Do you need a laptop or computer to use a Cricut?

If you’re really short of cash, be aware that you don’t actually need a laptop to run Cricut’s Design Space. You can use a smartphone or tablet instead.

However, there are two reasons why you might want to go for one of the more expensive laptops on the market instead. Firstly, because it’s going to provide a better computing experience in general. And secondly, because some of the more advanced Cricut features, such as Offset (opens in new tab), are not supported with the minimum system requirements but require higher system specs, such as Windows 10 64-bit. Essentially, the more you spend, the better your experience will be; both when using Cricut machines and when doing general computing tasks.

What kind of laptop do you need for a Cricut?

All of the devices in our pick of the best laptops for Cricut meet the system requirements for the devices’ software and then some. However, if you choose a different laptop, make sure it meets the basic Cricut system requirements below. Note that if it’s a Windows laptop, it must be running a full version of Windows, as opposed to Windows S mode.

For Windows:

Operating system: Windows 8 or later
CPU: Intel Dual-Core or equivalent AMD processor
RAM: 4GB
Free disk space: 2 GB free disk space
Connectivity: USB port or Bluetooth connection
Display: 1024px x 768px screen resolution

For Mac:

Operating system: macOS 10.15 or later
CPU: 1.83 GHz
RAM: 4GB
Free disk space: 2GB Connectivity: USB port or Bluetooth connection
Display: 1,024px x 768px screen resolution

The best laptop for Cricut needn’t be the most expensive or the most powerful computer, but it should have a number of ideal features, such as a touchscreen or large display, 4GB of RAM and a fast up-to-date processor processor.

While it might be tempting to scrape by with the cheapest machine you can get, that isn’t necessarily the best idea. Spend a little bit more and you can get a device with loads more to offer beyond running low-demand applications. Choosing a more powerful laptop could help you create your own designs or explore other creative hobbies, as you may wish to run apps such as Adobe Illustrator. Read my guide to the best software for Cricut for more details.

From lightweight 2-in-1 devices to powerful gaming laptops, running Windows or macOS, there are suitable options to be found across a range of different laptops. We’ve carefully chosen the devices featured on our list, after hands-on reviewing or extensive evaluation (see how we test laptops for more on our process). Alternatively, take a look at my guide to the best Chromebooks for Cricut for alternatives to PC and Mac laptops.

If you don’t yet have a Cricut, see my guide to the best Cricut machines too, and take a look at the best Cricut alternatives for something different. The best laptops for Cricut below will work with all digital craft machines (and the new range of laser cutters, such as Glowforge).