# Best Cricut bundles worth buying, with and without a heat press Source: https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cricut-bundle Publisher: Blade & Mat. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://bladeandmat.com/how-we-pick A Cricut bundle is only a deal if you will use what is packed around the machine. A heat press is the most valuable add-on, because it is a real tool you would otherwise buy separately. Sampler sheets, cardstock packs and bonus digital images are cheaper to buy as you need them. Before picking a bundle, decide which machine you want first. Maker models handle the widest range of materials, Explore 5 is the 12 in all-rounder, and Joy Xtra is the compact option. Then pick the bundle that adds the press or the materials for the projects you plan. This guide compares seven Cricut bundles on the machine, the heat press included, the key materials and the software, using only what each Amazon listing states. Where a listing leaves out a press size or a material count, we say so rather than guess. ## Picks ### 1. Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle with Rainbow Sampler + EasyPress 9x9 Machine: Cricut Explore 5; Heat press: EasyPress 9x9; Key materials: Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, printable vinyl, cardstock, insert cards, mats; Software: Cricut Design Space (Bluetooth) The Explore 5 paired with a 9x9 EasyPress and a full set of starter materials and mats. The most balanced cut and press kit for shirts, decals and cards. What the listing offers: - Includes a Cricut heat press (EasyPress 9x9 per the title), the add-on most worth paying for in a bundle. - Materials include Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, printable vinyl, cardstock and insert cards, per the listing. - Cutting mats and essential crafting tools are listed in the box. Limits to know: - The listing does not state material quantities, so the value of the samplers is hard to judge. - Explore 5 lists 100+ materials, fewer than the 300+ listed for Maker machines. ### 2. Cricut Maker 4 T-Shirt Making Bundle - Cutting Machine with EasyPress SE Heat Press, Vinyl & Iron-On Kit for Custom Apparel, Tote Bags & DIY Projects Machine: Cricut Maker 4; Heat press: EasyPress SE (size not stated); Key materials: Vinyl, iron-on HTV, tools and accessories; Software: Cricut Design Space Maker 4 plus an EasyPress SE with vinyl and HTV for apparel work. A fit for Etsy sellers and shirt makers who want Maker material range and a press. What the listing offers: - Pairs a Maker 4 with an EasyPress SE, so you can cut and press apparel with no extra equipment, per the listing. - The listing states the EasyPress SE has auto-shutoff and a heat base. - Includes vinyl and HTV materials plus tools for first shirt and tote projects. Limits to know: - The EasyPress SE plate size is not stated in this listing. - Material quantities are not stated, so compare against buying the press separately. ### 3. Cricut Maker 5 Multicolor Sampler + Heat Press Machine: Cricut Maker 5; Heat press: EasyPress SE 9x9; Key materials: Smart vinyl and HTV sheets, tools; Software: Cricut Design Space The newest Maker with a 9x9 EasyPress SE and Smart vinyl and HTV sheets. Costs the most here but pairs the latest machine with a press. What the listing offers: - Includes the Maker 5 and an EasyPress SE 9x9, per the listing, a full cut and press system. - EasyPress SE auto-shutoff and heat base are listed safety features. - Smart vinyl and HTV sheets are included to start apparel projects right away. Limits to know: - The highest price in this guide, and the materials are listed as sheets rather than rolls. - The listing does not state cut width or thickness limits for the Maker 5 in this bundle. ### 4. Cricut Explore® 5 + Deluxe Bundle + Digital Content, Taupe Machine: Cricut Explore 5; Heat press: None; Key materials: Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Value Cardstock, Insert Cards, Printable Vinyl; Software: Cricut Design Space (Bluetooth) The Explore 5 with a deluxe materials pack and digital content for about $229. A good pick if you already own an iron or press. What the listing offers: - The listing states a 12 in cutting machine that cuts 100+ materials and works with six tools. - Deluxe materials include Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, cardstock, insert cards and printable vinyl. - Print then cut with a home inkjet printer is listed for full-color stickers. Limits to know: - No heat press, so iron-on projects need a press or iron bought separately. - The Deep Cutting Tool is sold separately, per the listing. ### 5. Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine T-Shirt Making Bundle with Mini EasyPress Heat Press - Includes Smart Iron-On Materials, Tools & Heat Transfer Vinyl Design Guides Machine: Cricut Joy Xtra; Heat press: EasyPress Mini; Key materials: Smart Iron-On, crafting tools, design guides; Software: Not stated A compact Joy Xtra with the EasyPress Mini and Smart Iron-On. Suits small designs, baby clothes, hats and curved surfaces rather than full shirt fronts. What the listing offers: - Includes the EasyPress Mini, which the listing pitches for curved surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. - The cheapest bundle here that includes a Cricut heat press. - Smart Iron-On materials and crafting tools are included for first apparel projects. Limits to know: - A mini press and a compact cutter limit design size on adult shirts. - The listing does not name the design software or the materials quantity. ### 6. Cricut Maker 4 Cutting Machine Ultimate Beginner Sticker Making Bundle - Print Then Cut Machine with Waterproof Sticker Paper & Vinyl for Custom Stickers & Small Business, Seashell Die-Cutting Machine Machine: Cricut Maker 4; Heat press: None; Key materials: Printable sticker paper, adhesive vinyl, tools; Software: Cricut Design Space A Maker 4 sold with waterproof printable sticker paper and adhesive vinyl for print then cut stickers. Built for sticker and label sellers. What the listing offers: - Includes printable sticker paper and an adhesive vinyl sampler, per the listing. - Print then cut with Design Space and an inkjet printer is the core of this bundle. - The listing pitches it for Etsy sellers making stickers, labels and packaging designs. Limits to know: - No heat press, and the price is close to the Maker 4 T-Shirt Bundle that does include one. - Sticker material quantities are not stated in the listing. ### 7. Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine | Ultimate Starter Bundle Max cut width: Not stated (8.5 x 12 in mat included); Max material thickness: Not stated; Blades/tools: Cuts, writes, draws and foils; Software: Cricut Design Space (free app); Connectivity: Not stated Joy Xtra with a LightGrip mat, card mat, two Smart Vinyl sampler packs and transfer tape. A compact starter for labels, cards and small decals. What the listing offers: - The listing itemizes the contents: LightGrip mat, card mat, 2 Smart Vinyl sampler packs, transfer tape and insert cards. - Smart Vinyl loads with no machine mat needed, according to the listing. - Includes a card mat, a tool many Joy Xtra owners buy separately. Limits to know: - Costs more than the Explore 5 Deluxe Bundle for a smaller machine. - No heat press, and the mat is only 8.5 x 12 in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.