Quick verdict: 2× faster than Explore Air 2, mat-less Smart-Material cuts up to 12 ft, and a 30-image Design Space library make this bundle the best mid-price upgrade for vinyl, HTV and card crafters.
Key Reasons to Upgrade
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Mat-less Smart-Material mode | Cut 13 in × 12 ft rolls – perfect for wall decals & bulk shirt decals. |
| 2× Speed vs. Explore Air 2 | Finish big jobs in half the time. |
| 30-Image Digital Library | Instant “plug-and-play” projects for beginners. |
| Cuts 100 + materials | Paper, vinyl, iron-on, faux leather, fabric. |
| Adaptive Tool System | Swap scoring wheel, foil tip, deep-point blade in seconds. |
| Bluetooth® + USB-C | Wireless crafting from iOS, Android, Mac & Windows. |
What’s in the Bundle (ASIN B0BJHH35DH)
- Cricut Explore 3 machine (Mint)
- 30-image Design Space redemption code
- 13 in × 13 in Smart Vinyl sample
- USB-C cable & power adapter
- Getting-Started guide + free Design Space trial
What Users Say
“Cut 8-ft vinyl banners with no mat – game-changer.”
“Quiet motor vs. Explore Air 2; Bluetooth pairs instantly.”
“Wish a mat was included, but Smart Vinyl is addicting.”
Specs at a Glance
- Max cut size (mat-less): 13 in × 12 ft
- Cut force: 400 g (4 kg on Maker line)
- Tool compatibility: Fine-Point, Foil, Scoring, Deep-Point, etc.
- Machine size/weight: 24 × 9.5 × 9.5 in | 16 lb
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Smart-Material rolls – no mat | Cutting mat not included |
| Fastest Explore-series cutter | Smart materials cost more |
| 30 free images for beginners | No heavy-duty Knife/Rotary blades |
| Quiet motor & solid build | Bluetooth range ≈ 10 ft |
Perfect Pairings
- HTVRONT 20-Pack HTV Sheets – budget starter colors → Buy
- Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutter – compare roll-feeder workflow → Review
Final Thoughts
Explore 3 is the sweet spot between the entry-level Joy Xtra and pro-level Maker 3. If you focus on vinyl, HTV or cardstock – and want to cut long Smart-Material runs – this bundle delivers speed, convenience and a head start with 30 ready-to-use designs.
Looking for vibrant, long-lasting iron-ons? Use Explore 3 with a quality HTV bundle — see our top picks here.
