Choosing the right printer for Cricut Print and Cut tasks means balancing color printing, inkjet compatibility, and reliable print‑and‑cut workflows. The five picks below mix Cricut machines and standalone printers that handle printable media, stickers, and iron‑on transfers. Each entry explains what it does best and how it fits common Cricut projects—from vibrant decals to durable vinyl designs. A concise summary table follows to help you compare at a glance.
This guide highlights five top picks, with notes on print speed, materials, and setup for U.S. homes and hobbyists.
| Product | Brand | Category | Print‑Then‑Cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricut Joy Xtra | Cricut | Smart Cutting Machine | Yes |
| Cricut Explore 4 | Cricut | Smart Cutting Machine | Yes |
| Brother J1800DW | Brother | Inkjet Printer | Inkjet printing |
| Cricut Printable Vinyl | Cricut | Printable Vinyl | Yes via Printer |
| Cricut Printable Waterproof Sticker Set | Cricut | Sticker Paper | Yes via Printer |
Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine
The Joy Xtra emphasizes compact power for quick crafting. It handles 50+ materials, including vinyl, iron‑on, and cardstock, making it suitable for labels, decals, and small cards. It supports print‑then‑cut by pairing with a home inkjet printer for full‑color designs, and its Bluetooth connection enables wireless use with Design Space on a phone or computer. Its precise cutting accommodates intricate shapes, making it ideal for on‑the‑go projects or tight workspaces.
- 50+ materials supported
- Print‑Then‑Cut with inkjet printers
- Bluetooth wireless for mobile design space workflow
Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine
The Explore 4 brings expanded versatility with cutting, drawing, foiling, and scoring across 100+ materials. It supports print‑then‑cut for full‑color prints and stickers, and works with the Design Space app for easy access to images and projects. In addition to its cutting power, it offers reliable operation for everyday crafts, from custom stickers to personalized cards, while maintaining a straightforward setup for new users.
- Cuts, draws, foils, and scores
- 100+ materials supported
- Print‑Then‑Cut compatible with inkjet printers
Brother Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer (J1800DW)
Brother’s all‑in‑one color inkjet printer adds broad home‑office capability with wireless printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. It features a 150‑sheet tray and a 20‑page auto document feeder for productivity, plus auto paper cutting via Blade Sensor Technology for precise results on cut‑table tasks. While not a Cricut cutter, it complements Cricut print‑then‑cut projects by delivering vibrant color prints and stickers from inkjet media, expanding printable options for labels, decals, and crafts.
- 150‑sheet capacity tray
- Auto document feeder
- Wireless printing; Blade Sensor Technology for precise cuts
Cricut Printable Vinyl – 50 Count, US Letter Size
This 50‑sheet pack provides a convenient base for color decals and stickers. The US letter size (8.5″ x 11″) vinyl is printable with an inkjet printer and compatible with Cricut machines including Maker, Explore, and Joy Xtra. It supports full‑color designs for labels, laptop skins, and decorative decals, offering a straightforward way to produce professional‑looking results at home.
- 50 sheets, 8.5″ x 11″ each
- Inkjet printable
- Compatible with Cricut Maker, Explore, & Joy Xtra
Cricut Printable Waterproof Sticker Set
This set provides 20 sheets of printable waterproof vinyl designed for durability. Printed designs are waterproof and UV resistant for up to two years, making them suitable for water bottles, laptops, and outdoor gear. Inkjet printing is required, and the sheets are designed to work with Cricut Joy Xtra, Explore, and Maker machines for fast, high‑quality decals and stickers.
- 20 sheets of printable waterproof vinyl
- Waterproof and UV resistant up to 2 years
- Inkjet printable; Cricut compatible: Joy Xtra, Explore, Maker
Buying Guide
Printer Type And Print‑Then‑Cut Compatibility
For true Print‑Then‑Cut workflows, choose an inkjet printer or all‑in‑one that supports color printing and can pair with Cricut machines. Cricut devices themselves handle the cutting, while the printer handles color design. Laser printers can be used with certain media, but inkjet printing generally offers broader color accuracy and compatibility with printable vinyl, sticker paper, and iron‑on transfers.
Materials, Durability, And Use Cases
Material choice matters for durability and finish. Vinyl and sticker papers printed with inkjet inks may require sealing or lamination for outdoor use. Waterproof or UV‑resistant media expands outdoor or beverage‑use projects. If you plan decals for water bottles, cars, or gear, prioritize waterproof vinyl and UV protection. For easy, quick projects, compact printers or Cricut Joy Xtra may be ideal due to space and speed.
Space, Budget, And Connectivity
Assess space available for a printer and Cricut setup. The Joy Xtra is compact, while Explore 4 and a Brother all‑in‑one occupy more room but offer broader capabilities. Connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, and USB affect how you work. Wireless setups simplify mobile and multi‑device workflows, especially when using Design Space or other Cricut apps.
Software And Workflow Integration
Design Space compatibility matters for seamless Print‑Then‑Cut projects. Some printers pair easily with Design Space for color design and print alignment. For standalone media, ensure the printer supports the media type (inkjet versus laser), and confirm the media’s compatibility with Cricut’s cutting mats and blade types. If you rely on a printer like Brother J1800DW, confirm driver support and paper handling that suits your crafting pace.
Practical Comparisons
- Best for small spaces: Cricut Joy Xtra offers a compact footprint with strong print‑then‑cut support.
- Best for color printing and versatility: Cricut Explore 4 combined with inkjet printing provides drawing, foiling, and scoring in one package.
- Best for all‑in‑one office use: Brother J1800DW delivers robust document handling and color prints for decals and labels.