9+ Best Laptop for Cricut Explore and Maker 2021 | Unrivaled Guide & Products Overview

Most modern laptops can work with the Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker machines. However, compatibility does not always mean that you will get the best possible performance.

Cricuts are a brilliant tool for crafters, providing them with a variety of functions that help cut different shapes and designs with expert precision. Having a laptop that can work well with Cricut devices and software will give you the tools you need to create professional results.

There are so many different laptops available on the market, and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. When it comes to the best laptops, it’s the interior that counts. They all have different specifications and features that make them ideal for various functions.

This guide will explain all the specifications and features of the best laptops available that will work with the Cricut Explore and Maker.

Best Laptop for Cricut Explore and Maker

Cricut Explore and Maker are two of the highest-rated electronic cutting machines on the market. To help you make the best decision and save you some time, here is a list of the best laptops available to use with Cricut Explore and Maker.

In a hurry?
If you’re in a rush to make a purchase and don’t have time to do your research, we’ve revealed our best option to save you time here. Our best option is the Acer Predator Helios 300.

Best Laptop for Cricut Maker | Comparison Table 2021

Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

9+ Top Laptop for Cricut Explore | 2021 Products Overview

Product Overview:

The HP Stream 14″ HD is a laptop computer that features a 1366×768 display with an Intel Celeron N4000 Dual-Core Processor. It comes with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage, making it suitable for light use such as web browsing, email, and basic office applications.

The laptop is designed in a royal blue color and has been renewed, which means that it has been professionally inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers. It may have minimal scratches or dents, but the product works and looks like new. Additionally, the battery has at least 80% capacity, and the laptop comes with a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee.

The HP Stream 14″ HD runs on Windows 10 S operating system, which is a streamlined version of Windows 10 that is designed for security and performance. The laptop has an integrated Intel HD Graphics 400 coprocessor, which is suitable for light gaming and video playback.

In terms of connectivity, the HP Stream 14″ HD comes with two USB ports, HDMI, WiFi, and Bluetooth. It also features a webcam for video conferencing and has a resolution of 720p. The laptop is Climate Pledge Friendly, meaning that it has been certified by Amazon to have a reduced carbon footprint.

Product Overview:

The LG Gram 16Z90P Laptop is an ultra-lightweight and powerful device, designed for high-performance computing and productivity. With a 16-inch WQXGA IPS LCD screen featuring a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio, the laptop provides an immersive visual experience with DCI-P3 99% color expression. This makes it perfect for content creation, video editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks.

The laptop is powered by the 11th generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor with Intel Xe Graphics, which delivers exceptional performance for high-resolution content creation, editing, and other demanding computing tasks. The processor is part of Intel's Evo platform, which ensures the laptop meets high standards for responsiveness, battery life, and portability.

The device comes with 16GB LPDDR4X 4266MHz RAM, which provides fast and efficient performance for memory-intensive tasks such as video editing and multitasking. The laptop is also equipped with a 1TB PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD for reliable storage that is accessible in a flash, ensuring that your files and documents are always readily available.

The LG Gram 16Z90P Laptop has a range of connectivity options, including two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, two USB-A 3.2 ports, a full-size HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The Thunderbolt 4 ports provide fast data transfer and charging capabilities, while the USB-A 3.2 ports are ideal for connecting to external devices such as printers, scanners, and external hard drives.

Product Overview:

The 2018 Newest Premium High Performance HP Laptop PC is a sleek and stylish device that comes in a vibrant red color, making it an eye-catching addition to your tech collection. This laptop boasts a 15.6-inch diagonal HD BrightView WLED-backlit display with a resolution of 1366x768, which produces millions of vibrant colors to provide solid visuals every time. The laptop also comes with a full-size island-style keyboard with a numeric keypad, and a touchpad supporting multi-touch gestures without an on/off button.

This device is powered by a 2.16GHz Intel Pentium N3540 Quad-Core Processor with turbo boost up to 2.66GHz, and it is supported by 4GB DDR3L SDRAM memory with 1 DIMM, and a 500GB 5400RPM hard drive. It also features a SuperMulti DVD burner, 1x1 802.11b/g/n WLAN, integrated 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet LAN, and a multi-format digital media card reader. The laptop also has 2 SuperSpeed USB 3.0, 1 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0, 1 HDMI, 1 RJ-45 (LAN), and 1 headphone-out/microphone-in combo jack. The HD Audio with stereo speakers provides excellent sound quality for watching movies or listening to music.

This laptop runs on Windows 10 Home (64-bit), making it easy to navigate through various applications and perform tasks efficiently. It comes with a 45W AC adapter, a 3-cell 31WHr 2.8Ah lithium-ion polymer battery, and has a size of 0.89 in (H) x 15.18 in (W) x 10.16 in (D), with a weight of 5.05 lb. The laptop is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around, and its turbo silver color gives it a modern and sophisticated look.

Overall, the HP Turbo Silver 15.6" Laptop PC is an ideal device for those who need a reliable and efficient laptop for their online work. Its ultra-reliable Intel Pentium N3540 processor and burst frequency of up to 2.66GHz enhance the CPU's power for moments when you need more performance than usual. Although currently unavailable, this laptop offers a solid performance and a range of features that make it an excellent choice for those seeking a functional and stylish laptop.

Product Overview:

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is a powerful and sleek device designed to deliver optimal performance and convenience. It has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and LED backlighting, providing clear and vivid visuals. The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor, which can operate at speeds up to 3.5GHz, and the integrated AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics enable the laptop to handle demanding applications with ease.

The laptop comes with 4GB of DDR4 memory and a 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD that provides fast boot-up and load times. It has a backlit keyboard that allows you to work in low light conditions, and the touchpad supports multi-gesture input. The device also features a 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and 1 HDMI port with HDCP support, which provide seamless connectivity to various peripherals and external displays.

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and has a battery life of up to 7.5 hours, ensuring that you can work on-the-go without worrying about the battery life. The laptop runs on Windows 10 Home, but it comes with Windows 10 in S mode, which provides additional security by only allowing apps from the Microsoft Store to be installed. The maximum power supply wattage is 65 Watts, which is adequate for normal usage.

In terms of design, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop has a sleek silver finish and a slim profile that makes it portable and easy to carry. It also comes with various bundle options, including a bag bundle, dock bundle, and mouse bundle, to provide added convenience for users. Please note that products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US, and this product may require an adapter or converter for use in other countries.

In summary, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is a versatile device that combines performance and convenience, making it ideal for both personal and professional use. Its powerful AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor, clear Full HD IPS display, fast SSD, and multiple connectivity options make it a reliable device for various applications.

Product Overview:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 Laptop is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a reliable and efficient computer for everyday use. Powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor with Radeon Vega 3 graphics, this laptop offers excellent multi-core processing power, making it ideal for getting more done faster, in several applications at once. It is built for entertainment, multitasking and privacy, making it perfect for students, home users, and business professionals alike.

The laptop boasts a 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) display with narrow side bezels, making it easy on the eyes and perfect for streaming videos, playing games, or doing work. The Dolby Audio feature ensures great sound quality and crystal-clear audio for all your entertainment needs.

The device is equipped with 128 GB SSD M.2 NVMe storage and 4 GB DDR4 memory, ensuring fast and smooth performance. The pre-installed Windows 10 operating system ensures that you have access to all the latest features and updates.

Privacy is also a top priority with this laptop, as it features a physical shutter on the webcam, allowing you to keep your privacy intact when not in use. This laptop also boasts a variety of connectivity options, including 2x2 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 ac/ac(LC)), Bluetooth 4.1, webcam with microphone, 3 USB ports, HDMI, and an SD card reader.

This laptop is available in Business Black color and comes in different styles. Additionally, it is sold with a laptop bag to ensure safe and easy transport. Please note that this laptop is designed for use in the US, and international users may require an adapter or converter to use it in their destination.

Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 Laptop is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable laptop for everyday use. It offers a perfect balance between performance, features, and price, making it an excellent value for money option.

Product Overview:

The ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop is a sleek and stylish device that features a 15.6 inch Full HD 4-way NanoEdge bezel display with a stunning 88% screen-to-body ratio, giving you a wide and immersive viewing experience. The laptop comes in Slate Gray color, which adds to its premium look.

Under the hood, the laptop is powered by the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU (4M Cache, up to 3.4 GHz) which delivers exceptional performance for daily computing tasks such as web browsing, office work, and media consumption. The laptop also features 8GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, which provides enough storage for your files and helps to boost the overall system performance.

The laptop's ergonomic backlit keyboard with fingerprint sensor activated via Windows Hello adds an extra layer of security and convenience, making it easy for you to log in without typing passwords. The exclusive Ergolift design of the laptop raises the keyboard to an improved typing position, reducing discomfort and fatigue during long typing sessions.

The ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop also features comprehensive connections including USB 3.2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Type-A, USB 2.0, and HDMI, enabling you to connect to multiple devices with ease. The laptop also has Gigabit Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which ensures fast internet connectivity for your online activities.

Product Overview:

The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop (2021 Latest Model) is a mid-range laptop that boasts of decent specifications and features. This laptop comes with a 15.6-inch HD anti-glare LED-backlit display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. The screen has a narrow border design that maximizes the viewing area, providing an immersive experience. The laptop is available in a Snowflake color and is fitted with a sleek design that makes it visually appealing.

Under the hood, this Dell laptop is powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 1.1GHz dual-core processor with 4MB Cache. The processor can clock up to 2.8GHz and offers fast and responsive performance. The device is equipped with 8GB RAM, which delivers smooth multitasking performance, and 256GB SSD storage, which offers significantly faster read and write speeds than traditional hard drives.

The laptop features an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 graphics coprocessor that delivers impressive visuals, making it suitable for light gaming, photo editing, and other graphic-intensive tasks. The laptop runs on the Windows 10 Home operating system that comes pre-installed, providing an intuitive user interface with many useful features.

This Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop is also equipped with a built-in webcam, making it ideal for video calls, online classes, and remote work. The laptop has a wide range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling seamless data transfer and internet connectivity. It also comes with an HDMI port that can be used to connect to external displays.

Product Overview:

The HP Pavilion x360 14” Touchscreen Laptop (model number 14-dw1024nr) is a versatile device designed for work and entertainment. This laptop features an 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of SSD storage, making it capable of handling multiple applications at once with ease. The device runs on the Windows 10 Home operating system, with a free upgrade to Windows 11 when available.

One of the highlights of this laptop is its vibrant 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) multitouch-enabled display, which is designed with edge-to-edge glass. The display offers crisp and clear visuals, making it suitable for streaming movies, working on presentations, or editing photos and videos. The laptop is also equipped with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, which provides stunning visual performance.

The HP Pavilion x360 14” is designed to offer a seamless user experience, with up to 10 hours and 45 minutes of battery life, ensuring that you can work or stream for an extended period. Additionally, the laptop features HP Fast Charge technology that takes the battery from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes.

The laptop features built-in dual speakers and audio from B&O, providing an immersive audio experience. The device also includes Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 combo for fast and stable wireless connectivity, making it ideal for remote work and learning. The laptop is also ENERGY STAR certified and EPEAT Silver registered, indicating that it is built with energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in mind.

Product Overview:

The MSI Prestige 14 Evo Professional Laptop is a sleek and powerful device designed for professionals on the go. It boasts an ultra-thin and light aluminum chassis in a stylish Carbon Gray color, with a 14" FHD Ultra-Thin Bezel Display that delivers stunning visuals. The laptop is verified by the Intel Evo platform, which guarantees an exceptional experience by combining performance, responsiveness, battery life, and stunning visuals in a sleek, stylish design.

The laptop is equipped with an 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, which deliver heavyweight performance with lightweight portability. This makes it easy for professionals to stay in the flow, no matter where they go. With 16GB of RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, the device offers fast and efficient storage for all your important files, applications, and programs.

The Prestige 14 Evo is designed for the future with a 180-degree hinge that makes it easy to share your content and ideas with others. It also has a Micro SD Card reader paired with multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports that support power delivery through ports for quick charge to devices, transfer data at 40Gbps, and connect to multiple displays and peripherals.

The device runs on Windows 10 Home and features modern security options such as Windows Hello, which allows users to sign in with their face or fingerprint, ensuring faster and more secure access to the laptop. The device is also compatible with the latest FIDO 2 authentication, offering a password-free experience on supported web services.

Overall, the MSI Prestige 14 Evo Professional Laptop is a powerful and stylish device that is perfect for professionals on the go. Its combination of performance, portability, and modern features makes it a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient device for their work.

Buyer’s Guide to the Best Laptop for Cricut Explore and Maker

Choosing the best laptop to use with your Cricut Explore or Maker is not an easy task without all the necessary information. There are many different laptops available on the market, and not all of them will be suitable for what you are looking for.

One aspect of a laptop that you will need to consider is its processor, also known as the CPU. A processor is an essential component of any laptop, as it provides the processing power that the laptop needs to function. The more powerful your processor, the faster you can complete tasks and run programs. If you are only using your laptop for Cricut software, you can go for a laptop that has a moderately good processor.

However, if you plan to use other programs such as Adobe Illustrator for design work, you may need a better processor that can handle the program more efficiently. An inexpensive processor may work, but a better one will run smoother. The last thing you want is to buy a new laptop and find that it can't run the software you need to use properly.

Another component that must be considered is memory or RAM. If you are working with several programs at the same time, or have a lot of things open on your laptop, you will need a greater amount of memory.

The Cricut itself requires your laptop to have at least 4GB of RAM to function, but ideally, you should aim for an amount higher than the minimum. This will allow you to run more applications at the same time. Some laptops allow you to upgrade the amount of RAM, so you can get one with 4GB and add more if you need.

The screen should also be adequate, especially if you are using your laptop to design before using the Cricut. The screen resolution is likely to exceed the minimum requirements of 1024px x 769px for Cricut.

Screen resolution is the number of pixels on the screen, and the higher the number of pixels, the better the quality. You should consider a high-definition display as this will make your designs more accurate when translating from one display to another.

The amount of storage you will need for your laptop will depend on how much you need to keep on the drive. A solid-state drive, commonly known as an SSD, will perform better than an HDD. You will be able to access files and start your laptop much faster.

It's worth noting that photos take up a lot of space, and if you download a lot of graphics to cut with your Cricut, you'll need more storage space. You can also use an external hard drive that connects to your laptop through a USB port if you run out of space, but it's often easier to have everything stored in one place on your laptop.

Connectivity is essential in order to connect your laptop to your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker. You will need an available USB port or a Bluetooth connection. The newer USB 3.0 can provide faster and more reliable connectivity.

If you don't plan to sit with your laptop plugged in and charged all day, then you need to consider how long the battery is going to last. This is especially important if you want to take your laptop with you, as you may not always have access to a socket to charge the battery. You should consider a laptop with a battery that lasts a long time and can also be charged quickly.

Frequent questions

What is a 2-in-1 laptop?

A 2-in-1 laptop is a device that works as both a laptop and a tablet. They usually have a detachable screen that can be used as a tablet, or they are convertible and can be folded into a tablet.

Can I use a Chromebook with my Cricut?

The quick answer to this question is no. Cricut Design Space requires a Windows or Mac operating system to function when used on a laptop. Chromebooks run on Google's own operating system, which is not compatible with the program you need to use for your Cricut.

Do I need Internet access to use my Cricut?

If you are using the layout space on your laptop, you will need a good internet connection. However, Cricut is currently working on an offline version for desktop computers.

Last words

In today's world of computers, a good printer can go a long way. Even if you're not someone who uses it a lot, a solid machine can quickly improve what you can do with Cricut. The above printers aren't just amazing standalone machines, they go the extra mile and help bring your designs to life.

What printer do you use with Cricut? What properties does it have that similar machines do not have? Let us know below!