As makers, Cricut‘s popular DIY cutting machines unlock our creativity to design custom clothing, decor, gifts, and more personalized touches. But having the right laptop unlocks even more potential to craft effortlessly.
This guide will recommend the top laptops I‘ve researched for smoothly running Cricut‘s design software, manipulating complex vector images and assets, and exploring your creative ideas without performance bottlenecks or headaches.
I‘ll also cover some buying advice for picking the right specs and using laptops to their full advantage with Cricut. Let‘s dive in!
Key Factors for an Ideal Cricut Laptop
While Cricut‘s software itself has modest requirements that even budget laptops can meet, having higher performing components directly impacts the experience:
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Processor + RAM: Faster CPUs like Intel 12th Gen Core i7 and plenty of RAM (16GB+) enable handling complex designs with multiple layers and hundreds of vector cut lines without slowdown.
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Display: Higher 2560×1600 resolution displays let you view fine details clearly without eye fatigue while still having screen real estate for toolbars.
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Storage: Fast NVMe SSD storage gives quick access to large design asset libraries so you spend time creating rather than waiting for files to load.
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Graphics Card (optional): Dedicated GPUs help accelerate working with high-res bitmaps and effects processing.
When paired with great connectivity, all-day battery life, and sharp input devices, you get a seamless environment to realize every creative idea effortlessly!
Now let‘s explore 5 stellar Cricut laptop recommendations I‘ve compiled for any budget and preference.
Overview: Best Laptops for Cricut
| Best Overall | MacBook Air M2 |
|---|---|
| Best Budget | Acer Aspire 5 |
| Best 2-in-1 | Microsoft Surface Pro 9 |
| Top Windows Laptop | Dell XPS 15 |
| Most Screen Space | Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo |
#1 Pick: MacBook Air M2
The recently released MacBook Air M2 is my top overall recommendation for running Cricut thanks to Apple‘s new custom 8-core M2 silicon that delivers up to 18% faster processing performance versus the previous gen M1 chip.
This means you can work with more complex designs and layers in Cricut or Affinity Designer without slowdown. The M2‘s 10-core GPU also enhances graphical performance by up to 35% for faster rendering and effects. Upgrading to 16GB or 24GB of super fast unified memory gives you plenty of breathing room for both multitasking and handling large design files.
Visually, images look fantastic on the 13.6" Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color for accurately representing saturated hues and 500 nit brightness for vibrant tones. And up to 18 hours of battery life gives tremendous flexibility to design anywhere inspiration strikes.
While the sleek aluminum chassis limits ports to just Thunderbolt/USB-C, make sure to budget in an external hub for connecting all peripherals. But for sheer power in an ultra portable 3.5 lb package plus macOS familiarity, the MacBook Air M2 is hard to beat!
Key Specs:
- Apple M2 chip: 8-core CPU + up to 10 GPU cores
- Up to 24GB unified memory
- 13.6" 2560×1664 Liquid Retina display (500 nits)
- Up to 18 hour battery
- Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
Benefits
✓ Huge performance gains from M2
✓ Stunning, color-accurate display
✓ Amazing 18 hour battery life
Limitations
✗ Just two USB-C ports
✗ Not user upgradeable
And if you‘re open to Windows, read on for more great options…
#2 Pick: Acer Aspire 5
If keeping costs down is important, the Acer Aspire 5 packs a surprising amount of performance into a very affordable package.
For just $419, you can configure one with a 14" 1920×1080 display, Wi-Fi 6 for stable wireless connectivity, 512GB NVMe SSD, and your choice of Ryzen 5 5625U or 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U processors alongside 8-16GB DDR4 RAM depending on budget.
Both CPU options benchmark over 20% faster in multi-core performance versus predecessor 11th Gen Intel chips using a combination of performance and efficiency cores. This allows manipulating more complex designs without slowdown. Multiple chassis color options are also available to match your style.
Connectivity is solid with HDMI, USB Type-A + faster USB Type-C for connecting Cricut machines and other accessories. The Aspire 5‘s keyboard and touchpad also impress for the price. Just expect a more basic budget build quality rather than premium materials.
But factoring everything in like the bright 1080p display, Wi-Fi 6, far faster performance than older laptops, and sub $500 pricing, the Acer Aspire 5 gives tremendous value for budding Cricut enthusiasts!
Key Specs:
- 14” 1920×1080 IPS Display
- Wi-Fi 6
- Ryzen 5 5625U or Core i7-1255U CPU
- 512GB PCIe SSD
- Up to 16GB DDR4 RAM
Benefits
✓ Very affordable at $419
✓ Great modern connectivity
✓ Respectable performance for price
Limitations
✗ Budget build quality
✗ Design a bit plain
#3 Pick: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
For Cricut users wanting maximum flexibility between laptop and tablet modes, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 delivers. Its standout feature is the stunning 13” 2880×1920 PixelSense display with buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate and 1500:1 contrast for vibrant colors.
This high brightness and accuracy makes interacting with Cricut design software feel fluid and natural, especially when using the responsive Surface Slim Pen 2. And the display‘s new G6 aptouch technology provides less than 2ms latency with the pen for virtually no lag. Compared to the 1st gen Apple Pencil‘s 20ms latency, the writing experience feels markedly faster and tighter.
Under the hood, the Surface Pro 9 impresses as well with 12th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processors that benchmark over 15% quicker in multi-core workloads than the Surface Pro 8 thanks to new hybrid architectures. This allows applying complex effects to pngs and jpgs faster. Configs also scale up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM and 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSDs for snappy access to huge creative asset libraries.
And at just 1.95 lbs tablet weight, it‘s easy to throw in any bag to create on the go. Battery life is also outstanding with close to 16 hours typical use so you can design anywhere. Just be sure to budget about $250 extra for the comfy Signature keyboard case with integrated Surface Slim Pen storage when configuring. But if you‘ve wanted a tablet and laptop in one powerful device with inking capabilities, the Surface Pro 9 is a leading choice.
Key Specs:
- 13” 2880×1920 Touch Display @ 120Hz 500 nits
- Intel 12th Gen Core i5/i7 CPU
- Up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM
- Up to 16 hour battery life
Benefits
✓ Gorgeous, smooth touch/pen display
✓ Class-leading battery life
✓ Powerful and flexible 2-in-1 design
Limitations
✗ Signature keyboard sold separately
✗ Can get pricey fully specced
#4 Pick: Dell XPS 15
Creative professionals focused on Windows will love the Dell XPS 15 9520‘s beautiful 15.6” OLED display paired with 12th Gen Core i7 horsepower and capable RTX 3000-series graphics.
It all starts with the 12-core i7-12700H CPU that rips through rendering, effects, and filters up to 70% quicker in Photoshop thanks to new hybrid architectures versus previous gen. Smoothly handling complex vector cut lines in Cricut‘s software will be no issue. Supporting this is a huge 64GB of blistering fast DDR5 RAM clocked at 4800MHz along with 2TB of NVMe SSD capacity for giant project libraries.
The star of the show is the stunning 15.6" 3.5K OLED touch display. With tiny pixel density, up to 400 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and DisplayHDR 500 True Black certification, images look remarkably vibrant and accurate. The optional GeForce RTX 3050 GPU also accelerates Photoshop effects thanks to dedicated CUDA cores and optimization.
Connectivity is solid too with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a high quality webcam. Battery life reaches close to 10 hours real world. Just expect loud fans when pushing limits. If you want a powerful creative workhorse, the new Dell XPS 15 9520 checks every box!
Key Specs:
- 15.6" 3.5K 3456×2160 OLED Touch Display
- Intel Core i7-12700H CPU
- 64GB DDR5-4800 RAM
- 2TB PCIe SSD
- Nvidia RTX 3050 4GB GPU
Benefits
✓ Blazing 12th Gen + RTX performance
✓ Stunning 15" OLED display
✓ 64GB RAM & huge 2TB SSD
✓ Great connectivity
Limitations
✗ High cost, especially as configured
✗ Fans get loud at max usage
#5 Pick: Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo
For maximum creative screen space, the uniquely designed Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo sports dual displays:
- Primary 14.5" 2880×1800 120Hz OLED touchscreen
- Secondary 12.7” 1920×560 touchscreen above keyboard
This additional real estate lets Cricut crafters reference web assets on the bottom panel while actively designing on the top, similar to a dual monitor desktop setup. Both are also touch capable with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and included Asus Pen 2.0 stylus support.
Underneath lies powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H silicon that rips through effects and changes without sweat alongside 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD. There‘s plenty of performance to drive both screens smoothly thanks to a unique hinge tilting the bottom display for 30% better cooling too versus traditional clamshell layouts.
Vibrant visuals shine on the main OLED panel with industry-leading 550 nits brightness, 110% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and Pantone validation for remarkably accurate hues. Just expect around 8 hours battery life when leveraging both screens. But for unrivaled creative workspace from a laptop, the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo is an innovative choice!
Key Specs:
- 14.5" 2880×1800 120Hz OLED Touch Display
- Secondary 12.7” 1920×560 Touch Display
- Intel Core i7-12700H CPU
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- Asus Pen 2.0 Stylus
Benefits
✓ Dual touchscreen displays
✓ Color-accurate, vibrant OLED panel
✓ Powerful 12th Gen Intel CPU
✓ Includes Asus Pen
Limitations
✗ Reduced battery life
✗ Potential ergonomic adjustment
Buying Advice for Picking the Perfect Cricut Laptop
Beyond the laptop recommendations above optimized for Cricut, keep the below advice in mind while comparing options:
Displays
Look for 1920×1080 or 2560×1600 resolutions to comfortably view fine design details without excessive scaling or eye squinting. Touchscreens provide natural software interaction. If considering OLED, aim for wide DCI-P3 gamut coverage and 500+ nit brightness for remarkable vibrancy and accurate colors.
Performance
Faster processors like 12th Gen Intel Core i7 and gobs of RAM (16GB+) enable seamlessly working with complex vectors and gigantic libraries of creative assets. Dedicated GPUs also accelerate effects. Makes sure there‘s plenty of high speed NVMe solid state storage for quick access.
Connectivity
Look for modern standards like Wi-Fi 6 for reliable wireless speeds in busy environments, Thunderbolt 4 for fast 15W+ accessory power delivery and 40Gbps data rates, and multiple future-proof USB-C ports supporting高speed peripherals.
Input
Precision touchpads with generous real estate give precise control for fine tuning designs. Backlit keyboards allow typing in darker environments while high key travel aids comfort. If opting for a 2-in-1, get a active pen supporting tilt for natural drawing sensations.
Battery Life
Aim for 8+ hours of real world runtime for maximum flexibility creating anywhere. Faster CPUs and ultra high resolution displays tax batteries harder but power optimization has improved greatly.
Build Quality
Expect more premium materials like machined aluminum and carbon fiber on higher end laptops while budget models rely on plastic composites to save costs. Prioritize rigidity in the screen and deck area which aids durability long term.
Using a Laptop to Unlock Cricut‘s Full Creative Potential
The key advantage of using a properly equipped laptop over a smartphone or tablet lies in bigger, higher resolution displays allowing you to precisely manipulate extremely detailed vector designs and clearly view fine cut lines.
Ultra portable 11-13” screens strike a great balance for on the go use while 15”+ options provide enough workspace rivaling desktops. Powerful CPUs, gobs of RAM, and speedy discrete GPUs also effortlessly tear through tasks that cripple lesser devices.
And mobility is invaluable for letting inspiration strike whenever it arises rather than struggling to create complex designs on tiny smartphone displays with sluggish processors!
Pro tip: To avoid neck, shoulder, and arm fatigue over long design sessions, use a laptop stand to raise the screen closer to eye level along with an external keyboard and mouse keeping wrists straight.
Final Thoughts
I hope this detailed breakdown of the 5 best laptops for Cricut use gives you a clearer idea of available options spanning needs and budgets. The svelte powerhouse MacBook Air M2 leveraging Apple‘s lightning fast new M2 silicon leads the pack while budget buyers can‘t go wrong with the affordable speed of the Acer Aspire 5.
Convertible fans will love the gorgeous Surface Pro 9 melding tablet portability with laptop versatility. Windows users seeking max muscle should check out the impressive Dell XPS 15 9520 with 12th Gen Core i7 chops and capable RTX 3050 graphics.
And creators craving maximum screen space will appreciate the unique dual touch displays on the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo.
Whichever system you choose, using a dialed in laptop over basic options transforms Cricut‘s vinyl cutting machines into powerhouses unlocking boundless creativity and customization!
Let me know if you have any other questions finding your perfect Cricut laptop match.
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