Sticker making is one of the most popular reasons people buy a Cricut machine, and for good reason. With the Print Then Cut workflow you can design full-color artwork, print it on printable sticker paper, then send the sheet through your Cricut to kiss-cut each sticker with pixel-perfect accuracy - no scissors required. The key is pairing the right machine with the right paper. Here are the five best Cricut machines for making stickers in 2026.
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricut Explore Air 3 | Everyday sticker sheet production | $250-$300 | ★★★★★ |
| Cricut Maker 3 | High-volume and specialty sticker materials | $370-$430 | ★★★★★ |
| Cricut Joy Xtra | Compact sticker making up to 8.5 inches | $120-$150 | ★★★★☆ |
| Cricut Explore Air 2 | Budget sticker maker | $150-$200 | ★★★★☆ |
| Cricut Explore 3 | Mid-range speed and precision | $200-$250 | ★★★★☆ |
1. Cricut Explore Air 3 - Best for Sticker Sheets
The Cricut Explore Air 3 is the definitive sticker-making machine for home crafters. Its Print Then Cut feature reads registration marks accurately on both matte and glossy sticker paper, and the 12×12 mat accommodates full A4 or letter-size sticker sheets in a single pass. Cut speed is up to 2× faster than older models, meaning you can process a full sticker sheet in under two minutes. Compatible with Cricut’s own printable sticker paper as well as third-party options, it’s the workhorse of any sticker operation.
2. Cricut Maker 3 - Best for High-Volume and Specialty Sticker Materials
If you sell stickers or regularly cut thicker specialty materials like printable waterproof vinyl or textured sticker stock, the Cricut Maker 3 offers greater cutting force and blade versatility. Its Print Then Cut registration is equally accurate to the Explore Air 3, and the machine’s speed and build quality hold up better to daily high-volume production. The knife blade accessory also lets you cut thicker foam sticker sheets that would challenge lesser machines.
3. Cricut Joy Xtra - Best Compact Sticker Maker
The Joy Xtra supports Print Then Cut on sheets up to 8.5 inches wide, making it a legitimate sticker machine in a compact body. It fits neatly on a small desk, and the reduced footprint makes it ideal for crafters with limited workspace. While you can’t process full letter-size sheets, A5-size sticker sheets fit perfectly. This makes it a great secondary machine or the right choice if you primarily make smaller sticker designs.
4. Cricut Explore Air 2 - Best Budget Sticker Machine
The Explore Air 2 supports Print Then Cut on letter-size sheets and cuts standard printable sticker paper reliably. At a lower price than the Air 3, it’s a budget-friendly path into sticker making. The main downsides are slower cut speed and single-tool operation, but for crafters who don’t need high throughput, the Air 2 handles every sticker project just as well as its successor - just a little more slowly.
5. Cricut Explore 3 - Best Mid-Range Option
The Cricut Explore 3 sits between the Air 2 and the Air 3 in the lineup, offering 2× cutting speed and Smart materials support without the wireless-only design of the Air 3. It handles Print Then Cut on full-size sticker sheets with solid registration accuracy and connects via both USB and Bluetooth. For crafters who want faster cuts than the Air 2 but don’t need the full feature set of the Air 3, the Explore 3 is a practical choice.
What to Look For
- Print Then Cut support - Ensure your chosen model supports Print Then Cut; the original Cricut Joy does not.
- Mat size - Full letter-size sticker sheets require a 12×12 mat (Explore and Maker line); the Joy Xtra handles up to 8.5 inches.
- Registration accuracy - All current Explore and Maker machines read registration marks well, but a clean, well-calibrated printer is equally important for tight tolerances.
- Sticker paper compatibility - Test with both Cricut-brand and third-party printable sticker paper; most machines handle both, but glossy sheets may need adjusted blade pressure settings.
Final Thoughts
The Cricut Explore Air 3 is the best all-around choice for making stickers at home, handling full-size sticker sheets quickly and accurately through the Print Then Cut workflow. Pair it with quality printable sticker paper - matte for everyday designs, waterproof vinyl for durability - and you’ll have a sticker-making setup that rivals small print shops. For high-volume production, the Maker 3 adds durability and cutting-force headroom that justifies its higher cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is Print Then Cut on a Cricut machine?+
Print Then Cut is a Cricut Design Space feature that lets you print your design on a home inkjet printer, then feed the printed sheet into your Cricut. The machine reads registration marks and cuts precisely around the printed artwork, creating clean stickers, labels, or iron-on transfers.
What paper should I use for Cricut stickers?+
Printable sticker paper with a permanent adhesive backing is the most popular choice. Matte white sticker paper gives a clean look for most designs, while glossy sticker paper makes colors pop. Waterproof printable vinyl is ideal if your stickers will be used on water bottles, outdoor surfaces, or anywhere moisture is a factor.
Does the Cricut Joy support Print Then Cut?+
No, the original Cricut Joy does not support the Print Then Cut feature. For sticker making you need the Cricut Explore Air 3, Maker 3, Explore Air 2, or Joy Xtra, all of which include the sensor necessary to read the registration marks printed on the sheet.