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- Best overall: Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine
- Best budget: Cricut Joy Cutting Machine
- Best premium: Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer
- Best for laser crafting: Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser
- Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser suits makers who want laser engraving and cutting in a compact machine.
- Cricut Joy Xtra is a practical pick for portable vinyl, labels, cards and stickers.
- Glowforge models use lasers, while Cricut Joy models use blades and pens; they serve different crafting needs.
- Compare work area, compatible materials and project size before choosing a Black Friday 2026 craft machine.
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser and Cricut Joy Xtra are the clearest starting points for a Glowforge vs Cricut Joy Black Friday 2026 comparison: one uses a laser, while the other cuts with a blade and draws with a pen. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to explain which machines fit different projects, spaces and budgets.
Glowforge is the better match for engraving and laser-cut projects; Cricut Joy is built for quick, compact cutting jobs such as labels, cards and vinyl decals. My pick for most people who want a small, approachable craft cutter is Cricut Joy Xtra. Choose a Glowforge when laser-made results are the priority, and compare model features before shopping Black Friday 2026.
How We Picked
- We compared each machine’s core technology: laser engraving and cutting versus blade-based cutting and drawing.
- We reviewed work areas, material capacity and project-length specifications to identify practical size limits.
- We considered setup, software and the space each machine needs in a home craft area.
- We weighed owner feedback and product versatility, prioritizing distinct use cases rather than treating every machine as interchangeable.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Core technology | Work width or area | Standout capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser | Compact laser crafting and engraving | 6W diode laser | 12 × 12 in area | Laser engraving and cutting |
| Glowforge Basic 40W Laser Printer | First full-size Glowforge projects | 40W CO2 laser | 11 × 19.5 in area | CO2 laser engraving and cutting |
| Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer | Frequent laser crafting at home | 40W CO2 laser | 11 × 19.5 in area | CO2 laser engraving and cutting |
| Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer | Large and long laser projects | 45W CO2 laser | 11 × 19.5 in area | Passthrough slots |
| Cricut Joy Cutting Machine | Simple labels, cards and small decals | Blade and pen | 4.5 in width | Up to 20 ft Smart Material |
| Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine | Portable cutting with extra width | Blade and pen | Up to 8.5 in material width | Up to 20 ft Smart Material |
| Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine | Larger vinyl and home décor cuts | Blade and pen | Up to 12 in material width | Up to 12 ft Smart Material |
| Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine | Multi-material crafting and varied tools | Blade and tool system | Up to 12 in material width | 300+ materials |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser
The Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is the best compact laser engraver for home crafters who want a 12-by-12-inch work area. The Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser's 6W diode laser handles engraving and cutting tasks that a Cricut Joy blade cannot perform.
Best for: Compact laser crafting and engraving
- Laser power
- 6W diode
- Work area
- 12 × 12 in
- Machine type
- Enclosed laser
- Supports laser engraving as well as cutting
- Smaller footprint than Glowforge’s larger laser models
- 12 × 12-inch work area fits many home projects
- Laser projects require material compatibility checks
- Not a portable vinyl cutter like Cricut Joy
Is the Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is worth considering for crafters who want laser engraving and cutting in a compact machine. The Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser's 12 × 12-inch work area supports many small projects, but it does not replace a portable blade cutter for everyday vinyl crafts.
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#2
Glowforge Basic 40W Laser Printer
The Glowforge Basic 40W Laser Printer is the best entry-level Glowforge for makers who need a larger laser work area than the Aura. The Glowforge Basic 40W Laser Printer's 40W CO2 laser and 11-by-19.5-inch engraving area suit personalized signs, gifts and workshop projects.
Best for: First full-size Glowforge projects
- Laser power
- 40W CO2
- Engraving area
- 11 × 19.5 in
- Machine type
- CO2 laser
- Larger work area than Glowforge Aura
- Handles engraving and laser cutting
- A clear step into full-size CO2 laser projects
- Requires more dedicated workspace than Cricut Joy
- Not designed for quick vinyl cutting
Is the Glowforge Basic 40W Laser Printer worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Basic 40W Laser Printer is worth considering for makers who want a full-size CO2 laser with an 11 × 19.5-inch engraving area. Choose it for wood and other compatible laser projects, not for portable paper, vinyl or label cutting.
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#3
Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer
The Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer is the best mid-range Glowforge for regular makers who want a 40W CO2 laser and a 11-by-19.5-inch work area. The Plus adds convenient workflow features for repeat projects compared with the Basic model.
Best for: Frequent laser crafting at home
- Laser power
- 40W CO2
- Engraving area
- 11 × 19.5 in
- Machine type
- CO2 laser
- Laser engraving and cutting in one machine
- Work area accommodates a range of craft pieces
- Suitable for recurring personalized-gift projects
- Needs more room than a Cricut Joy machine
- Laser operation is a different workflow from blade cutting
Is the Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer is worth considering for frequent makers who want a 40W CO2 laser and an 11 × 19.5-inch engraving area. The Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer's laser workflow suits engraving and cutting projects, while Cricut Joy machines are simpler for compact blade-cut crafts.
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#4
Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer
The Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer is the best Glowforge for ambitious makers who need a 45W CO2 laser and passthrough capability. The feature supports longer workpieces than a standard enclosed work area can accommodate.
Best for: Large and long laser projects
- Laser power
- 45W CO2
- Engraving area
- 11 × 19.5 in
- Long-material feature
- Passthrough slots
- Highest laser power among these Glowforge picks
- Passthrough supports longer materials
- Built for demanding laser workflows
- More machine than a casual vinyl crafter needs
- Needs a dedicated work area and laser-safe materials
Is the Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer is worth considering for makers who need a powerful CO2 laser and passthrough slots for longer materials. The Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer's larger-project focus makes it a different class of machine from Cricut Joy, which is designed for compact blade-cut crafts.
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#5
Cricut Joy Cutting Machine
The Cricut Joy Cutting Machine is the best tiny cutter for beginners who want simple labels, cards and vinyl designs. The Cricut Joy Cutting Machine's 4.5-inch cutting width keeps the machine compact and makes small projects its strongest use case.
Best for: Simple labels, cards and small decals
- Cutting width
- 4.5 in
- Smart Material length
- Up to 20 ft
- Machine type
- Blade cutter and pen plotter
- Compact footprint for a desk or shelf
- Works with compatible Smart Materials
- Straightforward choice for quick small crafts
- Narrower cutting width than Joy Xtra
- Does not engrave or cut with a laser
Is the Cricut Joy Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cricut Joy Cutting Machine is worth considering for beginners focused on labels, cards and small vinyl crafts. The Cricut Joy Cutting Machine's 4.5-inch cutting width suits compact designs, while the Glowforge Aura is the better fit when laser engraving or laser cutting is essential.
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#6 · Top pick
Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine
The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is the best portable cutter for crafters who want more room than the original Joy provides. The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine's 8.5-inch material width better accommodates stickers, cards and everyday home projects.
Best for: Portable cutting with extra width
- Material width
- Up to 8.5 in
- Smart Material length
- Up to 20 ft
- Machine type
- Blade cutter and pen plotter
- Wider project options than Cricut Joy
- Handles cutting, writing and compatible print-then-cut projects
- Small enough for a compact craft space
- Does not offer laser engraving
- Not as suited to large materials as Explore 3
Is the Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is worth considering for crafters who want a compact cutter with material widths up to 8.5 inches. The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine suits stickers, cards and home labels, while Glowforge models serve makers who need laser engraving and cutting.
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#7
Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine
The Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine is the best step-up cutter for crafters who want a 12-inch-wide material path. The Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine's Smart Materials support cuts up to 12 feet long, making it a better fit for banners and larger vinyl designs.
Best for: Larger vinyl and home décor cuts
- Material width
- Up to 12 in
- Smart Material cut length
- Up to 12 ft
- Machine type
- Blade cutter and pen plotter
- Wider cutting capacity than Cricut Joy models
- Handles long Smart Material projects
- Useful for larger signs and home décor
- Takes more workspace than Joy or Joy Xtra
- Does not replace a laser engraver
Is the Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine is worth considering for crafters who need 12-inch-wide cuts and Smart Material projects up to 12 feet long. The Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine fits larger vinyl work better than Joy, while Glowforge machines are the choice for laser-based projects.
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#8
Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine
The Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine is the best versatile blade cutter for experienced crafters who work across 300-plus materials. The Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine's 12-inch material width gives larger projects more room than either Cricut Joy model.
Best for: Multi-material crafting and varied tools
- Material compatibility
- 300+ materials
- Material width
- Up to 12 in
- Smart Material cut length
- Up to 12 ft
- Broad material compatibility
- Supports a range of Cricut tools and projects
- Larger cutting capacity than Joy models
- More capability than basic label makers need
- Does not provide laser engraving
Is the Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine is worth considering for crafters who want broad material compatibility and a 12-inch cutting width. The Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine's 300-plus-material range suits varied blade-based projects, but Glowforge models are better for laser engraving and cutting.
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What is the difference between Glowforge and Cricut Joy?
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser and Cricut Joy Xtra use different technology, so the right choice depends on what you make. Glowforge uses a laser to engrave and cut compatible materials; Cricut Joy uses a blade for cutting and a pen for drawing.
Choose Glowforge for personalized wood projects, engraving and laser-cut designs. Choose Cricut Joy for decals, cards, labels and other small crafts. Skip it if you want a single machine for both laser engraving and everyday vinyl cutting: these product families focus on different workflows.
Which Glowforge model is best for a home craft room?
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is the best fit among these Glowforge picks when space is limited, with a 12 × 12-inch work area. Glowforge Basic 40W Laser Printer offers a larger 11 × 19.5-inch engraving area for makers who want a full-size CO2 machine.
Glowforge Plus 40W Laser Printer suits regular home projects, while Glowforge Pro 45W Laser Printer is the option for longer materials thanks to passthrough slots. Check available space and ventilation needs before choosing any laser; a Cricut Joy machine has a simpler compact-cutter role.
Which Cricut machine is best for small crafts?
Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is the best all-around small craft cutter here, with material widths up to 8.5 inches. Cricut Joy Cutting Machine is even more compact, with a 4.5-inch cutting width for small cards, labels and decals.
Move up to Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine for 12-inch-wide materials and longer vinyl designs. Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine suits crafters who want compatibility with 300-plus materials. Neither Joy model engraves like a Glowforge laser.
Should you buy a Glowforge or Cricut Joy on Black Friday 2026?
Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is the practical Black Friday 2026 pick for shoppers who want a compact, versatile cutter for labels, cards and stickers. Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is the stronger match when engraving and laser cutting matter more than portable blade-cutting.
Compare the machine’s current capabilities, included accessories, software needs and material compatibility before making a purchase. Black Friday shopping is a good time to compare the exact model and package contents, but the right product depends on the projects you plan to make.
Can a Cricut Joy replace a Glowforge?
Cricut Joy Cutting Machine cannot replace a Glowforge for laser engraving or laser cutting because the Joy uses a blade and pen. Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser cannot replace Joy for the same compact vinyl-and-card workflow either.
Select one machine based on the main job: Cricut Joy for quick, small blade-cut projects; Glowforge for compatible laser projects. Makers who regularly do both types of work need to compare each machine’s footprint, material requirements and workflow rather than expect one to cover both.
Buying Guide
Start with the craft technology
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is for laser engraving and cutting; Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is for blade cutting and pen drawing. Pick based on the finished projects you make most often.
Match the work area to your projects
Cricut Joy Cutting Machine has a 4.5-inch cutting width, while Cricut Joy Xtra supports materials up to 8.5 inches wide. Larger vinyl jobs fit Cricut Explore 3 or Cricut Maker 3.
Check material compatibility
Glowforge models need materials suitable for laser work. Cricut models use compatible blades, tools and materials. Confirm the manufacturer’s compatibility guidance before buying supplies.
Plan your workspace
Cricut Joy is a compact cutter suited to a small craft area. Glowforge machines need room for the machine and a suitable laser setup. Measure the intended location before choosing.
Compare the exact Black Friday package
Check the full model name, included tools and materials, warranty details and software requirements for each Black Friday 2026 listing. Compare package contents, not just product photos.
FAQ
Glowforge vs Cricut Joy: which is better for beginners?
Cricut Joy Cutting Machine is the simpler fit for beginners making small labels, cards and vinyl designs. Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser suits beginners whose main goal is laser engraving or cutting. The better choice depends on the craft process you want to learn.
Is Cricut Joy Xtra better than Cricut Joy?
Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine offers more project width, supporting materials up to 8.5 inches wide compared with Cricut Joy’s 4.5-inch cutting width. Choose Joy Xtra for stickers and larger designs; choose Joy for simpler, smaller crafts and a compact setup.
Which Glowforge is best for beginners?
Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is the compact entry point among these Glowforge picks, with a 12 × 12-inch work area. Glowforge Basic 40W Laser Printer suits beginners who want a larger CO2 laser work area for compatible engraving and cutting projects.
Can Cricut Joy engrave wood?
Cricut Joy Cutting Machine is a blade cutter and pen plotter, not a laser engraver. Glowforge Aura 6W Craft Laser is the closer match for engraving compatible wood. Check the manufacturer’s material guidance before using any material with a craft machine.
What should I compare for Glowforge vs Cricut Joy Black Friday 2026?
Compare machine type, work area, compatible materials, accessories and package contents. Glowforge models handle laser projects, while Cricut Joy machines focus on compact cutting and drawing. Match those capabilities to your planned crafts before weighing Black Friday 2026 listings.