The Cricut Joy 2 Is Here — And It’s a Big Deal in a Tiny Package
Cricut just changed the game for compact crafting. Released in early 2026, the Joy 2 isn’t a minor update — it’s the mini machine we’ve always wanted, finally delivering features that used to be reserved for full-sized cutters.
Whether you’re a beginner just getting started or a seasoned crafter looking for the perfect on-the-go companion, here’s why the Joy 2 deserves your attention.
Three Features That Actually Matter
Print Then Cut — The Joy line finally gets full-color stickers. Print your designs at home, load them in, and the built-in sensor cuts them out perfectly. This alone is a game-changer.
Scoring — Cards, gift boxes, 3D paper crafts — the Joy 2 now handles them all with a dedicated scoring tool. No more switching to a bigger machine for clean folds.
Faster and lighter — At just 2.7 lbs (30% lighter than the original) and a cutting speed of 5.3 inches per second, it’s genuinely built for portability.
Quick Specs
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Max Cut Width | 4.5 inches |
| Max Cut Length | Up to 4 ft (or 20 ft repeated shapes) |
| Weight | 1.2 kg / 2.7 lbs |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy |
| Materials | 75+ (vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and more) |
| Colors | Blue, Coral, Jade Green (Michaels exclusive) |
Who Is It For?
- Small-space crafters — it fits in a kitchen drawer, a cubby, or a tote bag without a second thought.
- Sticker makers — with Print Then Cut on board, this might genuinely be the best dedicated sticker machine out there.
- On-the-go creators — light enough to bring to a friend’s place, a crafting event, or a last-minute DIY session.
Already have the Joy Xtra? You can probably sit this one out — the feature overlap is significant. But if you’re still on the original Joy, the jump to scoring and full-color printing makes this a worthwhile upgrade.
Bottom Line
The Joy 2 proves that small machines can do serious work. It’s smarter, faster, and finally closes the gap between the mini and full-sized Cricut lineup — all in a device that weighs less than a bag of flour.
Are you adding the Joy 2 to your setup, or staying loyal to a full-sized Maker? Drop your thoughts below.