There are a number of devices you can use with Cricut design Space to create crafts. A laptop device is one of the best devices that is compatible with Cricut Makers. Many Crafters are not sure what aspects and device power to consider for Cricut Laptops.
The Best Laptop for Cricut Design Space does not need to be too complex or powerful when it comes to its overall power and specifications. Consider a laptop with 4 GB to 8 GB RAM, combined with a modern processor like the Intel Core i5. A weaker processor will still work perfectly because the software does not require too much power.
For example, the older Intel Core i3 processor on the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i will provide adequate power to produce your designs without problems. We however 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. Such processing power and a medium sized screen at around 14 inches and at least 128 GB storage will be perfect to create your crafts and design.
| Feature | Acer Aspire 5 | Dell XPS 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches | 15.6 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 Pixels | 1920 × 1080 Pixels or 3840 × 2400 Pixels |
| Screen Brightness | 261 nits | 500 nits |
| Screen Type | Widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display | OLED screen type |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i5 to Core i9 |
| Graphics Processor | AMD Radeon Vega 3 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 |
| Color Gamut | 57% sRGB | sRGB 100% |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB SSD | 1 TB |
| Battery Life | 7.5 hours | 11.5 hours |
| Connectivity | 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port, 2 USB 2.0 Ports, 1 HDMI Port with HDCP support | 2 Thunderbolt 3 Ports, 2 USB 3.0 Ports, 1 HDMI Port, USB-C Port, Dual-Band Wireless, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| OS | Windows 10 or Windows 11 | Windows 10 or Windows 11 |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes |
| SD Card Reader | No | Yes |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Laptop Requirements for Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker
For the best experience, we recommend laptops with Windows or Mac operating system. 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 RAM. A dedicated GPU is recommended to boost the display and performance. You will only need 3 GB storage space and above because the files needed for Crafts are not too big.
The 10 Best laptops for Cricut Design Space
- Acer Aspire 5: Best Under 500$
- Dell XPS 15: best overall
- Asus Vivobook S14: Best laptop for Cricut maker 3
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: cheapest laptop for cricut maker
- MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1, 2021): best MacBook
- MacBook Air (M1, 2020): A good laptop for cricut
- HP Pavilion X360 14: The Best for Cricut Explore Air 2
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9: The best 2-in-1 laptop
- Asus Zenbook Duo 14: Double Display screens
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3: Best Budget
Acer Aspire 5: Best laptop for Cricut under $500
- Screen: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 1920×1080 Pixels
- Screen 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
- Color Gamut: 57% sign
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage Space: 128 GB SSD
- Battery Life: 7.5 hours
- Connectivity: 1 – USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port, 2 – USB 2.0 Ports, 1 – HDMI Port with HDCP support
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. Here are some of its features.
Pros
- Powerful Processor
- Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse design
- Affordable Price
- Upgradable RAM and Storage
Cons
- Low brightness and Color Richness
- Low RAM
Dell XPS 15: best Overall
- RAM: 8 GB
- Screen Size: 15.6-inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels or 3,840 x 2,400
- Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports
- OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11
- Storage: 1 TB
- Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-Intel Core i9
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3 Port, 2 USB 3.0, 1x HDMI Port, Dual-Band Wireless, Bluetooth 4.1, USB-C port
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Backlit Keyboard
- SD card reader
- An audio jack
- 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.
Pros
- Fast Performance
- Long Battery Life
- High Resolution both HD and 4K options
Cons
- Expensive
- More than you need
Asus Vivobook S14
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Display Type: Glossy FHD IPS
- Processor: Intel Core i3
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated)
- RAM: 8 to 16 GB DDR
- Storage: 512 GB PCIe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home (S Mode, upgradeable to full Windows 11 Home)
- Webcam: 720 p
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 1 x USB Type-C 3.2, 1 x USB-A 2.0, 2 x USB-A 3.2, 1 x HDMI
- Fingerprint Reader: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Design: Thin & Light (0.78 inches thick)
- Special Features: 180° Hinge for flexibility
For those who love a Windows system-run laptop, the Asus Vivobook S14 is our top pick as the best Windows laptop for Cricut. It comes with a large 14-inch screen, a 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, and a 16:9 aspect ratio.
It runs on a powerful 11th-generation Intel Core i5 with an Intel Core i7 alternative for more power. Additionally, you will have 2 options of RAM, either 8 GB or 16 GB, both larger than the basic 4 GB size required.
Pros
- Large 14-inch screen, a 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution
- Long 10 hours Battery Life
- Thin & Light body
- Large 16 GB RAM with a powerful processor
- Many connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 1 x USB Type-C 3.2, 1 x USB-A 2.0, 2 x USB-A 3.2, 1 x HDMI
Cons
- A gloss FHD IPS can cause reflectiveness problems. Matte finished screens are more prefered
- Comes with an incompatible Windows S but is upgradable to Windows 11 Home
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
- Connectivity: 2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A, USB 2.0 Type-A, HDMI, Headphone and Microphone port
- 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 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 touch pad just below the keyboard. Unfortunately, the keyboard is not back lit.
Pros
- Affordable price range
- Long battery life
- Ergonomically designed keyboard
- Sensitive touch pad
- Large and clear full HD screen
- Large RAM Memory
- Upgradable RAM and storage
Cons
- No backlit keyboard
- The Intel Core i3 processor is not so powerful
MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1, 2021) – best MacBook
- Screen Size: 14-inch
- Screen Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 Pixels
- Operating system: MACOS Big Sur
- Processor: Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max
- RAM: 8 GB to 64 GB Unified
- 30-core GPU
- Storage: 8 TB SSD storage
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt, USB-C, HDMI
- Battery Life: 17 hours
Although the screen size on the MacBook Pro 14-inch is so far one of the smallest at 13.3 inches, it makes up for it with a large 2,560 x 1,600 screen resolution that is one of the best of all reviewed devices so far.
The Apple M1 is one of the best processors on the market today. Additionally, just like most Mac laptops, the laptop has a cool and sleek body. Although the screen size on the MacBook Pro 14-inch is so far one of the smallest at 13.3 inches, it makes up for it with a large 2,560 x 1,600 screen resolution that is one of the best of all reviewed devices so far.
The Apple M1 is one of the best processors on the market today. Additionally, just like most Mac laptops, the laptop has a cool and sleek body. This laptop is, however, not cheap, and its premium features come at a price.
If you prefer the MAC OS instead of a Windows PC, it is possible to get a budget option. The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is your best choice. It the best-value MacBook Laptop you can use for Cricut Maker.
Pros
- Powerful processor
- Large 8 GB to 64 GB RAM
- Perfect calibrated screen
- Good Keyboard and Mouse Pad design
- 8 TB of superfast SSD storage
- Six-speaker sound with noise – cancelling woofers
- Backlit Magic Keyboard with Force Touch trackpad
- 17 hours of battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- Non Upgradable RAM and Storage
MacBook Air (M1, 2020) – Longest battery life
- Screen Size: 13.3 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 by 1600 pixels
- RAM: 8 GB
- Memory: 256 GB SSD Storage
- Processor: Apple M1 chip
- Backlit Keyboard
- FaceTime HD Camera
- Touch ID
- Compatible with iPhone/iPad
- 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 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 hours 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 touch pad 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 intense applications, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) and MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1, 2021) are your best options.
Pros
- Large screen with 2560 by 1600 pixels resolution
- Powerful 8 Core M1 Processor with a large 8 GB RAM
- Backlit Keyboard
- Long 18 hours of battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- None upgradable RAM and storage
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 hours Battery Life which is perfect for portability. Unfortunately the Win 11 Home in S Mode is not the best for professional work.
Pros
- Affordable Pricing
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Powerful processor and RAM
- 11 hours battery life
Cons
- Low resolution
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: The best 2-in-1 laptop
- Screen Size: 13-inch
- Resolution: 2880 x 1920 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
- RAM: 8, 16, and 32 GB options
- Processor: Intel Core i5 and i7
- Operating system: Windows 11
- Connectivity: USB-C, USB-A, and Connect ports
- An audio jack
- SDXC card reader
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 option. 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.
Pros
- Powerful processor and RAM
- Cricut works on both laptop mode
- Nice high quality display
- Windows operating system
Cons
- Expensive
- Pen bought separate
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3: 2 in 1 Laptop alternative
- Screen Size: 12.4 inches
- Resolution: 1536 x 1024 pixels
- Touchscreen Support
- RAM: 8 and 16 GB options
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- Operating system: Windows 11
- Connectivity: USB-C, USB-A
- Audio jack
- Surface Connect
If you are looking for a budget 2-in-1 laptop, the older Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a perfect pick. For its affordable price range, this laptop is surprising sturdy and durable.
It packs powerful features that will enable you to perform many professional tasks, not just create simple crafts on Cricut. For the working area, you will have a large 12.4-inch screen with a resolution of 1536 x 1024 pixels.
The resolution might be a little lower than many other Microsoft Surface laptops, but it is good enough for its price range. Touch-screen sensitivities on the massive screen and keyboard compatibility enable you to either use this device as a portable laptop, as per your choice.
The Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB of RAM are not as good as the Core i7 and 16 GB of RAM on the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, but they will be more powerful than any Cricut Maker version requirements.
You will, however, experience lag if you choose to use it to edit videos or animate. Although it has an audio jack like its bigger Surface Pro 9 brother, it is highly limited in terms of connectivity.
It only features 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A, and 1 slot for Surface Connect. It also has 2 USB-A, 2 Surface Connect ports, and an SDXC card reader. Overall, it is a nice and affordable budget option with a long 15-hour battery life and 2-in-1 laptop capability.
Pros
- Affordable Price Range
- Long battery life
- Touch screen display
- 2 in 1 laptop flip option at 360 degrees
- Windows OS
Cons
- Slower processor compared to Surface Pro 9
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 set ups. 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.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Superb body build
- Good battery life
- Comes with stylus
- Great speaker
- Has dual 4 Thunderbolt ports
- Comfortable Backlit keyboard
Cons
- Only one USB port
- Glossy screen display is subject to reflective issues
How to choose the best laptop for Cricut Maker
The most ideal laptop choice Explore Air 2, Cricut Maker 3, or even Explore 3 does not need very powerful specifications to run. Basically, 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 model is not recommended for Cricut.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Cricut software does not require complex graphic processing. However, a dedicated GPU will provide a 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 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 lags, even when multitasking. A fast processor is important to smoothly run Cricut Software.
Storage Space
Cricut Design Space is not a very big application. Also, the design files on the application are also 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 Craft works.
What is the Best Computer for Cricut?
| Laptop | Rating | Price |
| Acer Aspire 5 | Best under $500 | Check Price |
| Dell XPS 15 | Best overall | Check Price |
| Asus Vivobook S14 | Best for Cricut maker 3 | Check Price |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: | Cheapest laptop | Check Price |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch | Most Powerful | Check Price |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best laptop to use with Cricut?
Cricut Maker is not a heavy program. Any laptop that runs Windows and Mac operating systems will easily run Cricut. For optimal performance, we recommend a laptop with specs such as a newly released processor version such as the Core i5 or i7 and 4 GB of RAM. For file storage 256 GB will be more than enough to install the application and save very many files. This is because most Cricut Project files are quite small in size. From our research, we found the Dell XPS 15 to be the best overall option.
Do you need a laptop to use a Cricut?
Yes, you need a laptop to use a Cricut cutting machine effectively. While the Cricut machine itself is a standalone device, it relies on laptop software to design, customize, and control the cutting process.
Can you use Chromebooks work with Cricut?
Cricut Design Space does not work with Chromebooks. This is because Chromebooks, unlike Windows or Android devices run on an online ChromeOS. However, in new Chromebook versions, you can have Google Play Store compatibility enabled. To use Cricut, download Android version of Cricut Maker and connect to it over Bluetooth.
Which laptops are compatible with Cricut?
Laptops that are compatible with Cricut require a large RAM anywhere from 4 GB and above. If you are on a budget, the Acer Aspire and Lenovo Idea Pad are your best options. The Dell XPS 15 is the best computer that you can buy. Other powerful laptops worth mentioning include the HP Pavilion X360 14 and Microsoft Surface Pro 9.
Can you use Cricut with Mobile Phones?
Yes, it is possible to use your Phone for Cricut. It is compatible with both iPhones and Android OS smartphones. Despite smppth compatibility, you can only use Phones and iPhones for basic editing but not in the long run.