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The Best Tablet for Cricut Design Space

If you like creating crafts using Cricut machines, then adding the best tablet for Cricut to your workflow will enable you to easily create, cut, and create crafts in an easy and fun way. In this article, I will explain some of the top tablets that are compatible with Cricut Design Space for a perfect craft creation experience.

To ensure optimal and user-friendly performance, I have considered the tablet’s screen size and resolution, processing power, and portability. From my research, I found tablets with touch-screen sensitivity and stylus pens provided a better cutting experience.

  1. Apple 12.9 iPad Pro: Best Overall
  2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: The Best Android
  3. Samsung Galaxy Tab 6 Lite: The Best Budget
  4. Microsoft Surface Pro 8: Windows Tablet
  5. Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2: Best for Cricut Explore Air 2
  6. Apple iPad Air: best iPad for Cricut
  7. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: a small Android tablet
  8. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+: The Best Value for Money
  9. Apple iPad Mini: a small iPad tablet
  10. Samsung Tab A8: cheap tablet for Cricut design space

Top tablets compatible with Cricut design space

FeatureApple iPad ProGalaxy Tab S8 UltraSurface Pro 8
Screen Size12.9 inches14.6 inches13 inches
Resolution2732 x 2048 pixels1848 x 2960 pixels2880 x 1920 pixels
Brightness1000 nits500 nits450 nits
Refresh Rate120 Hz120 Hz120 Hz
RAM8/16/32 GB8/16 GB8/16 GB
Storage128 GB to 2 TB128/256/512 GB256 GB
ProcessorM2Snapdragon 8Core i5
Battery Life10 hours8 to 10 hours14 hours
PenApple Pencil 2S PenNo dedicated pen
Operating SystemiPad OSAndroidWindows 11

Apple 12.9 iPad Pro: Best Overall

  • Screen: 12.9 inches
  • Resolution: 2732 x 2048 pixels
  • Brightness: 1000 nits
  • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • RAM: 8/16/32 GB
  • Storage: 128 GB to 2 TB
  • Processor: M2
  • Battery Life: 10 hours
  • Pencil: Apple Pencil 2
  • Operating System: iPad OS

If you are looking for the most powerful Apple tablet for Cricut, the Apple 12.9 iPad Pro is your best pick. It packs more specifications than you will need for Cricut and is hence our best overall pick.

It comes with a large 12.9-inch screen with a 2732 x 2048-pixel resolution. This makes the screen clean and clear, allowing you to view your work in high detail.

The screen comes with high 1000-nit brightness levels and a 120-Hz refresh rate. You will be able to view the screen in both low and high light conditions without issues. Even if you run complex software and games, the fast refresh rate ensures no lag.

You will be able to run Cricut and many other complex creative programs, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, thanks to the powerful M2 processor chip and up to 8 to 32 GB of RAM.

You will be able to use the tablet away from a consistent power source thanks to its long 10-hour battery life and lightweight, slim, and sleek build.

The Apple iPad Pro comes with 128 GB of storage space, with up to 2 TB of storage options to choose from. However, the storage space is not expandable, and you have to buy the next size every time you wish to upgrade.

Overall, you will not regret buying this multipurpose tablet with very powerful specs. These specs on the iPad Pro are by far more than you will need for Cricut.

Although the iPad Pro is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard, you have to buy them separately, which is expensive.

If you are looking for a more powerful iPad that can both work with Cricut Design Space and be used for graphic design and other complex tasks, the iPad Pro 13-inch with an M4 processor is the best option.

iPad Pro

Pros

  • Large screen compared to the rest with up to 1000-nits brightness
  • Versatile and can be used for many tasks like Graphic Design
  • Long-life battery at 10 hours
  • Powerful M2 processor and 8 GB RAM that allows it to be used as a good video editing device
  • Compatible with Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard
  • High 2732 x 2048 pixels resolution with Liquid Retina display for rich color display
  • Lightweight with a slim and sleek body design

Cons

  • The iPad Pro is more expensive than most tablets on this list
  • Apple Pencil 2 is bought separately and must have an adapter
  • Non expandable Storage

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

  • Screen: 14.6 inch
  • Resolution: 1848 x 2960 pixels
  • RAM: 8 / 16 GB
  • Storage: 128, 256 / 512 GB
  • Processor: Snapdragon8
  • Brightness: 500 nits
  • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Pen: S Pen
  • Battery Life: 8 to 10 hours

Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra is a super upgrade of the S7 and offers superb features ideal for Cricut Design Space. Now for Cricut designing, you need a massive screen with high resolution. Thankfully, this tablet has a large 14.6-inch screen size with a high resolution of up to 1848 x 2960 pixels.

To add to its massive size it features a 16:10 aspect ratio which makes it possible to comfortably use in both portrait and landscape orientation.

Just like the iPad Pro, it has a fast 120 Hz refresh rate eradicating the possibility of lags on the screen. It has 500 nits brightness levels which is good enough for indoor and outdoor usage.

This brilliant AMOLED screen makes this tablet a good pick if you want a tablet that displays vivid and sharp images.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra is a brilliant choice if you want an alternative to iPads. What’s even more exciting is that this tablet is cheaper compared to the iPad Pro and comes with a free S Pen with a couple of free nibs.

Going down to its hardware and performance,  this tablet features the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 8 GB or 16 GB RAM options. It has an internal storage of 128, 256, or 512 GB options. The memory is expandable up to 1 TB using an external MicroSD card slot.

Pros

  • Large 14.6-inch screen size with 500 nits brightness
  • AMOLED screen for a better low parallax display
  • vibrant and sharp display with 1848 x 2960 pixels resolution and 60 HZ refresh rate
  • Expandable storage using a MicroSD slot
  • Powerful processor and RAM
  • It comes with a perfect high-pressure sensitive Samsung S pen ideal for digital art

Cons

  • It has only one USB port
  • Does not come with a keyboard
  • Accessories like the MicroSD card are bought separately

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite: Best Budget Tablet

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite: Best Budget Tablet for Cricut
  • Screen: 14.6 inches
  • Resolution: 1848 x 2960 pixels
  • RAM: 8 or 16 GB
  • Storage: 128, 256, or 512 GB
  • Processor: Snapdragon8
  • Brightness: 500 nits
  • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Pen: S Pen
  • Battery Life: 8 to 10 hours

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra is a super upgrade from the S7 and offers superb features ideal for Cricut Design Space. Now for Cricut designing, you need a massive screen with high resolution. Thankfully, this tablet has a large 14.6-inch screen with a whooping resolution of up to 1848 x 2960 pixels.

To add to its massive size, it features a 16:10 aspect ratio, which makes it possible to comfortably use it in both portrait and landscape orientations.

Just like the iPad Pro, it has a fast 120 Hz refresh rate, eradicating the possibility of lags on the screen. It has 500 nits of brightness, which is good enough for indoor and outdoor usage.

This brilliant AMOLED screen makes this tablet a good pick if you want a tablet that displays vivid and sharp images.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra is a brilliant choice if you want an alternative to iPads. What’s even more exciting is that this tablet is cheaper compared to the iPad Pro and comes with a free S Pen and a couple of free nibs.

Going down to its hardware and performance, this tablet features the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM options.

It has an internal storage of 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB. The memory is expandable up to 1 TB using an external MicroSD card slot.

Pros

  • It comes with a perfect drawing S Pen stylus
  • Superb AMOLED screen display which is more clear than LCDs
  • Affordable Price Range
  • Long battery life
  • Large and expandable storage space
  • Expandable storage to 1TB using a MicroSD card

Cons

  • Not as powerful as Galaxy S8 Ultra

Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2: Large screen tablet

  1. Screen Size: 11.5 inches
  2. Resolution: 2000 x 1200 pixels resolution
  3. Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  4. Camera: Front 8 MP & Rear 13 MP Camera
  5. RAM: 4 / 6 GB
  6. Storage: 128 GB
  7. OS: Android 12L or Later
  8. Keyboard & Pen Included
  9. Battery Life: 10 hours

If you are looking for an affordable Samsung alternative, Lenovo tablets provide a perfect option. I found the Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 and Lenovo Tab P11 Pro to be both powerful and reasonably priced.

The is almost as good as a Galaxy S6 lite only featuring a larger screen and better processor. It comes with an 11. 5-inch screen with 2000 x 1200 pixels resolution and 120 HZ refresh rate. Galaxy 6 lite has a lower refresh rate at 60 Hz but a high refresh rate is not a requirement for Cricut compatibility.

This resolution is the same resolution on a Galaxy S6 lite only on a smaller 10.4-inch screen. The display is more crisp on the Samsung tablet but you might not notice the difference. For processing power, it has a nice MediaTek Helio G99 processor and is available in either 4 GB or 6 GB options.

The 2.5K display resolution and 120 HZ refresh rate is perfect for video streaming and watching movies. You will be able to watch in high clarity and rich vivid colors when not working on crafts on your Cricut.

Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 Specs
image credits Amazon

Pros

  • Large screen with 2000 x 1200 pixels resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate
  • 4 GB and 6 GB RAM options
  • Powerful MediaTek Helio G99 processor
  • Affordable Price
  • Android OS

Cons

  • Accessories bought separate

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

  • Screen size: 13 inches
  • Resolution: 2880 x 1920 pixels
  • Refresh Rate: 120 HZ
  • Brightness: 450-nits
  • RAM: 8 GB or 16 GB
  • Storage: 256 GB
  • Processor: Core i5
  • Battery Life: 14 hours

If you prefer a laptop-like tablet, we recommend the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet. It is the best 2-in-1 Windows tablet for Cricut.

Unlike its predecessor, the Pro 7, this tablet comes with many upgrades. These unique features make it the ideal laptop replacement tablet. It is compatible with a keyboard for a laptop-like user experience.

It features a screen as large as the iPad Pro at 13 inches in size, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a 2880 x 1920 pixels resolution. The screen is crisp and clear, although it features lower brightness at 450 nits compared to 1000 nits on the iPad Pro.

The Microsoft Surface Pro tablet features an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and 8/16 GB of RAM options that make multitasking a smooth ride when working.

Work from any angle, thanks to its top-notch kickstand that tilts up to 180°. We tried working on multiple projects using this tablet, which exceeded our expectations. The smooth yet powerful rechargeable S pen gives a natural feel.

If you are wondering which one is better between this tablet and a laptop, it beats even some of the high-end laptops on the market with its portability and ultra-versatile design.

Pros

  • Powerful performance
  • Long battery life and easy portability
  • Great display
  •  Large storage
  • 2 in 1 Laptop option

Cons

  • Pricey

Apple iPad Air

  • Screen size: 10.9 inches
  • Brightness: 510 nits
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Processor: M1 chip
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 64 GB
  • Battery Life: 10 hours

If you are looking for a smaller but powerful iPad, then the 10.9-inch Apple iPad Air with Liquid Retina display at 2360 x 1640 pixels resolution is the best pick. Its peak brightness of 510 nits is brighter than all other tablets on this list except the iPad mini and iPad Pro.

This makes its display exceptionally vivid, with rich colors and contrast. However, just like the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5, the low 60 Hz refresh rate will limit your gaming experience, but it works perfectly with Cricut.

The Apple iPad Air features an ultra-low reflective display option, which is a kind of antiglare technology. It ensures your eyes are protected even after long hours of usage.

Processing power on this tablet is guaranteed even for complex tasks thanks to its powerful Apple M1 chip and large RAM memory. iPadOS system and a large 64 GB or 256 GB storage allow easy retrieval of documents.

However, just like the iPad Pro, the storage space is rigid and not expandable in case you want a larger space. Additionally, you will have to buy all accessories separately.

Apple iPad Air: Best Compact iPad for Cricut

Pros

  • Large screen with high-resolution
  • Powerful performance
  • Unique antiglare protection
  • Large Storage Space

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No accessories included
  • Low refresh rate

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: Android OS tablet

  • Screen size: 8.7 inches
  • Resolution: 1340 x 800 pixels
  • Brightness: 360 nits
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Storage: 32 GB, expandable to 1 TB
  • Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon
  • Storage Space: 32 GB, expandable up to 1 TB
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Battery Life: 7 hours
  • OS: Android 11

Although a large tablet is more preferable for most users, some craftsmen prefer the sleek nature of small tablets for their ease of carrying around or use during travel. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a good example of a small Android tablet for Cricut.

It features a small 8.7-inch screen with a 1340 x 800 pixel resolution. This is quite small and low in resolution compared to other tablets in this review. However, this screen will display black and white Cricut artwork designs in high contrast.

360 nits brightness and 60 Hz brightness are the perfect combination for Cricut tablets.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite comes with an Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon and 4 GB of RAM. For most professional tasks, it can be considered quite slow. However, these specifications are good enough for any Cricut version.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

Pros

  • Affordable Price
  • Expandable storage space
  • Easily portable
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Small screen size

Apple iPad Mini: Small and compact iPad

  • Screen size: 8.3 inches
  • Resolution: 2266 x 1488 pixels
  • Brightness: 520 nits
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Storage: 64 GB, 256 GB
  • Processor: A15 Bionic Chip
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Battery Life: 10 hours
  • OS: iPad

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a good small tablet. However, if you are looking for a small tablet with an iPadOS operating system, we recommend the iPad Mini.

It comes with an 8.3-inch screen size with a 2266 x 1488 pixels resolution and a liquid Retina display. It features the second-highest screen brightness, only second to the iPad Pro at 520 nits brightness. Like most cheaper iPads, it features a 60 Hz refresh rate.

The iPad Mini is a cheap iPad option and does not come with the premium M2 processor or the second-best M1 chip. Instead, you will have the A15 Bionic chip with only 4 GB of RAM. For basic photo editing or Cricut crafts, these specifications are good enough.

However, for complex tasks such as video editing or gaming, you will need a better processor and at least 8 GB of RAM and above. For file saving in Cricut, you only need around 4 GB of storage, so 64 GB or 256 GB is more than you will need.

A small tablet is the best choice because of its portability. This is made possible by the weight, size, and battery life. The iPad Mini is small, lightweight, and features up to 10 hours of battery life. You will be able to use it away from your desk or office.

Apple iPad Mini

Pros

  • Small and easily portable iPad
  • Long battery life
  • Bright screen with high-resolution

Cons

  • Small size
  • Accessories bought separately

Samsung Tab A8: Cheapest tablets

  1. Screen size: 10.5 inches
  2. Resolution: 1200×1920 pixels FHD
  3. Processor: Octa-core
  4. RAM: 3/4 GB
  5. Storage Space: 32, 64, 128 GB
  6. Expandable using MicroSD
  7. No Stylus Support 
  8. OS: Android 11
  9. Battery Life: 9 hours

If you are looking for an affordable medium-sized tablet with an upgradable Android system, then the Samsung Tab A8 is your best pick.

This cheap Android tablet features a large 10.5-inch LCD screen, which is slim and will display your crafts on rich, high-contrast displays. Although not OLED like most Samsung options, the screen is perfect for Cricut.

When you consider the power of this tablet, it will perform perfectly, thanks to the Octa-core processor and 3 to 4 GB of RAM. Additionally, you will have many storage space options to choose from with 32, 64, and 128 GB of storage space.

Unlike iPads, you can expand the storage space using an external MicroSD card up to 1 TB. For more, check out our full Samsung Tab A8 review.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

Pros

  • Large screen and Full HD resolution
  • Expandable storage
  • Long battery life
  • Affordable price range

Cons

  • No S pen support
  • No OLED screen

Choosing the Right Tablet for Cricut Maker

How to choose the best tablet for Cricut design space

Display

A display is the first thing you want to check for as a creative. A tablet with a sharp display helps you create detailed designs. There are two types of displays: AMOLED and IPS LCD screens.

AMOLED is a high-end display with unbeatable features, but it comes with a high price tag. An IPS LCD screen is great too and offers a lot of features ideal for designers, and it also offers excellent viewing angles.

Power and performance

The performance of any tablet highly depends on the hardware. The hardware consists of the RAM, processor, and GPU, which are crucial for running any program or application. 

You need a good amount of RAM to keep the apps running in the background while the processor helps smoothly run your apps. Cricut design requires a decent GPU, so keep these three in mind.

Battery Life

A tablet with all the above features and low battery life is useless. The battery should at least last 10 hours with standard usage. Also, ensure that your tablet features a fast charge or quick charge. A battery with an 18-watt capacity is a great pick.

Connectivity

Most tablets these days come with a wireless connectivity function. Wireless connectivity allows you to connect your tablet to other devices. You can also connect the tablet to other devices via Bluetooth.

Storage Space

A tablet with a memory capacity of 128 GB is ideal for the storage of your files. However, you can buy one with lower storage and top it up with an SD card.

Cricut Design Space Compatibility and Optimization

The first step we took was to determine criteria covering the difference in tablet brands and then compare them in an all-inclusive list comparing all brands and price levels.

According to most of the top resources in the market such as Creativesbloq and Justcreative the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch is the best overall tablet you can use with Cricut Design Space. This was in line with our findings.

Media Peanut, however, another top player has not considered iPads, Windows, and Android tablets as direct competitors for the top spot. They have classified them according to the different brands terming several tablets as top. They have the best iPad for Cricut the iPad Pro, and the best Windows and Android options.

This is quite an interesting approach that you might consider checking out. Both Media Peanut have included some uncommon tablets that provide a wider variety to choose from.

What is the best tablet for Cricut Design Space?

What is the best tablet for Cricut Design Space?

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch is the best tablet you can use for Cricut. This is because of its immersive, display, powerful processing power, and RAM plus reliable Apple Pencil 2 compatibility.

It is important to note that Windows desktop computers are the most compatible with Cricut. The Microsoft Surface Pro line of tablets will also work best with Cricut because they feature the same Windows operating system and Intel Core i5 or i7 processors.

A desktop computer and a Windows OS tablet will offer some extra features for Cricut that are not available for iPad OS and Android OS tablets. An example is the Print-then-cut and offline connectivity options. Both iPad OS and Windows OS will easily offer these functions. Android OS does not allow these functions.

iPad OS and Android OS will not have, a curve text option, different templates, project collections, pattern fills, and Knife Blade cutting option. They will also not have a Physical link to Cartridges. A Desktop computer and Microsoft Surface Windows tablet will easily support all those functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can you use a tablet for the Cricut design space?

    Absolutely yes, tablets can be used for creating crafts. Android, Windows, and iPad operating systems are easily compatible with the software. Chromebooks on the other hand had problems connecting and working with Cricut machines.
    Personally, I prefer an iPad Pro 12.9 due to its power, performance, and perfect screen. It has long been the most powerful tablet that you can buy. however, the new Apple iPad Pro 13 proves to be more powerful with an M4 chip processor.

  2. A laptop or tablet which one is better for Cricut?

    A laptop or desktop computer is a better option for Cricut. However, Cricut Design Space does not require very powerful specifications such as RAM, processors, or storage space. You just need a simple computer to use it. Additionally, it is compatible with many different operating systems, such as Windows, iPadOS, and Android.

  3. What devices are compatible with Circuit design space

    The Apple 12.9 iPad Pro is the best tablet you can use for Cricut. If you prefer an Android system, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra or S8 series. However, if you want a cheap option, check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab 6 Lite. For the best 2-in-1 tablet or laptop option, we recommend the Microsoft Surface Pro 8, which runs on the Windows operating system.

  4. Is Cricut compatible with Android, Samsung, and iPad tablets?

    Yes, Cricut Design Space does not require very powerful specifications. It is therefore compatible with Android OS, Windows OS, iPad OS, and Smartphones. Samsung tablets come with Android operating systems, so they will work with Cricut.

  5. What is Cricut Design Space?

    Cricut Design Space is software used to cut and create crafts on a digital cutting machine. You can upload custom designs and create them with many different fonts and images installed in the software database. Cricut Design Space is widely compatible with different digital devices, such as tablets, computers, laptops, and smartphones. Unfortunately, it cannot be used with Chromebooks.