Update: The Cricut Explore One is no longer available. Learn about the latest Cricut machines in my detailed reviews, Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Maker, and Cricut Joy.
Cricut has announced yet another machine to their Cricut Explore Family, the Cricut Explore One. It wasn’t too long ago when the Cricut Explore Air was released (see the Cricut Explore Air difference). Now, this got me pretty curious. The machine looks the same, so what’s new and different with the Cricut Explore One?
The Cricut Explore One is exactly the same as the Cricut Explore (read the Cricut Explore Review), except…. it has one head clamp instead of two! To use the pen or score tool, you’ll need to purchase an adapter.
This may seem like a step backward, but the major benefit is you can get the Explore One for cheaper compared to the original, depending on the current prices (check the current price on Amazon).
Cricut Explore Machine Comparison
Here is an overview of all the Cricut Explore Machines:
What Cricut Explore machine should you buy?
Wondering what machine you should buy? We are here to help decide what Cricut Explore machine is best for you.
Cricut Explore One
Well, if you want to save the most money, buy the Explore One. The dual carriage heads are nice, but not required.
- No built-in wireless (adapter sold separately)
- One carriage instead of two
- Most affordable
Cricut Explore Air
If you have the money to spend and want the ‘latest and greatest’, go with the Explore Air.
- Built-in wireless (wireless is optional)
- Two carriages to cut and draw in one pass without stopping
- Less Affordable
Cricut Explore
If you want dual carriages, you may be able to save some money by buying the original Explore. If you decide you want to go wireless, you can always purchase the adapter.
- No built-in wireless (adapter sold separately)
- Two carriages to cut and draw without stopping
- Affordable
Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
I am super happy with the green Explore. I figure if for some reason the wifi adaptor dies I can always buy another one and plug it in, unlike the built in wifi when it’s gone it’s gone and then how much does that cost to fix. I say buy the green model. Carbide blades are also a great buy.
I have recently purchased the cricut explore air and waiting on delivery but I wanted to know if you can still use the cartridges or is it strictly the design studio
Hi Mary, in order to use cartridges, you will need to link them to your online Design Space account. This means you will need to use the Design Space either way.
are the cartridges interchangeable between the old models and the new models?
The cartridges on the Explore machines actually link to your online account. Once the cartridges are linked, you will be able to use them on any of the Explore machines. Hope that helps!
As long as the machines are linked to your account. Otherwise, I do not believe you can..
Hi, I have been making onesies with regular flocked letters & I want to ugrade to my own designs for onesies but I’m not tech savvy and I don’t know which cricut to purchase? Any suggestions? I mainly want to use it for onesies & tee shirts! Thanks much!
It depends on how much you are wanting to spend. If you will never or rarely use the other housing for writing or scoring, then its more economical to purchase the Explore One as you can save money on excluding a feature you don’t need. If money doesn’t matter and/or you feel like you would like to use the score/write feature.. Purchase The Explore. If you need the Bluetooth then you can always purchase an adapter for the Explore. I purchased the Explore Air, but its more expensive and it includes everything that some of the others might not. For your purposes, I would recommend the Explore. 🙂 Have fun crafting!
I keep seeing used cartridges for sale saying they have been linked already. Does this mean I can not link them to my explore air?
Cassie, that is correct. More information here https://personaldiecutting.com/how-to-link-cartridges-with-the-cricut-explore/
Is there any way to buy a dual accessory carrier for my Explore one? Our stores only carried the Air and One-I would have loved the dual but didn’t have the money to buy the air!
Yes! There are a few places you can purchase the adapter. Here are a few…
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Cricut-Explore-One-Adaptor-and-Pen/45462909
Wanting to make stencils. Which cutting machine is best for that?