Get the Cricut AutoPress 2 if:
- You want the higher pressure ceiling (Cricut’s DTF preset uses 220 lb).
- You want to send settings from your phone.
- You run batches and want Auto Mode.
The short answer
Phone control and batch mode? AutoPress 2
Simple auto press, no app? HTVRONT Auto 2
Both are 15 x 15 in automatic heat presses with a slide-out tray: you load the shirt, slide it in, and the plate presses and releases on its own. Both reach 410°F and take items up to about 1.8 in thick. Cricut lists more pressure (up to 220 lb vs 80 kg, about 176 lb), four presets and Bluetooth control from its app.
Best for app control and batches
Pick the Cricut AutoPress 2 if
- You want more pressure: up to 220 lb, adjustable in 5 lb steps.
- You want to send settings from your phone (Bluetooth, Design Space Heat Guide).
- You press batches: Auto Mode starts the next cycle without pressing Start.
Cricut lists the press, a 16 x 16 in pressing mat, the Control Pod with USB cable and a user guide.
See current price on AmazonBest for a simple auto press
Pick the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 if
- You want a slide-out, auto-release 15 x 15 in press and don’t need app control.
- You want a screen on the press (HTVRONT lists an angle-adjustable one).
- You want a PTFE sheet in the box.
This Amazon listing is HTVRONT’s “Digit” version (model SG-RYJ-0521-US). HTVRONT lists the press, a 15 x 15 in mat, a Teflon (PTFE) sheet and a manual.
See current price on AmazonBefore you buy: As of October 9, 2026, Cricut’s blog says the AutoPress 2 is sold in the US only through Amazon’s online store until November 4, 2026, when it also goes on cricut.com and other online retailers. The HTVRONT listing is the “Digit” model; HTVRONT also sells a “Smart” version with app control, which is not this listing. Listings change, so check who the seller is and that it’s new before you order.
Safety: Both plates get very hot. Both makers say household or indoor use only, on a flat, stable surface. Cricut says use a well-ventilated area, use two people to lift it (41.9 lb), and don’t use an extension cord (if you must, at least 13 A). Never leave either press on and unattended.
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Key specs
1AutoPress 2
spec rows won
spec rows won
0HTVRONT Auto 2
spec rows won
spec rows won
11even or
unclear
unclear
The AutoPress 2 wins on app control. Pressure has no check because Cricut’s own sources disagree on the low end (44 vs 45 lb), though both list 220 lb at the top vs about 176 lb for HTVRONT. Plate size, temperature, thickness, auto-off and weight are effectively tied.
A green check marks the clearly better spec for most people, no check means a tie, a tiny gap or a spec the makers measure differently, and every figure comes from Cricut’s and HTVRONT’s own pages and manuals, not from Amazon.
| AutoPress 2 | HTVRONT Auto 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat plate | 15 x 15 in | 15 x 15 in |
| Pressure | Up to 220 lb, 5 lb steps (lowest setting 44 or 45 lb; see note) | Up to 80 kg (about 176 lb); lowest 20 kg (about 44 lb) |
| Temperature | 212 to 410°F | 210 to 410°F |
| Thickest item | 1.8 in | 4.5 cm (about 1.77 in) |
| Timer | Adjustable; 4 custom presets | 1 to 999 s |
| Press style | Slide-out tray, auto-press, auto-release, Auto Mode | Slide-out drawer, auto-press, auto-release |
| App control | Bluetooth, Design Space Heat Guide | Not listed for the Digit model |
| Auto-off | After 15 min idle | 15 min shut-down |
| Power | Not listed | 1500 W at 120 V |
| Size | 21.0 x 16.2 x 11.6 in (36.5 in deep with tray out) | 20.9 x 17.1 x 13.0 in |
| Weight | 41.9 lb | 43.2 lb |
| Warranty | Cricut limited warranty (term not stated on the product page) | 1 year (HTVRONT store says 12 months, extendable) |
Spec notes
- Cricut lists a higher top pressure (220 lb vs about 176 lb), but the Pressure row has no check mark because Cricut’s sources disagree on the low end.
- HTVRONT doesn’t list presets or app control for the Digit model; we don’t assume either.
Where the sources disagree
- Cricut AutoPress 2 lowest pressure: Cricut’s US blog says 44 lb; Cricut’s UK product page FAQ says 45 lb. The table shows both. Because the sources disagree, the Pressure row gets no check mark, even though both Cricut sources list 220 lb at the top. Weight: 41.9 lb (Cricut Help Center) vs 42 lb (Cricut blog).
- HTVRONT pressure in pounds: HTVRONT gives 20–80 kg; its EU guide converts that to 44–176 lb. The HTVRONT wiki for the separate Smart model says 50–170 lb.
What it can make
Common heat-press jobs, judged only from each maker’s plate size, temperature, pressure, thickness and listed materials.
- Can do the maker’s plate size, settings and listed materials cover it
- Just barely possible, with a limit the maker states
- Can’t the maker’s specs rule it out or it isn’t listed for this model
| Project | AutoPress 2 | HTVRONT Auto 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Apparel | ||
| Adult tee | Can do15 x 15 in plate. | Can do15 x 15 in plate. |
| Thick hoodie | Can doItems up to 1.8 in thick. | Can doItems up to 4.5 cm; HTVRONT names jumpers. |
| DTF transfer | Can doCricut preset: 350°F, 15 s, 220 lb. | Can doHTVRONT lists DTF. |
| Puff vinyl | Can doCricut preset: 270°F, 10 s, 165 lb. | Can doHTVRONT’s UK listing names puff. |
| Sublimation and Infusible Ink | ||
| Poly shirt | Can doUp to 410°F; Infusible Ink preset 400°F, 60 s. | Can doUp to 410°F; HTVRONT lists sublimation. |
| Big and batch jobs | ||
| Blanket corner | Can doCricut names blanket corners; 15 x 15 in plate. | Can do15 x 15 in plate. |
| 18 in print | Can’tPlate is 15 x 15 in; you’d press in two parts. | Can’tPlate is 15 x 15 in; you’d press in two parts. |
| Batch of tees | Can doAuto Mode starts each cycle; 4 presets. | Can doAuto-press and auto-release; you start each cycle. |
| Phone settings | Can doBluetooth to the Design Space Heat Guide. | Can’tNot listed for the Digit model. |
Presets and settings are starting points from the makers; follow the transfer maker’s instructions for your material.
Notes and sources
The “Puff vinyl” HTVRONT entry comes from HTVRONT’s UK store listing for the same Digit press; the US page names HTV, sublimation, heat transfer paper, printable HTV and DTF.
Sources (maker pages, checked October 9, 2026):
- Cricut Help Center: Getting Started with Cricut AutoPress 2 (15 x 15)
- Cricut blog: Introducing Cricut AutoPress 2
- Cricut AutoPress 2 product page (UK store; Cricut says the US store listing starts Nov 4, 2026)
- HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 - Digit product page
- HTVRONT Wiki: Auto Heat Press 2 - Digit manual and specs
- HTVRONT EU guide: Auto Heat Press 2
- HTVRONT UK: Auto Heat Press 2 - Digit
Who should buy which
Get the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 if:
- You want a 15 x 15 in auto press and don’t need phone control.
- 80 kg (about 176 lb) of pressure covers your transfers.
- You’re fine without app control.
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Skip it if
Skip the AutoPress 2
Skip it if you never use your phone for settings and don’t need more than about 176 lb of pressure. On paper the presses are otherwise very close.
Skip the HTVRONT Auto 2
Skip it if you want app control or more than 80 kg of pressure. HTVRONT doesn’t list app control for this Digit model.
Questions about this pair
Can either press mugs?
Neither maker lists mugs for these presses. Both have flat 15 x 15 in plates. Cricut sells a separate Mug Press, and HTVRONT sells a separate A200 tumbler press.
Which is heavier?
The HTVRONT, but it’s close: 43.2 lb vs 41.9 lb for the AutoPress 2.
Do I need to activate the AutoPress 2?
Cricut says no; setup at cricut.com/setup is optional for updates and app control.