Step down
None on our list.
Quick verdict
The Joy 2 is a 2.7 lb cutter for cards, labels and small decals up to 4.5 in wide. It adds scoring over the original Joy. Owner reports are thin so far, and each issue we found came from a single thread.
Best for cards and labels in tiny spaces
- Matless 4.5 in x 4 ft on Smart Materials
- Scores, writes and does Print Then Cut (4.5 in)
- 2.7 lb, 9.11 x 5.43 x 2.74 in
Cricut lists a Premium Fine Point Cutting Tool, Scoring Tool, dual-sided marker and a 4.5 x 6.5 in LightGrip mat. The Amazon ASIN is the Essential Bundle; we haven’t checked its seller.
Think twice if
- You need decals wider than 4.5 in
- You want fabric or wood
Before you buy: We haven’t confirmed who sells this listing. Check it’s Amazon.com or Cricut. Pair it inside Design Space, not in your device’s Bluetooth settings.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links; it costs you nothing extra.
Cut sizes, mats, and how much fits
- Without a mat: 4.5 in x 4 ft, Smart Materials only.
- On a mat: up to 4.2 x 11.7 in (large mat).
- Speed: up to 5.3 in/s. 3 tools, 75+ materials. Max thickness: not listed by Cricut.
- Mats it takes: LightGrip 4.5 x 12; StandardGrip 4.5 x 6.5 and 4.5 x 12; Joy Card Mat.
- Bluetooth Low Energy: connect inside Design Space.
Label layout calculator
Copies per mat or matless run. Our layout math.
Areas from the maker:
- Large mat: 4.2 x 11.7 in
- Matless: 4.5 x 48 in
| Area | Design | About how many fit |
|---|---|---|
| Large mat 4.2 x 11.7 | 2 x 1 in | 15 |
| Large mat 4.2 x 11.7 | 4 x 4 in | 2 |
| Matless 4.5 x 48 | 2 x 1 in | 76 |
| Matless 4.5 x 48 | 4 x 4 in | 11 |
Who it’s for, and who should skip it
Good fit if
- Cards, labels and small decals
- Very small desks
- Scoring without a bigger machine
Skip it if
- Decals or stickers over 4.5 in
- Fabric or wood
Better fit: Cricut Joy Xtra for 8.5 in wide.
Honest downsides
- Owners report: Design Space asks for a longer mat on Card Mat jobs. Reported by 1 of 2 owner threads we checked (r/cricut, checked Oct 21, 2026). Details below.
- 4.5 in max width.
- Max thickness not listed.
- Owner data is thin (2 threads).
- We couldn’t find a Joy-width Smart Material listing to recommend.
What owners don’t like
We read 2 Joy 2 owner threads on r/cricut (checked Oct 21, 2026). Each issue appeared once.
Design Space asks for a longer mat on Card Mat jobs
Reported by 1 of 2 owner threads we checked (r/cricut, checked Oct 21, 2026)
Design Space said a longer mat was needed, even though R30 cards fit. A reply called it a bug.
Fix: The workaround was using a regular mat with the cardstock setting.
Avoid or spot it: Try one card on the Card Mat before buying a big pack of inserts.
Test cut won’t start on matless vinyl
Reported by 1 of 2 owner threads we checked (r/cricut, checked Oct 21, 2026)
The app kept jumping back to step 1.
Fix: A reply said clearing the cache and reinstalling Design Space helped a few people.
Avoid or spot it: Keep Design Space updated.
Blinking blue or red light (Cricut’s own guidance)
Not an owner tally: Cricut Joy-series troubleshooting
Blue blinking can mean a Bluetooth module issue; red blinking at power-on or during a firmware update needs Member Care.
Fix: Unplug for 30 to 60 seconds for blue; contact Member Care if it persists or for red.
Avoid or spot it: Keep the device within 10 to 15 ft and close Bluetooth audio or heavy apps to avoid pauses.
Warranty and how to claim
- Term: 1-year limited warranty from purchase or delivery. We haven’t opened a Joy 2-specific warranty PDF; confirm the term at cricut.com/en-us/product-documentation.
- Who’s covered: the original buyer of a unit bought from Cricut or a Cricut authorized seller. Cricut says it may turn down claims for units from unauthorized internet sellers. Whether Amazon.com counts as authorized isn’t stated in what we read, so it’s worth asking Cricut before you rely on it.
- Not covered: blades, housings, accessories and software.
- What voids it: running the machine above 104°F (40°C) or storing it above 122°F (50°C). Keep it out of hot cars and sunny garages.
- How to claim: Call Cricut Member Care at +1 (877) 727-4288 with your proof of purchase. Keep the order email or receipt.
- Registration: no registration requirement or registration-based extension found.
- Also: Cricut has a 45-day satisfaction guarantee for the US and Canada; we haven’t read its full terms.
Maintenance and care
From the maker’s own help pages, in our words.
- Unplug first, then wipe the outside with a soft cloth dampened with water or glass cleaner.
- Never spray cleaner into the machine, and don’t use acetone.
- If grease builds up on the carriage bar, wipe the excess with a cotton swab. Don’t add your own lubricant; Cricut Member Care can send its grease packet.
- Pick bits of material off the blade and out of the housing; debris there is a common cause of rough cuts.
- When a mat stops gripping, wash it gently with mild soap and let it air dry.
- If the rollers keep turning, clean the left-side material sensors with compressed air or microfiber.
- If the red light flashes on load, clear debris from the roller bar.
What else you’ll need
ASINs here came from search excerpts and haven’t been opened in a browser yet.
Cricut Joy StandardGrip Mat 4.5 x 12
Official Cricut · seller not checked
- Why you'd need it: The included mat is 4.5 x 6.5; longer cuts need the 12 in mat.
- Who can skip it: Anyone cutting only Smart Materials or small cards.
- Is it any good? 3,499 ratings on Amazon (from a search excerpt, Oct 21, 2026).
- Will it fit? Cricut’s Joy 2 Quick Start lists StandardGrip 4.5 x 12. The listing says it’s for the Cricut Joy because it predates the Joy 2. Doesn’t fit the Joy Xtra or 12 x 12 machines.
Cricut Joy Card Mat
Official Cricut · seller not checked
- Why you'd need it: Insert cards (R10, R20, R30 sizes).
- Who can skip it: Anyone not making insert cards.
- Is it any good? 3,264 ratings on Amazon (from a search excerpt, Oct 21, 2026).
- Will it fit? Cricut’s Joy 2 Quick Start lists the Joy Card Mat (4.5 x 6.25 in). See the Card Mat bug above. The Joy Xtra card mat is a different size and doesn’t fit.
Smart Materials
Not linked
- Why you'd need it: Matless cutting.
- Who can skip it: Anyone using a mat.
- Is it any good? No data.
- Will it fit? Must be Joy width (4.5 in). The 13 in and 9.5 in rolls for other machines don’t fit. We didn’t find a Joy-width listing to link.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links; it costs you nothing extra.
Budget and upgrade picks
Step up
Cricut Joy Xtra: 8.5 in wide, Letter-size Print Then Cut.
Is it better than the alternatives?
Side-by-side specs are on the comparison pages below.
Full specs side by side: Joy Xtra vs Joy 2
All cutting machines matchups: Cutting machines comparisons
FAQ
Can the Joy 2 score?
Yes. A Scoring Tool is in the box.
How do I connect it?
Inside Design Space. Cricut says not to pair it in your device’s Bluetooth settings.
What mats fit?
LightGrip 4.5 x 12, StandardGrip 4.5 x 6.5 and 4.5 x 12, and the Joy Card Mat.
Sources
Where every figure comes from
- Cricut Joy 2 Quick Start Guide
- Cricut Joy-series troubleshooting
- Cricut: Roller bars continuously rolling
- Cricut Maker 1-year limited warranty (v3.0, Aug 2026)
- Cricut cleaning and greasing guide
- r/cricut threads 1v7qimj (Jul 27, 2026) and 1rrud79 (Mar 12, 2026)
- Amazon listing B0GJFS6L4M (seller not checked; Amazon fetch blocked Oct 21, 2026)
Amazon facts (seller, rating counts, 1-star share) are labeled as Amazon and were read on the listing on Oct 21, 2026 unless noted. Owner-problem tallies count readable threads from one targeted search per product; Reddit pages were read through search excerpts because direct fetch was blocked.