HD 144Hz 3ms IPS Display, 16GB DDR4, 512GB NVMe SSD, WiFi 6, RGB Keyboard, PH315-53-71HN | Acer | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Laptop For Cricut Maker | 2022 Products Overview
Error: Unknown Link TypeCheck Price2. ASUS VivoBook S14
- 14” Full HD NanoEdge bezel display with stunning 85% screen-to-body ratio
- Latest 11th generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 Quad Core Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.70 GHz, with IPU)
- Windows 10 Home
- 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD
- Metal chassis and 16mm z-height
- Ergonomic backlit keyboard with fingerprint sensor activated via Windows Hello
- Comprehensive connections including Thunderbolt 3 via USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Type-A (Gen 1), USB 2.0, HDMI, and Gig+ Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (USB Transfer speed may vary. Learn more at ASUS website)
- ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology employs machine learning to isolate unwanted noise from human speech, which ensures the best communications experience
3. Microsoft Surface Book 3
- Intel Core i5 1.20 GHz processor provides great performance, immersive multimedia and rapid loading of programs
- RAM: 8GB of RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- GPU: Integrated | Intel UHD Graphics G4
- Display: 13.3 Inch | Touchscreen | 3000 x 2000 | 60 Hz
- Operating System:Windows 10
- Display Resolution 3000 x 2000
- Display Refresh Rate 60 Hz
4. ASUS ZenBook Duo 14
- Complimentary 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription with the purchase. Learn more on ASUS website for more details
- ScreenPad Plus: 12.6 inch matte touchscreen, giving you endless way to optimize your multitasking experience by extending the screen or split windows and apps on both displays
- 14 inch Full HD 300 nits NanoEdge touchscreen glossy main display
- Latest 11th generation Intel Core i7-1195G7 Processor 3.0GHz (Up to 4.8GHz, 4 cores, 12M Cache) with Discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics
- Fast storage and memory featuring 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD with 16GB LPDDR4X RAM
- Windows 11 Pro and Built-in IR camera for facial recognition sign in with Windows Hello
- Exclusive ErgoLift design for improved typing position, optimized cooling system and enhanced audio performance
- Extensive connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax), HDMI, and Thunderbolt 4 via USB Type C (*USB Transfer speed may vary. Learn more at ASUS website)
- Sleeve, Stand, Stylus included
5. Apple MacBook Air
- Stunning 13.3-Inch Retina Display with True Tone
- Touch ID
- Dual-core 8th-Generation Intel Core i5 Processor
- Intel UHD Graphics 617
- Fast SSD Storage
- 8GB memory
- Stereo speakers with wider Stereo sound
- Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
6. Apple MacBook Pro
- Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max chip for a massive leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Up to 10-core CPU delivers up to 2x faster performance to fly through pro workflows quicker than ever
- Up to 32-core GPU with up to 4x faster performance for graphics-intensive apps and games
- 16-core Neural Engine for up to 5x faster machine learning performance
- Longer battery life, up to 21 hours
- Up to 64GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
- Up to 8TB of superfast SSD storage launches apps and opens files in an instant
- Stunning 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with extreme dynamic range and contrast ratio
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera with advanced image signal processor for sharper video calls
- Six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers
7. Acer Aspire 5
- 【Processor】AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Processor (Base Frequency at 2.10GHz, Up to 3.50GHz at Maximum Boost Clock, 4 Cores, 4MB Cache, 4 Threads)| Radeon Vega 6 Graphics
- 【Display】15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED backlit IPS Display, enjoy your photos, movies, and games with the crisp quality.
- 【RAM and Storage】RAM is upgraded to 8GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; Hard Drive is upgraded to 256 GB Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfe.
- 【Tech Specs】Windows 11 Home 64-bit, English | 1 - USB 3.1 (Type-C) Gen 1 port (up to 5 Gbps), 2 - USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port (one with Power-off Charging), 1 - USB 2.0 Port & 1 - HDMI Port with HDCP Support| HD Camera | Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax | Backlit Keyboard | Fingerprint Reader | Up to 8 Hours Battery Life | Amazon Alexa
- 【Included in the package】Bundled with Microfiber Cloth
8. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i
- 【11th Gen Intel i5-11300H】Intel Core i5-11300H Processor, 4-core, 3.10 GHz based, up to 4.40, 8M Cache
- 【15.6” FHD IPS Display】15.6 Full HD (1920x1080) IPS Anti-glare display. Nahimic Speaker System; 802.11ax Wifi, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet LAN (RJ-45). 720p HD Webcam. 120hz Refresh Rate
- 【NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650】Hit the sweet spot of ultimate GeForce gaming and impossibly sleek design with NVIDIA GTX graphics, designed to deliver the gaming performance you need in a thin, light form factor.
- 【Windows 11 home】With a fresh new feel and tools that make it easier to be efficient, it has what you need for whatever’s next.
- 【Upgraded to 16GB RAM & 1TB NVMe SSD】Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.
9. Acer Predator Helios 300
- 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core Processor (Up to 5.0GHz)
- Overclockable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM, NVIDIA DLSS, NVIDIA Dynamic Boost 2.0, NVIDIA GPU Boost
- 15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display (144Hz Refresh Rate, 3ms Overdrive Response Time & 300nit Brightness)
- 16GB DDR4 2933MHz Dual-Channel Memory 512GB NVMe SSD (2 x M.2 Slots 1 Slot Open for Easy Upgrades) 1 - Available Hard Drive Bay
- Killer Double Shot Pro: Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX 1650i and Killer Ethernet E2600 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
- 4-Zone RGB Backlit Keyboard DTS X: Ultra Audio 4th Gen All-Metal AeroBlade 3D Fan
- Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
- Refresh Rate1,3 :360HZ/165HZ
Things to Consider
This guide describes all the specifications and features of the best laptops that work with Cricut Explore and Maker.
1. operating system
The good news is that Cricut Maker is compatible with Windows and macOS. However, it is necessary to have a laptop with a higher operating system to support future software updates. I recently received Cricut Maker (early version) and have been working with it on my MacBook Pro and have had no problems running Cricut or Design Space machines.
You can easily run Cricut Maker on Windows 8, but we recommend running it on Windows 10 or 11 Home/Pro.
Important: The official Cricut software is not compatible with Windows Mode S, Chromebook, or Unix/Linux operating systems.
Tip: You can get a “Windows in S-Mode” laptop for much less than “regular” Windows 10. You can then “exit” S-Mode by following these simple steps
2. processor power and RAM
You do not need a powerful computer to work with Design Space. In fact, as mentioned above, a modern laptop computer can be used with little problem. However, you should also consider the other software you will be using.
According to Cricut’s official system requirements, your laptop should have at least 4 GB of RAM. Even inexpensive laptops have 4GB of RAM. However, Adobe Illustrator, for example, requires 8GB of RAM, and 16GB is recommended.
Also, not all laptops are upgradeable, so if this is important to you, you should check to see if you can add more RAM or replace it with a larger USB flash drive in the future.
If you are looking for a budget laptop and only plan to use the Cricut Design Space with one of Cricut’s cutting machines, you can opt for a budget processor such as Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3. You can get decent cutting and design performance on a budget.
However, if you plan to use other design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or Corel Draw, we recommend investing in a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor or higher.
However, this does not necessarily mean that you cannot run these programs on an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor. However, you may experience performance degradation or lag. That is why you want to choose a processor that provides reasonable performance and can handle future software updates.
3. storage
Storage requirements depend on the amount of data stored on your hard disk; since Design Space for Web is no longer supported, the Design Space Desktop edition stores designs locally on your computer. It also requires images to be stored directly on the device.
In addition, large files such as videos and images may need to be stored on the laptop to help during design. For this reason, we recommend 256GB or larger SSD storage. If you plan to work with a lot of large files or use your laptop to store a lot of videos and photos, consider purchasing a laptop with 512GB SSD storage.
However, if your budget is limited, opt for 128GB of SSD storage and get an external USB drive or external SSD storage for about $25 to $35.
Be sure to choose a laptop with an SSD instead of a hard drive. You will thank me later. The reason we recommend SSDs over hard disks is that they are power efficient and faster. In other words, having SSD storage in your laptop means that your devices will boot up faster and your laptop will be faster.
4. display and screen size
Make sure that the resolution of the laptop’s screen is sufficient to run Cricut Design Space and that it is large enough to easily fit all menus and windows on one screen. This will allow you to work more efficiently on larger projects and design developments.
Fortunately, most modern laptops have sufficient resolution to meet the minimum requirement of 1024 x 768 to run Design Space.
However, if you are doing particularly complex design work or using other design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator, we recommend a resolution of at least 1080p in Full HD.
Also, if you are working in the video industry, choosing a higher resolution such as 2K (or even 4K if your budget allows) will make a big difference.
This, of course, also depends on your budget, as laptops with 4K screens tend to be more expensive.
Screen size is a matter of personal preference, but anything smaller than 12 inches should be avoided as it will interfere with viewing.
If you don’t move around much, 15 to 17 inches is the ideal screen size.
You might also consider getting an external monitor or two. This is my setup and I really like it.
Most laptops support at least one monitor, but make sure you have the appropriate port. See the “Connectivity” section below for more information.
5. battery life
This is a very obvious one, but if you travel a lot or like to work in cafes, choose a laptop with 8-10 hours of battery life.
If you work mostly in places where you can plug in your laptop, 5 hours is acceptable.
Again, this depends on your lifestyle and preferences.
6. connectivity
Standard USB Type A ports are most important for Cricut connectivity. However, be sure to get the latest version 3.0+ for a reliable and fast connection.
Also, for data transfer on the go, the laptop should have at least Bluetooth 4.0.
In addition, a DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt 3, or USB Type-C port is required for connection to an external display.
For a more reliable Internet connection, make sure your laptop has an up-to-date Wi-Fi card.
All newer models are equipped with the latest Wi-Fi cards, such as Wi-Fi 5 or 6, which provide more stable range than older models.
8. portability (weight)
This is another obvious one, but I want to mention it to complete this guide. If you plan to use your laptop at home or in the office, the portability factor can be overlooked.
On the other hand, if you need to carry it from place to place or if you travel a lot, choose a lightweight laptop.
For portability, the laptop should weigh no more than 5 pounds. Anything heavier than that is not suitable for someone who is constantly on the move.
9. upgrades
You should be able to easily upgrade your laptop to the best laptop for Cricut Maker.
How to upgrade?
Due to rapid changes in technology, laptops may not perform as well after a few years. Here we are talking about RAM upgrades. Some modern laptops do not have upgradeable RAM or have very limited RAM. Please visit our website to learn more.
You can save time by upgrading your RAM before replacing your computer.
Other components
Here are the requirements and recommended hardware for the Cricut laptop discussed in this guide. Here are the standard features a laptop should have
Graphics card
Shared or dedicated, with a maximum of 2GB.
Hard disk
SSD should be at least 256GB, and higher is recommended.
Budget
For optimal cut and design results, you should budget $1000 for this laptop, but $700 is also an optimal budget.
Brand
Any brand that meets the above criteria is fine. It is not important that it be a well-known brand. If there is another brand that has a better combination of the best price, you can choose that one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mobile SoC should I use to run Cricut Design Space?
If you are a craftsman who relies on a Cricut machine to manage your professional workflow, it is important to invest in a laptop with at least a quad-core processor: H-series hexa-core chipsets are common, but 10th generation i5 or i7 processors, the We recommend purchasing a machine with a U-series if possible; U- and G-series processors are more energy efficient, and laptops with them are considerably more affordable. In addition, 10th generation mobile SoCs should be able to handle the next version of Design Space and its associated features.
What is the best RAM configuration for Cricut Design Space?
If you are a professional using Cricut Maker and using the Adobe software suite in addition to Cricut Design Space, you should aim for something in the 16GB range. If you are more of a hobbyist and just use Cricut Design Space with Cricut Joy and Cricut Explore Air 2, an 8GB computer is sufficient. That is, if you do not plan to use multiple applications at the same time. If you are doing complex designs or printing with Cricut Maker, look for a laptop with at least 12 GB to avoid system slowdowns.
What is the best software solution for professional Cricut users?
While Photoshop and Illustrator can be used to create three-dimensional designs such as mugs and leather rings, they are not as complex as those handled by the Cricut machine. Therefore, outside of your own design space, you need to invest in a software solution that is compatible with the Cricut, and the best software for the Cricut includes Make the Cut, which is known for creating outstanding cuts, Inkscape, Sure Cuts a Lot, and Silhouette Studio, a popular choice for vinyl design.
Does Cricut run on Linux?
According to Cricut’s official system requirements, Cricut’s Design Space software is not compatible with Unix/Linux computers.
Can Cricut Explore Air 2 be used with a laptop computer?
Yes, all Cricut machines and their official Design Space software are compatible with laptops running Windows 8 or higher and macOS 10.15 or higher.
Which laptops are compatible with Cricut Design Space?
Cricut Design Space can be used with almost any Windows or MacBook laptop. PCs must have a Pentium 4 or higher processor (i3, i5, etc.), 2GB of RAM, and a graphics card with at least 128MB of onboard memory; for Mac, almost any laptop manufactured in 2010 or later can be used.
Do I need a laptop to use a Cricut?
Do you need a computer to use a Cricut? No, a computer is not required to use Cricut Explore Air, Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Maker which is also compatible with Android and IOS devices. The Cricut Design Space app is available in the Apple App Store for IOS devices.
Can I use a Chromebook for Cricut?
Does Cricut Design Space work on a Chromebook computer? No. Cricut Design Space requires a Windows or Mac operating system when used on a desktop or laptop computer. Instead of Windows or Mac iOS, Chromebooks run Google’s Chrome operating system, which is not compatible with Cricut Design Space.
Is Cricut software free?
Do I have to pay to use the software or to upload my images? Cricut Design Space is free for all file types. … No subscription is required to crop your images.
What is the best software to use with Cricut?
The 4 best Cricut alternative software
- Of course it cuts a lot. This is the most popular option behind Cricut Design Space. …
- Make the cut. Another third-party software system that you can use to edit die cutting projects is Make the Cut or MTC. …
- Inkscape. …
- Silhouette study.
Is MacBook Air good for Cricut?
For those of you who are thinking about whether you can use the MacBook cutting machine for Cricut, the answer is yes because Cricut works so sublime with macOS. … MacBook Air is packed with sublime features and exceptional performance. Also, the storage space and graphics are good enough for any type of business.
Where is the best place to buy a Cricut maker?
If you want to have a new Cricut Maker or Explore Air 2 in your hands right away, your best bet to find one in stock is from Michael or JoAnn. They usually have a good supply, but if the store is far from where you live, I suggest you order online for in-store pickup.
Do you need a printer for a Cricut?
No. You will need a home printer to print. You Cricut will cut. The Cricut machine has the ability to draw.
Conclusion
The above models are the best laptops for the 2022 Cricut maker. If you are a student or someone who wants to work in the design/craft field, you may want to use the device.
Understand that your specific needs will play a major role in their choice. Therefore, if you want to buy one for manual work or projects, you must carefully decide not only the price but also the specifications.
According to Cricut enthusiasts, there are few laptops that rival the Acer Predator Helios 300, which has a great processor, memory, and storage space for this type of work. Designers can use the laptop effortlessly.
If you want to use the best laptop for your Cricut maker, you won’t have to do any research to find the perfect device. We have done that in this review and selected some of the best devices on the market just for you.
Choose one of the devices above and don’t be surprised by the results.
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