Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Explore 3: Which Machine is Best For a DIY Wedding?

In this article, we are going to put two powerful crafting machines toe-to-toe: Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Explore 3. If you're reading this post you've probably already considered purchasing the Cricut Explore for your wedding DIY projects but are curious which machine is the best fit. These hard-working devices are a revolution in craft work if you've never used one before. They can cut many materials, including card stock, sticker paper, vinyl, etc.

This article includes some affiliate links for your convenience. This means that if you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no added cost to you. For more information check out my privacy policy and disclosure.

Whether you are creating custom signs for your wedding stations or cutting card stock for the perfect wedding favors, no doubt you're looking for the ideal craft machine to make it easy.

This leads to the ultimate question:

Is the Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Explore 3 the Best Machine For You?

We're not surprised if you already have a Cricut Explore Air 2. These little beauties have been out since 2016. Or you might be only now discovering the extraordinary DIY potential of a Cricut machine and debating between buying the older model or the latest 2021 release of the Cricut Explore 3. While the Explore Air 2 is undoubtedly more affordable, what are the fundamental differences, and - if you chose the older model, are you missing out on awesome new features?

Don't worry - we're taking an in-depth into the differences between the Cricut Explore Air 2 vs. the Cricut Explore 3.

Prettier On Your Craft Table with a Sleek New Look

Like the latest year of a favorite car's make and model, the Cricut Explore 3 is a little prettier than the older Cricut Explore Air 2. The Explore 3 is all one color instead of a two-toned look and tends to appear in gentle mint green. Smaller than your average personal printer, both Cricut machines will sit neatly on your craft table and are easily portable to make room for the material sheets you run through. Whether you prefer the classic or the new model look is up to you.

Can the Cricut Explore 3 Cut More Materials Than the Explore Air 2?

In short, no. Both models of machines can cut more than 100 different materials including vinyl, cardstock, bonded fabric, and even glitter paper. What sets the two machines apart in terms of materials is the Explore 3's capabilities around Smart Materials.

Handling Smart Materials for Faster, Longer Cuts

The Cricut Explore 3 also introduces Cricut's latest innovation: Smart Materials. These materials have their own backing and load directly into the machine without the cutting mat. Because you don't need the cutting mat, the Explore 3 can cut longer projects - up to 12 feet. Using Smart Materials, the Explore 3 can cut up to 2 times faster than the Explore Air 2 using fast mode.

You can cut long vinyl letters to create a welcome wedding sign or cut extensive projects in one single go. The Explore 3 even has a material length detection feature to let you know if you'll need more material to finish the set job.

Comparing Cost of Cricut Explore Air 2 vs. Cricut Explore 3

Right now, a new Cricut Explore Air 2 costs about $200, or up to $270 for a machine with a complete starter kit of materials. That's a pretty modest investment when you consider how much time and hand stamina you will save on precision cutting - and how many more cool handcrafted wedding items you can make with just a little bit of computer design work.

The Cricut Explore 3, still hot on the shelves, is closer to $320, or $420, with an everything-pack of colorful Smart vinyl, cardstock, and attachment parts. So it's a little pricier, but the new bells & whistles might be more than worth the cost for your DIY wedding project plans.

Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Explore 3; Which is Best for Your DIY Wedding?

When comparing the two handy crafting machines, the Cricut Explore 3 clearly has some design advantages over the previous Cricut Explore Air 2. However, both are still enormously time-saving workhorses for a DIY bride. Smart Materials are amazingly convenient to work with, and the faster-cutting speeds can help you save time on your wedding projects. Still, both are equally capable of helping you complete any quick precision cutting task you need for card stock, sticker paper, and all manner of vinyl materials for your DIY wedding.

Cricut Explore Machines: Side-By-Side Comparison

	Cricut Explore Air 2	Cricut Explore 3
Compatible Materials	100+ Materials	100+ Materials
Compatible Tools	Fine-Point Blade Scoring Stylus Foil Transfer Tool Pens & Markers Deep-Point Blade Bonded-Fabric Tool	Fine-Point Blade Scoring Stylus Foil Transfer Tool Pens & Markers Deep-Point Blade Bonded-Fabric Tool
Cutting Length	Up to 24 inches	Up to 12 feet*
Cutting Speed	Standard	Up to 2X Faster
Cutting Mat Required	Yes	No*
Cost	$199 - $249	$319

Wedding Project Ideas Using a Cricut Explore

Whichever model you choose, be sure to check out our library of Cricut Explore DIY wedding projects: