Best Laptop for Cricut Maker: Top 9 Choices

The Best Laptop for Cricut does not need to be too complex or extreemly powerful. This is because Cricut Design Space can work with a relatively low-performance laptop without issues.

When choosing the best one, consider a laptop with 4 GB to 8 GB RAM, combined with a modern processor like the Intel Core i5.

We noticed that most craft artists are diverse and need a diverse laptop that can be used for multiple purposes, such as graphic design.

For this reason, we recommend the more powerful Intel Core i5 processor option instead. A weaker processor will still work, but we recommend the Core i5 processor for the best experience.

Such processing power and a medium-sized screen at around 14 inches and at least 128 GB storage will be perfect for creating your crafts and designs.

Top Picks for Cricut Design Laptops

1. Dell XPS 15: best overall
2. ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED: Best Runner Up
3. Acer Aspire 5: Best Under 500$
4. Asus Vivobook S14: Best Windows Laptop for Cricut Maker 3
5. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: Best Laptop Under 300$
6. MacBook Air (M1, 2020): Best Macbook
7. HP Pavilion X360 14: The Best for Cricut Explore Air 2
8. Asus Zenbook Duo 14: Best Touch Screen
9. Microsoft Surface Pro 9: The best 2-in-1 laptop

Dell XPS 15: Best Overall

• RAM: 8 GB
• Screen Size: 15.6-inch
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels or 3,840 x 2,400 Pixels
• Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports
• OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11
• Storage: 1 TB
• Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-Intel Core i9
• GPU: ‎NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
• Battery Life: 11.5 Hours

The Dell XPS 15 takes the spot for the best Windows laptop for Cricut machines. First of all, the laptop is powerful and a fast performer. The Dell XPS comes with a large 8 GB of RAM, with options up to 64 GB. To add to this, it has a nice Intel Core i5 processor and an Intel Core i9 processor.

When it comes to processors, both the Core i5 and Core i9 are some of the latest technology you can get for PCs. Combined power from the massive RAM, processor, and dedicated Nvidia RTX 3050 graphics card ensures your laptop will run programs without hanging or unnecessary lag.

The screen size is well above the 13-inch minimum, and what is great is that the 1920 x 1080 HD resolutions are well above the minimum. It is a great laptop with a wide range of options because you can even opt for a 4K screen resolution option.

Although this is more crisp and clear, it is unnecessary, and the HD option and 15.6 inches of screen size are more than enough. The laptop can run on both Windows 10 and 11 systems and surely outperforms the checklist provided earlier. Unfortunately, however, this is not a cheap laptop and will cost over $1,000

Acer Aspire 5: Best under $500

• Screen: 15.6 inches
• Resolution: 1920×1080 Pixels
• Brightness: 261 nits brightness
• Screen type: Widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor
• Graphics Processor: AMD Radeon Vega 3
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage Space: 128 GB SSD
• Battery Life: 7.5 hours

If you are on a budget, the Acer Aspire 5 is a great pick for you. This laptop packs great power, especially when you consider its price range. First of all, the laptop has a large enough screen to view your work. At 15.6 inches, this laptop is one of the largest you can get for under $500.

When working with graphic design work, HD resolution is recommended for optimal performance. This laptop comes with 1920 x 1080 pixels of screen resolution, which is perfect. Unfortunately, 261 nits brightness is low, especially if you intend to use it in high-light situations like outdoors.

Additionally, the 57% sRGB color gamut is a bit low and may appear dull, especially when dealing with rich-color artwork.

The laptop is very reasonably priced, especially if you factor in the very powerful processing power. Although the RAM is at 4 GB, which is the minimum recommended, this is the only laptop under $500  that comes with a quad-core processor instead of a dual-core.

Quadcore means that instead of the two processors found in a dual-core laptop, this laptop comes with four, making it faster and easier to multitask.

If you want a full review guide covering the body and build plus storage space, we have created a detailed review of the Acer Aspire in our review for budget laptops for Photoshop. However, the bottom line is that this is a great laptop with powerful features for a very cheap price. You will not get any better south of the $500  mark.

If you are not on a fixed budget, you might consider checking out the larger Acer Aspire 3, which will give you more value for money.

Asus Vivobook S14: Windows Laptop for Cricut

• Screen Size: 14 Inches
• Resolution: Full HD (1080p)
• Processor: Intel Core i3
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated)
• RAM: 12 GB
• Storage: 512 GB SSD
• Operating System: Windows S Mode, upgradeable to full Windows 11 Home
• Webcam: 720 p
• Fingerprint Reader
• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
• Special Features: 180° Hinge for flexibility

For those who love a Windows system, the Asus Vivobook S14 is our top pick. It comes with a large 14-inch screen and a 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution.

It runs on a powerful Intel Core i3 processor and an Intel Core i7 alternative for more processing power. You will have 2 options of RAM, either 12 and 16 GB, both larger than the basic 4 GB size required.

You have a Windows S Mode OS, that isupgradeable to a full Windows 11 Home system. Windows 11 Home is more preferable compared to the S Mode version.

For security the laptop comes with finger print senstivity protecting your data from unauthorised access. You will be able to use the laptop for a full working day thanks to its long battery life lasting for up to 10 hours.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: Best laptop for Cricut under $300

• Screen Size: 15.6″ 
• Touchscreen display
• Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768 Pixels
• Processor: Intel Core i3
• Storage Space: 1 TB SSD
• GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
• Expandable RAM and storage with MicroSD Card Reader
• 12 GB RAM 
• OS: Windows 11 Home 64-bit
• Battery Life: 7 to 9 hours

The Lenovo Ideapad features a large 15.6-inch screen size but a low 1366 x 768 Pixels resolution. It is large in size and features a touch-sensitive screen display. Although it is a budget-level laptop it is not so powerful only using a slower Intel Core i3 processor.

At least the RAM is large at 12 GB RAM with an integrated Intel UHD Graphics processor unit. This will allow seamless multitasking and quality screen display. The laptop features a large 1 TB SSD storage space. Both the RAM and storage space are easily expandable making the Lenovo Ideapad a flexible device.

For connectivity, the Lenovo Ideapad has a wide range of options. It has 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A, USB 2.0 Type-A, HDMI, Headphone and Microphone ports. The battery will last for 7 to 9 hours without prompting you to recharge it which allows easy outdoor usage of the laptop.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3i features an ergonomically designed keyboard that is comfortable and easy to type on. Additionally, you have a touch-sensitive and responsive touchpad just below the keyboard. Unfortunately, the keyboard is not backlit.

MacBook Air (M1, 2020) – Best MacBook for Cricut

• Screen Size: 13.3 Inches
• Resolution: 2560 by 1600 pixels
• RAM: 8 GB
• Memory: 256 GB SSD Storage
• Processor: Apple M1 chip
• Battery Life: 18 hours

The MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1, 2021) is a great pick but is quite expensive. If you still want a MacBook for Cricut but are on a budget, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is the best pick for you.

It has a 13.3-inch screen size which is good enough to use for Cricut. The screen resolution is perfect, at 2560 by 1600 pixels with liquid Retina display technology. It displays crisp and clear, vivid colors. The screen displays millions of colors on the native IPS display technology. This is more than you need for the Cricut design space.

The MacBook Air (M1, 2020)has the longest battery life compared to all the other laptops in this review. It features a long 18-hour battery life and fast charging. For easy typing, the ergonomically designed keyboard features an adjustable backlit setup that is user friendly and easy to get used to when typing. You will also have a touch-sensitive touchpad for easy navigation.

For connectivity, MacBook Air allows Bluetooth connectivity and supports Bluetooth 5 wireless technology. It easily uses Bluetooth to connect to different accessories like an external mouse or keyboard device.

If you want a laptop for running heavy system-intensive applications, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) and MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1, 2021) are your best options.

HP Pavilion X360 14: Basic Cricut Laptop

• Screen size: 14 inches
• Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
• RAM: 8 GB
• Processor: Intel Core i5
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Storage Space: 512 GB SSD
• Battery Life: 11 hours
• OS: Windows 10

The HP Pavilion X360 is the best for Explore Air 2. It comes with a large 14-inch screen and a powerful Intel Core i5 processor that is fast and reliable.

To add to this power, it comes with a large 8 GB of RAM and an integrated graphics card that allows you to easily multitask. The laptop is slim and lightweight, making it easily portable, and you will easily use it on the go.

Unfortunately, the resolution is not the best, at only 1366 x 768 pixels. For the best user experience, we recommend 1920 x 1080 pixels in full HD. This powerful and affordable laptop is a perfect pick for any Cricut-related usage.

If you are looking for a good laptop for Cricut under a $300 budget, we recommend the HP 14″ Ultra Light Laptop for Students. It features an Intel Quad-Core processor and 8 GB RAM. The HP 14″ Ultra Light Laptop features a long 11-hour Battery Life which is perfect for portability. Unfortunately, the Win 11 Home in S Mode is not the best for professional work.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9: The best 2-in-1 laptop

1. Screen Size: 13-inch
2. Resolution: 2880 x 1920 pixels
3. Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
4. RAM: 8, 16, and 32 GB options
5. Processor: Intel Core i5 and i7
6. Operating system: Windows 11

If you are not sure whether to choose a laptop, the 2-in-1 Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a perfect versatile pick. This massive 13-inch laptop flips to be used in laptop or tablet mode, depending on whichever you are comfortable with.

The touch-screen display with 2880 x 1920 pixels resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate allows you to touch using the Surface Slim Pen. Unfortunately, the pen and any other laptop accessories are bought separately.

Overall, this device will rival the iPad Pro with a similar screen size and performance. This size and slim, lightweight build allow you to put it comfortably on the Cricut Maker 3 or Cricut Explore 3 top panel.

For processing power, you will have a choice between the Intel Core i5 and Core i7 and the 8, 16, or 32 GB RAM options. Honestly, this is far more than you will need for regular Cricut tasks. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a multipurpose device and packs enough power to run different tasks, including photo editing and video editing.

Asus Zenbook Duo 14 UX482 – Double Display

• Screen size: 14 inches
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels FHD
• Touch Display
• Processor: Intel Core i7
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 512 GB
• OS: Windows 10 Home
• Battery: ‎8 Hours
• Connectivity: dual 4 Thunderbolt ports

Any creative or even laptop user will love the Asus Zenbook at first glance. This laptop features two displays: a 14-inch touch display and a 12.65-inch display beneath it. The screen is glossy finished and can be affected by reflectiveness, especially in high-light setups. It has a modern LCD design with ultra-slim bezels allowing a wide 93% screen-to-body ratio.

Besides its dual displays, the Asus Zenbook boasts other top-notch features, one of which is battery life. We worked with this laptop for a couple of projects, and we were awed by how the laptop went for hours. The good thing is that it features a fast charging system too.

The Asus Zenbook Duo 14 UX482 is a good performer, especially regarding creative projects. The laptop has a good stylus (although a bit heavy) that feels natural when drawing with it. We tried taking some notes using the stylus, which surpassed our expectations.

Talking about the hardware, this Asus Zenbook has a 512 GB hard disk, 8 GB of RAM, and an Intel Core i7 processor. The laptop also has a super-AR camera, perfect for Zoom calls.

What Kind of Laptop Do You Need for Cricut?

The most ideal laptop choice, Explore Air 2, Cricut Maker 3, or even Explore 3, does not need very powerful specifications to run. Regular Windows OS laptops will be more powerful than required for Cricut, making them ideal picks for crafts and more.

Compatibility with Cricut

If you are on a budget or need a fully portable device, Cricut Design Space is still compatible with smartphones. Windows 8 and above, preferably Windows 10, provides the best operating system. Therefore, Windows 8 is the minimum OS you can use with Cricut Maker.

It is, however, important to note that you can run the software on both the Mac and Windows operating systems. Chromebooks or ChromeOS and Windows S models are not recommended for Cricut.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Cricut software does not require complex graphic processing. However, a dedicated GPU will provide better performance and user experience when working with complex images.

For the best user experience, we recommend an integrated GPU like the Intel Iris Xe or an AMD Vega. For more powerful tasks, a dedicated GPU like the NVIDIA GeForce MX series is ideal.

Processing power

Processing power is not too demanding. A newly released processor version, such as an Intel Core i5, i7, or equivalent AMD processor, is required for a Cricut laptop.

For future improvements, you can consider an AMD Ryzen 7 processor. You will need a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, which will ensure the laptop runs without lag, even when multitasking. A fast processor is important for running Cricut software.

Storage Space

Cricut Design Space is not a very big application. Also, the design files on the application are relatively small-sized. To install Cricut applications, a minimum of 2 GB of free disk space is needed. This is on your C disk, or where you will store your software. Additionally, you will need some space where you can store your files for future reference. A minimum of 256 GB of storage space is required.

Display

For most graphic design requirements, a 13 to 15-inch screen and above is recommended. This is a comfortable view to work on without strain or needless zooming. For screen resolution, most laptops qualify because anywhere from 1024 pixels to 768 pixels will work well.

Connectivity

You have to move files from the USB port to your laptop and back. You, therefore, need to consider the laptop’s ability to connect to external storage and displays, Bluetooth, USB 3.0 ports, USB-C, and HDMI. Bluetooth and USB connections are best recommended for Craftworks.

Laptop Requirements for Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker

For the best experience, we recommend laptops with Windows or Mac operating systems. For Windows, choose Windows 8 OS or 10 and above. Avoid Chromebooks and Windows OS by all means because they are both incompatible.

Choose an Intel Core i3 and above or AMD Ryzen and its equivalent with a minimum of 4 GB RAM. For optimal performance, consider 8 GB to 16 GB of RAM.

A dedicated GPU is recommended to boost the display and performance. You will only need 3 GB of storage space and above because the files needed for crafts are not too big.

Cricut Compatibility

Laptops and desktop computers are perfect for Cricut. If you are a beginner, you may be wondering if there are other devices you can use for your crafts if you cannot afford a computer.

A tablet is the best alternative to run Cricut machines. It provides both powerful performance just like a laptop and additional portability. Sometimes, you can encounter challenges when running complex software like Illustrator or InDesign. Luckily, the Cricut Design Space application will run without issues on most tablets.

Although mobile phones and smartphones can be used to send files to Cricut, they are limited when it comes to editing capabilities. Therefore, we only recommend laptops, computers, and tablets for Cricut.

We recommend: Dell XPS 15

Frequently Asked Questions