Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 -- Best Overall for Cricut Design Space
The MacBook Air M3 loads Design Space faster than most Windows laptops at twice the price. The fanless design means it runs completely silent, which matters in quiet crafting spaces. Bluetooth 5.3 maintains a stable connection to the Explore Air 2 even across a standard-size room. The 8 GB of unified memory handles complex multi-layer designs without canvas lag. MacOS does not allow cutting machines to connect via USB on some design space versions, so wireless via Bluetooth is the primary workflow here. Battery easily covers a full day of crafting without reaching for a charger.
Check price on Amazon →Best laptops and desktops for running Cricut Design Space with a Cricut Explore Air 2. Picks focus on stable Bluetooth, adequate RAM, and fast app loading for uninterrupted cutting sessions.
Cricut Design Space is not a demanding application, but a slow or unstable computer creates real frustration mid-project. App crashes while cutting a detailed SVG, laggy canvas response when rotating layered designs, or Bluetooth dropouts that leave the Explore Air 2 mid-cut are all solvable with the right machine. These five picks cover the range from chromebook simplicity to Windows workhorse, all verified to run Design Space reliably.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 | Silent, fast, reliable Bluetooth | 4.8/5 |
| Acer Chromebook Plus 515 | Budget pick for Design Space | 4.5/5 |
| Dell Inspiron 15 (Intel Core i5) | Affordable Windows option | 4.4/5 |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 11 | Touchscreen flexibility | 4.4/5 |
| HP Envy x360 15 | Versatile 2-in-1 for craft tables | 4.3/5 |
Our testing process
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 -- Best Overall for Cricut Design Space | Check price | ||
| Acer Chromebook Plus 515 -- Best Budget Pick | Check price | ||
| Dell Inspiron 15 Intel Core i5 -- Best Affordable Windows Laptop | Check price | ||
| Microsoft Surface Pro 11 -- Best Touchscreen Option | Check price | ||
| HP Envy x360 15 -- Best 2-in-1 for Craft Tables | Check price |
Reviewed in detail
Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 -- Best Overall for Cricut Design Space
The MacBook Air M3 loads Design Space faster than most Windows laptops at twice the price. The fanless design means it runs completely silent, which matters in quiet crafting spaces. Bluetooth 5.3 maintains a stable connection to the Explore Air 2 even across a standard-size room. The 8 GB of unified memory handles complex multi-layer designs without canvas lag. MacOS does not allow cutting machines to connect via USB on some design space versions, so wireless via Bluetooth is the primary workflow here. Battery easily covers a full day of crafting without reaching for a charger.
Acer Chromebook Plus 515 -- Best Budget Pick
The Chromebook Plus 515 runs Design Space through the Android app reliably on its Intel Core i3 N-series processor with 8 GB RAM. Acer's Plus designation means it meets Google's higher performance standards for Chromebook Plus devices, which includes faster startup and smoother app performance. Bluetooth connectivity works without configuration. At it is the most affordable reliable option for dedicated Cricut use. The 15.6-inch FHD display gives enough canvas space to work on intricate cut files. Chrome OS receives updates automatically, which keeps Design Space compatibility current.
Dell Inspiron 15 Intel Core i5 -- Best Affordable Windows Laptop
The Inspiron 15 with a 12th or 13th Gen Core i5 and 16 GB RAM runs Design Space natively on Windows without the Android app layer Chromebook users deal with. Native Windows support gives access to the full desktop version of Design Space, including features that the Android app occasionally lacks. USB connectivity works alongside Bluetooth, giving a backup connection method. The build is plastic and light, suited for moving between a craft room and other spaces. Dell frequently discounts this line, making it available during sales.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 -- Best Touchscreen Option
Design Space works well with touch input for tasks like resizing images and scrolling the canvas, and the Surface Pro 11's 13-inch touchscreen makes the workflow feel more direct. The Snapdragon X Elite processor handles Design Space without hesitation. Kickstand and optional keyboard make it adaptable on a craft table where a traditional laptop form factor is awkward. Bluetooth 5.4 connects reliably to the Explore Air 2. The higher price is justified only if touch-first workflow is genuinely important to how you design.
HP Envy x360 15 -- Best 2-in-1 for Craft Tables
The Envy x360 folds flat into tablet mode, useful for tracing reference images directly on screen with the HP stylus. AMD Ryzen 7 and 16 GB RAM handle Design Space with room to spare. The 15.6-inch OLED display renders cut lines and layer colors accurately, which reduces misaligned cuts from color-matching errors. Battery life is solid at 10-12 hours. The hinge is robust and has not shown loosening issues in extended use. Windows 11 native Design Space runs cleanly on this configuration.
How to choose
What to consider
Cricut Design Space is lightweight enough that almost any modern computer works, but a few specifics matter. Aim for at least 8 GB of RAM to prevent canvas lag with complex designs. Stable Bluetooth is non-negotiable: check reviews specifically for Bluetooth reliability before buying a budget machine. If you use USB instead of Bluetooth, confirm the laptop has a standard USB-A port or a reliable USB-C adapter. Screen size affects usability: 13 inches is the minimum comfortable size for working with layered SVG files, and 15 inches gives more room to see the full canvas. Operating system choice comes down to whether you want the full desktop Design Space (macOS or Windows) or are comfortable with the Android app (Chromebook).
What to consider
For help with design files themselves, see our guide to the [best drawing tablets for beginners](/articles/best-drawing-tablet-for-beginners). If you want to expand beyond the Explore Air 2, our [best Cricut machines comparison](/articles/best-cricut-machine) covers the full lineup. Our [methodology page](/methodology) explains how we select and rank products.
Common questions
Cricut recommends at least 4 GB RAM, a 2.0 GHz dual-core processor, and 2 GB of free disk space. In practice, 8 GB RAM prevents Design Space from slowing down when working with layered SVG files or multiple cut jobs queued. A stable Bluetooth 4.0 connection is required for wireless cutting with the Explore Air 2.
Yes, if the Chromebook supports Android apps from the Google Play Store. Design Space runs through the Android app on compatible Chromebooks. Performance depends on the Chromebook's processor and RAM; aim for at least 4 GB RAM and a recent Intel or MediaTek chip. Not all Chromebook models support Android apps, so verify compatibility before purchasing.
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that real-world technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
