Crafting with Cricut machines has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing users to create unique and personalized designs for a variety of projects. However, to get the most out of your Cricut machine, you need a reliable laptop that can handle the demands of the software. In this article, we will be discussing the best laptops for Cricut users.
When it comes to choosing a laptop for Cricut, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, you want to make sure that the laptop has a powerful processor and enough RAM to handle the demands of the software. Additionally, a dedicated graphics card can help improve performance when working with complex designs.
Another important consideration is the size and weight of the laptop. Since Cricut projects often involve moving the laptop from one location to another, a lightweight and portable laptop is ideal. Finally, you want to make sure that the laptop has a high-quality display, since this will impact the accuracy of your designs.
After extensive research and testing, we have identified the top laptops for Cricut users. These laptops offer the power, portability, and display quality needed to create amazing designs with your Cricut machine.
Best Laptops for Cricut
We understand that finding the perfect laptop for your Cricut projects can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best laptops for Cricut. Our team has tested and reviewed various models to ensure that we only recommend laptops that can handle the demands of Cricut design software. Below is our list of top picks that will help you take your Cricut projects to the next level.
1. Lenovo Ideapad 3 14″ Laptop
We highly recommend the Lenovo Ideapad 3 14″ Laptop for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable laptop for their Cricut needs.
Pros
- The Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and 20GB DDR4 RAM provide robust performance for running multiple programs and browser tabs at once.
- The upgraded 1TB NVMe SSD offers speedy and seamless performance for storing and opening large files.
- The full HD 14” display with anti-glare technology ensures clear and high-quality images.
Cons
- The USB-C port only supports data transfer and does not support charging or video output.
- The battery life is only 12 hours for local video playback at 1080p.
- The laptop is slightly heavier than other models at 3.1 lbs.
This laptop is a great choice for those who need a powerful and reliable laptop for their Cricut needs. The Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and 20GB DDR4 RAM provide robust performance for running multiple programs and browser tabs at once. The upgraded 1TB NVMe SSD offers speedy and seamless performance for storing and opening large files. The full HD 14” display with anti-glare technology ensures clear and high-quality images. However, the USB-C port only supports data transfer and does not support charging or video output, and the battery life is only 12 hours for local video playback at 1080p. The laptop is slightly heavier than other models at 3.1 lbs, but it’s still portable enough to take on the go.
In conclusion, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 14″ Laptop is a reliable and powerful laptop that is perfect for anyone looking for a laptop for their Cricut needs. With its robust performance, upgraded RAM and storage, and full HD display, this laptop is a great investment for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful laptop for their creative projects.
2. HP Stream Laptop
If you’re looking for a laptop to use with your Cricut, the HP Stream Laptop is a great option.
Pros
- The laptop has a 14.0-inch diagonal, HD BrightView Display that provides an ultra-wide viewing experience for seamless multi-monitor set-ups.
- The Intel Celeron N4000 Processor ensures reliable multitasking with the perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value.
- With 4GB DDR4 RAM and 64GB SSD, the laptop has plenty of high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games as well as multiple programs. The SSD provides enhanced storage capabilities, streamlined data management, quick boot-up times, and support for high-definition video playback.
Cons
- The Intel HD Graphics 600 with shared video memory provide solid image quality, but it may not be sufficient for high-end gaming or graphic design work.
- The laptop comes with Windows 10 S, which limits you to only installing apps from the Microsoft Store. However, you can upgrade to Windows 10 Home for free.
- The laptop only has two USB 3.0 Type A Ports, one USB 3.0 Type C Port, and one HDMI port, which may not be enough for some users.
We found the HP Stream Laptop to be a reliable and affordable option for using with Cricut machines. The laptop’s lightweight design and long battery life make it easy to take on the go. The webcam and media card reader are also convenient features for video conferencing and transferring files. However, if you need a laptop for more demanding tasks, you may want to consider a higher-end model. Overall, we recommend the HP Stream Laptop for its value and performance.
3. Renewed HP 14″ HD Laptop
If you’re looking for an affordable laptop for Cricut, the Renewed HP 14″ HD Laptop is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Bright and clear display
- Comes with Windows 11 installed
Cons
- Limited storage capacity
- Slow processing speed
- Poor battery life
We’ve used this laptop for a few weeks and found it to be a decent choice for basic Cricut projects. The 14″ diagonal HD SVA BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit display provides a clear and bright image, making it easy to see designs and patterns. The full-size island-style keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the front-facing webcam with integrated digital microphone is handy for video calls.
However, the laptop’s limited storage capacity of 64GB eMMC Hard Drive can be a downside, especially if you plan on working with large files. The Intel Celeron N processor is not the fastest, and the laptop can be slow to load and run programs. Additionally, the battery life is not very impressive, lasting only a few hours.
Overall, the Renewed HP 14″ HD Laptop is a budget-friendly option for those who need a laptop for basic Cricut projects. It’s lightweight and portable, has a clear display, and comes with Windows 11 installed. However, if you need a laptop with more storage capacity, faster processing speed, or longer battery life, this may not be the best choice for you.
4. Dell Latitude 5480 14-inch Laptop
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for Cricut, Dell Latitude 5480 is a great option.
Pros
- Fresh install and activated Windows 10 with zero bloatware.
- Fast 6th Generation i5 6300U 2.4Ghz processor.
- 256GB NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD Installed for fast boot and application load times.
Cons
- No dedicated graphics card.
- 8GB DDR4 RAM may not be enough for heavy multitasking.
- 1366×768 resolution may not be enough for some users.
We recently got our hands on the Dell Latitude 5480 14-inch Laptop, and we must say we were impressed by its performance. The laptop features an Intel i5-6300U 2.4GHz processor, with 8GB of RAM, a 256GB Solid State Drive, Webcam, and a Windows 10 Home Operating System. The unit came retail-ready, including a brand new Operating System, functional batteries, and AC Adapter (third-party new or OEM used).
One of the best things about this laptop is that it comes with a fresh install and activated Windows 10 with zero bloatware. Your very own genuine Windows 10 digital license will be applied to the unit. The 6th Generation i5 6300U 2.4Ghz processor is fast and responsive, making it a great option for running Cricut software. The 256GB NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD Installed is also a great addition, providing fast boot and application load times.
However, one downside to this laptop is that it does not come with a dedicated graphics card. This may not be an issue for basic Cricut projects, but for more complex designs, a dedicated graphics card may be necessary. Additionally, 8GB DDR4 RAM may not be enough for heavy multitasking, and the 1366×768 resolution may not be enough for some users.
Overall, the Dell Latitude 5480 14-inch Laptop is a great budget-friendly option for those looking for a laptop for Cricut. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of a high-end laptop, it gets the job done and is backed by a 90-Day Warranty!
5. HP Newest Premium 14-inch Laptop
If you’re looking for an affordable laptop that can handle Cricut software, the HP Newest Premium 14-inch Laptop might be a good option.
Pros
- The Intel Celeron processor provides decent performance for the price.
- The 14-inch HD display is anti-glare and provides good image quality for basic photo editing and casual gaming.
- The laptop comes with 8GB of RAM, which is enough for running multiple programs and browser tabs at once.
Cons
- The storage capacity is limited to 64GB eMMC, which might not be enough for storing large files.
- The laptop doesn’t come with a dedicated graphics card, which might limit its performance for more demanding tasks.
- The laptop runs on Windows 11 Home in S mode, which restricts app installation and requires switching out of S mode for free.
We’ve been using the HP Newest Premium 14-inch Laptop for a few weeks and have found it to be a decent budget laptop for basic tasks. The Intel Celeron processor provides enough power for web browsing, video streaming, and basic photo editing. The 14-inch HD display is anti-glare and provides good image quality, but the resolution is limited to 1366×768 pixels.
The laptop comes with 8GB of RAM, which is enough for running multiple programs and browser tabs at once. However, the storage capacity is limited to 64GB eMMC, which might not be enough for storing large files. We recommend using an external hard drive or cloud storage for additional storage space.
The laptop doesn’t come with a dedicated graphics card, which might limit its performance for more demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming. However, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 provides enough power for basic photo editing and casual gaming.
The laptop runs on Windows 11 Home in S mode, which restricts app installation and requires switching out of S mode for free. We recommend switching out of S mode to get full access to Microsoft Store apps and third-party software.
Overall, the HP Newest Premium 14-inch Laptop is a decent budget laptop for basic tasks and light photo editing. However, if you need more storage capacity or graphics performance, you might want to consider a more powerful laptop.
6. Lenovo 2022 Newest 14″ HD Laptop
We recommend the Lenovo 2022 Newest 14″ HD Laptop for anyone looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle Cricut software.
Pros
- The Intel Celeron N4020 processor provides efficient performance.
- The 14″ HD display with four-sided narrow bezels maximizes screen space.
- The laptop has a thin and compact design, making it easy to carry around.
Cons
- The laptop only has 4GB of RAM, which may not be enough for some users.
- The 64GB eMMC flash storage may not be sufficient for those who need to store large files.
- The laptop comes with Windows 11 Home in S Mode, which may limit software installation options.
We were impressed with the Lenovo 2022 Newest 14″ HD Laptop’s overall performance. The Intel Celeron N4020 processor provided fast and efficient performance, making it easy to run multiple applications and browser tabs at once. The 14″ HD display with four-sided narrow bezels provided maximum screen space, making it easy to work on Cricut projects. We also appreciated the laptop’s thin and compact design, which made it easy to carry around.
However, the laptop only has 4GB of RAM, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, the 64GB eMMC flash storage may not be sufficient for those who need to store large files. Finally, the laptop comes with Windows 11 Home in S Mode, which may limit software installation options.
Overall, we believe the Lenovo 2022 Newest 14″ HD Laptop is a great budget-friendly option for those looking for a laptop to use with Cricut software. However, those who need more storage or RAM may want to consider a different option.
7. HP Newest 14″ Ultral Light Laptop for Students and Business
We recommend the HP Newest 14″ Ultral Light Laptop for Students and Business for those who are looking for a budget-friendly laptop for Cricut.
Pros
- The laptop is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around.
- The dual array microphones and advanced noise reduction software ensure that you sound crystal clear during video chats or recordings.
- The laptop features a 14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView display that provides an ultra-wide viewing experience for seamless multi-monitor set-ups.
Cons
- The laptop’s Intel Celeron N4120 processor may not handle heavy-duty tasks smoothly.
- The laptop’s 64GB eMMC storage may not be sufficient for those who need more storage space.
- The laptop’s HD (1366 x 768) display may not be suitable for those who need a higher resolution display.
The HP Newest 14″ Ultral Light Laptop for Students and Business is a great budget-friendly option for those who need a laptop for Cricut. The laptop’s sleek design makes it easy to carry around, and the dual array microphones and advanced noise reduction software ensure that you sound crystal clear during video chats or recordings. The laptop’s 14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView display provides an ultra-wide viewing experience for seamless multi-monitor set-ups. However, the laptop’s Intel Celeron N4120 processor may not handle heavy-duty tasks smoothly, and the laptop’s 64GB eMMC storage may not be sufficient for those who need more storage space. Additionally, the laptop’s HD (1366 x 768) display may not be suitable for those who need a higher resolution display.
8. HP Stream 11 Laptop
If you’re looking for an affordable, portable, and stylish laptop for your Cricut needs, the HP Stream 11 Laptop is a great option.
Pros
- The laptop is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- The anti-glare panel ensures that you can use the laptop comfortably from any angle.
- With up to 13 hours and 15 minutes of battery life, you can take on your workday without worrying about recharging.
Cons
- The laptop’s 4 GB of RAM might not be enough for more demanding tasks.
- The 64 GB of storage might be limiting for some users.
- The laptop’s small screen size might not be ideal for some users.
We’ve used the HP Stream 11 Laptop for a while and we’re impressed with its performance. The dual-core Intel Celeron N4020 processor ensures that the laptop runs smoothly, while the Intel UHD Graphics 600 allows for smooth streaming and gaming.
The laptop’s connectivity options are also impressive. With Bluetooth 5.0 and strong Wi-Fi connectivity, you can easily sync up all your accessories and enjoy fast internet speeds. The HP Imagepad with multi-touch gesture support is also a nice touch, making it easy to navigate the laptop’s interface.
One downside of the laptop is its limited storage space. With only 64 GB of storage, you might find yourself running out of space quickly. However, the embedded multimedia card ensures that you have reliable, flash-based storage.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable, portable, and stylish laptop for your Cricut needs, the HP Stream 11 Laptop is a great option to consider. With its long battery life, great performance, and impressive connectivity options, it’s a laptop that won’t disappoint.
9. LincPlus P3 14 inch Thin and Light Laptop
If you’re looking for a budget laptop that can handle basic tasks like internet browsing, sending and receiving emails, and basic photo editing, the LincPlus P3 might be a good option for you.
Pros
- Efficient performance with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB solid-state hard drive storage
- Powerful configuration with Intel Celeron N3350 processor and 14.1-inch 1080P Full HD IPS screen
- Stylish and lightweight design, making it an ideal choice for children, business people, and elderly family members
Cons
- Limited memory, which may not be sufficient for more complex tasks
- Small screen size may not be ideal for extended periods of use
- Limited battery life, which may require frequent charging
We recently had the opportunity to try out the LincPlus P3 laptop and were impressed with its overall performance. The laptop is equipped with 4GB high-speed DDR4 memory and 128GB solid-state hard drive storage, providing faster, smoother, and more energy-efficient performance to handle complex tasks easily. The home notebook computer can also expand the memory through an SSD to meet your larger requirements.
The LincPlus P3 notebook laptop comes with an Intel Celeron N3350 processor, a 14.1-inch 1080P Full HD IPS screen, and vivid colors making the laptop more appealing. This netbook is pre-installed with Windows 10 in S mode, and you can convert it to Windows 10 Home for free with a few simple steps. This laptop is equipped with a British keyboard with the “@” symbol located to the left of the “Enter” key.
The laptop is also stylish and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It can be used for internet browsing, watching movies, basic photo editing, business office, and sending and receiving emails, making it an ideal choice for children, business people, and elderly family members. Due to its excellent design, this white laptop is also very popular among fashionable women.
The LincPlus P3 laptop provides fast connectivity through Bluetooth 4.2/dual-band WiFi. It is also equipped with diverse ports, including an RJ45 port x1, a USB 3.0 x1, a USB 2.0 x2, a micro SD card slot x1, a 2.5 SATA SSD slot x1, a mini HDMI port x1, a headphone jack x1. The LincPlus P3 notebook is an affordable laptop with powerful entry-level features.
Overall, the LincPlus P3 laptop is a great choice for those who are looking for a budget laptop that can handle basic tasks. However, if you require more memory or a larger screen size, you may want to consider other options.
10. Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop
If you’re looking for a laptop to use with your Cricut, the Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop is a great choice.
Pros
- With 20GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD (128GB eMMC+1TB PCIe SSD), this laptop can handle multiple applications and browser tabs with ease.
- The AMD Athlon Silver 3050U Processor is fast and efficient, making it great for running Cricut software.
- The 15.6” diagonal, NON-Touch HD (1366 x 768) Display is anti-glare and bright, making it easy to see your designs.
Cons
- The display colors aren’t as vibrant as some other laptops on the market.
- The keyboard doesn’t have backlighting, which can make it difficult to use in low light situations.
- The laptop is relatively heavy, weighing in at 3.52 pounds.
We’ve been using the Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The upgraded RAM and storage make it easy to run multiple applications at once, and the processor is fast and efficient. The display is anti-glare and bright, making it easy to see your designs, although the colors aren’t as vibrant as some other laptops on the market. The laptop is relatively heavy, which can make it difficult to carry around, but it’s still portable enough to take with you on the go.
Overall, if you’re looking for a laptop to use with your Cricut, the Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop is a great choice. It’s fast, efficient, and has plenty of storage space, making it a great option for both personal and professional use.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best laptop for Cricut, there are a few important factors to consider. We recommend taking the following into account before making a purchase:
1. Processor
The processor is the brain of your laptop, and it’s important to choose one that can handle the demands of Cricut software. Look for a processor with at least four cores and a clock speed of 2.5 GHz or higher. This will ensure that your laptop can handle complex designs and projects without slowing down.
2. RAM
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is another important factor to consider. We recommend a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, but 16 GB is even better. This will allow you to run multiple programs at once without experiencing any lag or slowdown.
3. Storage
Storage is where all of your files and projects will be saved, so it’s important to choose a laptop with enough storage space. We recommend a minimum of 256 GB of storage, but 512 GB or more is even better. You may also want to consider a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD), which will provide faster read and write speeds.
4. Graphics Card
A dedicated graphics card is not always necessary for Cricut software, but it can be helpful for more complex designs and projects. Look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card with at least 2 GB of VRAM.
5. Display
The display is where you will be working on your designs, so it’s important to choose a laptop with a high-quality display. Look for a laptop with at least a 1080p resolution and good color accuracy. You may also want to consider a laptop with a touchscreen display, which can make it easier to work with Cricut software.
By taking these factors into account, you can find the best laptop for Cricut that will meet your needs and help you create amazing designs and projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
– What are the computer requirements for using Cricut Explore Air 2?
To use Cricut Explore Air 2, your computer should meet the following requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 8 or later, or Mac OS X 10.11 or later
- RAM: 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended
- Processor: Dual-core CPU, 2.0 GHz or faster
- Free Disk Space: 50MB minimum
- Display: 1024 x 768 resolution
– What are the best laptops for using Cricut?
We recommend laptops with the following specifications for using Cricut:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or higher
- RAM: 8GB or higher
- Storage: SSD with at least 256GB
- Graphics: Dedicated graphics card with at least 2GB VRAM
Some of the best laptops for Cricut are:
- MacBook Pro
- Dell XPS 13
- HP Spectre x360
- ASUS ZenBook UX425
– What is the cheapest laptop that is compatible with Cricut Explore Air 2?
The Acer Aspire 5 Slim is a budget laptop that is compatible with Cricut Explore Air 2. It has the following specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3200U
- RAM: 4GB DDR4
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 3
– What are the best Chromebooks for using Cricut Maker?
We recommend the following Chromebooks for using Cricut Maker:
- Google Pixelbook
- ASUS Chromebook Flip C434
- Samsung Chromebook Pro
– Is it better to use a laptop or a tablet with a Cricut?
We recommend using a laptop over a tablet with Cricut, as laptops generally have more processing power and storage space, which is important for running design software and storing design files.
– What device works best with Cricut?
Cricut works best with a laptop or desktop computer, as they have the processing power and storage capacity needed to run design software and store design files. However, Cricut can also be used with certain tablets and smartphones, but functionality may be limited.