Buying a Cricut machine needs an ecosystem that can give you the best results. For this reason, the most important thing you need to have in your Cricut machine setup is a powerful laptop for your projects. Luckily, some are under $500 and can get the job done efficiently and quickly. We have compiled the best laptop for Cricut under 500 dollars to make your design space productive.
First up, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim, with excellent battery life and a full HD display, makes it the best laptop for Cricut Design Space on our list. The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 comes at a close second. It only missed the first spot because you have to buy the digital pen separately. The Lenovo Ideapad 3 rounds off our list because it is the slowest of the three.
What Is a Laptop for Cricut?
To work with a Cricut machine, you need to create the designs you are hoping to cut out using a program called Design Space. Naturally, you need a laptop to run this program. However, once you have bought yourself the best Cricut maker, you can rest easy knowing that the designs can be done using a budget-friendly laptop, and we shall discuss the most ideal options below.
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1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor (Up to 3.5GHz); 4GB DDR4...
- 15.6 inches full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED backlit IPS...
- 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports & 1 HDMI port with HDCP...
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Backlit Keyboard; Up to 7.5 hours battery life
This laptop has a beautiful display. The 15.6-inch screen has a full HD resolution and IPS technology that makes the colors pop. The bezels are thin, so I get more screen space to see my designs. The Acer Color Intelligence feature also adjusts the brightness and contrast to suit the environment. And the best part is that it has Acer BlueLightShield, which reduces eye strain when I use it for long hours.
The Acer Aspire 5 Slim is fast. It has an AMD Ryzen 7 processor that can handle multiple tasks without slowing down. I can run the Cricut software, stream music, check my email, and open multiple tabs without any lag. The SSD also makes it boot up in seconds and load files quickly.
Finally, the laptop has plenty of ports and connectivity options. It has HDMI, USB 3.1, USB 2.0, Ethernet, and audio ports, so I can connect it to my Cricut machine, external monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, and headphones. It also has a fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection that lets me access the internet anywhere.
Overall, I'm very happy with my Acer Aspire 5 A515-43 laptop. It's perfect for my crafting needs and more. It's fast, beautiful, portable, loud, and versatile. If you're looking for a laptop that can do it all, you should definitely check this option out.
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2. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
- Touch Screen Type :Capacitive.Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Work from home, school, or anywhere with the outstanding...
- This 2-in-1 laptop combines a keyboard and touchscreen to make it...
- The 13.3-inch FHD display in this slim, light 360° convertible...
- Use your Google account to easily access files, videos, music,...
This 1oth generation Intel core i3 laptop will prove useful for your school and personal projects. The laptop has a 64 GB hard disk, which is a good place to start your design projects. In addition, the portable laptop has a sleek design that is easy to carry around with you everywhere you go.
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex has a touch screen that makes the interaction between you and your designs easier and more intuitive. Furthermore, you can buy the Lenovo digital pen to make working with the touch screen even easier.
Image source: bestbuy.com
Lenovo has a screen size of 13.3 inches, which is enough for you to carry out your projects without feeling limited to a small screen size. In addition, the laptop has strong Bluetooth connectivity to make your work even easier. The Bluetooth version is 5.0, making the Lenovo Chromebook Flex perfect for your wireless Cricut machine.
Lenovo is not only one of the best laptops. It is a reliable and affordable laptop that you can count on to deliver.
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3. Lenovo Ideapad 3
- Powerhouse performance from AMD Ryzen 5 5500U mobile processor,...
- The IdeaPad 3 14-inch laptop has 4-side narrow bezels that let...
- Quieter and cooler with intelligent thermals, plus you can...
- Protect your webcam lens and guarantee your privacy with the...
- WiFi 6 (2x2 802.11 ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, plus USB,...
Lenovo is the best laptop for Cricut under 500 dollars so far because of the features that you will love using. The laptop has a designer's look, which goes a long way toward boosting your creativity. Lenovo Ideapad has a 14-inch screen size that makes creating designs on the laptop easy and fun.
Image source: lenovo.com
Lenovo Ideapad has intelligent thermals that help cool the laptop for better performance. You can use either USB ports on the computer or fast Bluetooth connectivity to connect to the Cricut machine. To make your work even easier, the laptop is Alexa-activated to make wireless functions better and more personalized.
With Lenovo IdeaPad, you are not restricted as the 1920 by 1080 pixels screen allows you to view your project from different angles. Moreover, with a hard disk size of 256 GB, you have a strong foundation to lay your design space.
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4. HP Pavilion Premium Laptop (2021 Model)
- 【Upgraded】RAM is upgraded to 16 GB high-bandwidth RAM to...
- 【Processor】AMD Athlon Silver 3050U 2.3GHz Dual-Core Processor...
- 【Display】15.6" diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), NonTouch,...
- 【Operating System】Windows 10 Home, 64-bit, English
The Pavilion took the market by storm and for good reasons. The HP Pavilion is suitable for your creative projects because of its long battery life and great graphics. The anti-glare feature on the screen makes creating with the laptop even better because your eyes will not be fatigued. In addition, the full HD display makes the graphics experience like that of a gaming laptop.
Image source: newegg.com
The HP Pavilion is the best laptop for Cricut under 500 dollars, which will serve you both in your studio and outdoors because of the portable design. In addition, the laptop has a hard disk size of 512 GB, which is way more than the other laptops in the same tier.
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5. ASUS Vivobook Flip
- Touch Screen Type : Capacitive.Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Latest 11th generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor (6M Cache,...
- Windows 10 Home in S mode, 128GB SSD and 4GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 14” Full HD Wideview touch display with up to 178° viewing...
- 12.9” wide, 0.7” thin with a stunning 82% screen-to-body...
Asus Vivobook is a thin and light laptop that will change how you approach your design life. Asus has the latest generation Intel core, making it your most efficient option. The thin laptop is sleek and easy to slide into your laptop to use in the restaurant or the park. Your design life is no longer limited to your studio.
Asus Vivobook is the most versatile laptop for Cricut under 500 dollars compared to the other laptops in the same price range. Asus easily has the best-looking Windows laptop designs on the market. Their performance is just as good as their look.
Image source: notebookcheck.net
With the Asus Vivobook, you are getting a screen that has an 82% screen-to-body ratio, focusing all your attention on the screen while creating. Better, the screen has a 178-degree viewing angle, making it easier for you to swing on your chair as you design your projects. In addition, you will be enjoying gaming laptop advantages with this laptop.
Asus is not only a cheap laptop for Cricut; it is one of the best laptops for Cricut under 500 dollars that will live up to their price. In addition, Asus gives you four viewing modes, making it easier to set up the laptop however you want.
Finally, you have a free upgrade to Windows 11, which future-proofs your laptop.
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6. Samsung Galaxy Book Go
- POWERFUL, YET QUIET: Keep your cool with a powerful Qualcomm...
- POWER FOR HOURS: Email, hold virtual meetings, stream videos,...
- SLEEK, SLIM, SHOCKPROOF: Durably designed and shockproof with a...
- PAIR YOUR GALAXY DEVICES: Easily jump from work to personal life...
- LOOK LIKE A PRO, EVEN IN YOUR LIVING ROOM: Make WFH work for you...
I have been using the SAMSUNG Galaxy Book Go Laptop for a few weeks now and am very impressed with its performance. It is a powerful device that can handle multiple tasks without slowing down or making any noise. I use it mainly for my Cricut projects, and it works seamlessly with the machine and the software. I can design, cut, and print my crafts with ease and speed.
The battery life is amazing. I can work for hours without worrying about plugging in or running out of juice. It is perfect for when I travel or work from different locations. The laptop is also very sleek and slim, with a shockproof design that can withstand bumps and drops. It has a 180-degree hinge that lets me adjust the screen to any angle I want.
Image source: windowscentral.com
One of the best features of this laptop is how well it pairs with my other Galaxy devices. I can use it as a second screen for my phone or tablet, share files with Quick Share, play games on a bigger display, and connect my Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds. It is like having a whole Galaxy ecosystem at my fingertips.
The laptop also has some great tools for working from home. It has a camera beauty filter that makes me look more professional and polished in video calls. It also has a background noise removal feature that blocks out any distracting sounds in my environment. It helps me focus and communicate better with my colleagues and clients.
The Wi-Fi connectivity is also very reliable and fast. I can browse the web, stream videos, download files, and upload my work without any lag or interruption. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 5, which gives me a smoother and more stable connection than other devices.
Overall, I am content with the SAMSUNG Galaxy Book Go Laptop. It is a versatile, powerful, and elegant device that suits my needs and lifestyle. It is the best laptop for Cricut users and anyone who wants to be productive and creative on the go.
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7. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
- Awarded Best Chromebook by CNN Underscored!
- THE POWER & SPEED YOU DESERVE: Whether your working, studying or...
- SLEEK DESIGN TO MAKE YOU STAND OUT: Featuring an ultra-thin...
- A BATTERY THAT'S ABOVE & BEYOND: Stay dialed in on-the-go with an...
- WHEN INSPIRATION STRIKES, you’re prepared. Add any USI pen to...
I have been using the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 with my Cricut machine with stellar results. It is not only a powerful and fast device but also a stylish and sleek one. It has a stunning display, a comfortable keyboard, and a responsive touchpad. It is also very light and thin, making it easy to carry around.
One of the things I love about this Chromebook is how well it works with my Cricut machine. I can easily design and create amazing projects using the Chrome OS apps and the USI pen. The pen is very precise and smooth, and it feels like writing on paper. I can also use the pen to navigate the screen, take notes, and draw sketches. The Chromebook 2 recognizes the pen instantly without lag or delay.
Image source:samsung.com
The battery life of this Chromebook is also remarkable. It lasts for more than 10 hours on a single charge, which is perfect for me as I often work on my projects for long hours. I don't have to worry about running out of power or finding an outlet. The Chromebook 2 also charges very quickly, thanks to the USB-C port.
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is definitely one of the best Chromebooks I have ever used. It has everything I need and more. It is fast, reliable, versatile, and beautiful. It is also very affordable compared to other premium laptops. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a high-quality Chromebook that can handle any task.
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8. HP 2022 Stream 14
- 【14.0-inch diagonal, HD BrightView Display】With virtually no...
- 【 Intel Celeron N4120 Processor】Handle multitasking reliably...
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM】Plenty of high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run...
- 【Intel HD Graphics 600】with shared video memory provide solid...
- 【Windows 11 included】12.76"x 8.86"x 0.71", 3.24 lbs. Ports: 2...
The HP 2022 Stream 14 Laptop is the perfect companion for my Cricut machine, which I use to make all kinds of crafts and decorations. The laptop has a stunning 14.0-inch HD BrightView Display that makes everything look crisp and vivid. The bezels are so thin that I can easily connect multiple monitors and have a seamless view of my projects.
The laptop is also very fast and responsive, thanks to the Intel Celeron N4120 Processor and the 16GB DDR4 RAM. I can run multiple programs at the same time without any lag or slowdown. The 64GB SSD is enough for me to store all my files and photos, and it also makes the laptop boot up and load apps in seconds.
Image source: laptopmedia.com
The laptop also has Intel HD Graphics 600, which gives me smooth and clear images on the screen. The laptop comes with Windows 11, which is a great upgrade from my previous Windows 10. Windows 11 has a sleek and modern design, and it also has some cool features like Snap Layouts, Widgets, and Microsoft Teams integration.
The laptop is also very light and portable, weighing only 3.24 lbs. You can get the beautiful rose gold color that matches a Cricut machine. It also has plenty of ports for connecting my devices, including 2 USB 3.0 Type A Ports, 1 USB 3.0 Type C Port, a Headset jack, a Media Card Reader, and an HDMI port. The laptop also comes with a bonus 32GB SnowBell USB Card, which is very handy for transferring files. And to top it all off, the laptop also includes a 1 year Office 365 subscription, which gives me access to all the Microsoft apps I need for my work and hobbies.
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9. Lenovo IdeaPad 2023 Newest Flex 3i Chromebook
- 🥇【8GB RAM + 64GB eMMC】Substantial high-bandwidth 8GB RAM...
- 🥇【15.6" FHD IPS Touchscreen】Natural finger-touch...
- 🥇【Intel Pentium Silver N6000】Intel Pentium Silver N6000...
- 🥇【Google Chrome OS】Chromebook is a computer for the way...
- 🥇【Authorized w/MarxsolBundle】14.25" L x 9.76" W x 0.75" H,...
The Lenovo IdeaPad 2023 Newest Flex 3i Chromebook is a sleek and versatile device that can easily switch between laptop and tablet modes. It has a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen that is responsive and bright and a 360-degree hinge that allows me to adjust the angle to suit my needs. The keyboard is comfortable, and the touchpad is smooth. The battery life is also excellent, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge.
Image source:bestbuy.com
One of the best features of this Chromebook is that it works seamlessly with my Cricut machine. I can use the Chrome OS to access the Cricut Design Space app and create amazing projects with ease. The Chromebook is fast and reliable, and it syncs with my Google account and cloud storage. I can also use the built-in webcam and microphone to chat with my fellow crafters online. The Chromebook is lightweight and portable, so I can take it with me wherever I go.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 2023 Newest Flex 3i Chromebook is a great choice for anyone who loves crafting and wants a simple and powerful device. It has everything I need to unleash my creativity and enjoy my hobby. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new Chromebook.
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10. Dell Latitude 7480
- Latitude 7480 Laptop 14" Non-Touch Screen
- Intel Core i7 7th Gen i7-7600U 2.8GHz (3.9GHz With Turbo Boost)
- 512 GB SSD Hard Drive & 16GB RAM Memory
- 1920x1080 FHD resolution Non-Touch with an integrated Webcam and...
- Wireless Wifi & Bluetooth
One of the reasons I bought this laptop was to use it with my Cricut machine for cutting and printing various materials for crafting projects. I was looking for a laptop that could handle the professional software applications I use to design, render, model, and process my creations. The Latitude 7480 has a powerful Intel Core i7-7600U processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, which make it run smoothly and fast. It also has a 512GB SSD, which gives me plenty of storage space for my files.
Another reason I love this laptop is its easy access and connectivity. It has multiple ports, including a USB Type-C port, an HDMI port, a USB 3.1 port, and an RJ-45 port. This makes it easy to connect it to various devices and peripherals, such as my Cricut machine, my monitor, my keyboard, my mouse, and my printer. It also has a DisplayPort over USB Type C option, which allows me to connect it to a Dell Wireless dock for more convenience and flexibility.
Image source: amso.pl
The laptop also has a 14-inch screen size, which is perfect for me. It is not too big or too small, but just right for viewing my designs and projects. The screen has a high resolution and a bright display, which make it easy to see the details and colors of my work. The laptop also has a sleek and elegant design that gives it a professional and stylish look.
The laptop also comes with a brand new installation of Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit Multi-Language English/French/Spanish Operating System, which is one of the most stable and secure OS from Microsoft. It is free of bloatware and unnecessary programs that can slow down the performance of the laptop. It also has a Gigabit Ethernet adapter and Wi-Fi, which provide fast and reliable Internet access.
Overall, I am very happy with my Dell Latitude 7480 laptop. It is an exceptional device that meets all my needs and expectations. It is a great companion for my Cricut machine and my creative endeavors.
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Features to Check Before Buying a Laptop for Cricut
If you are a designer, there are some features you have to look for in a laptop for Cricut. If you want your design work to be fast and efficient, you can not gamble on the kind of laptop you will use. Here are a few things you need to pay attention to when looking for the best laptop for Cricut under 500 dollars worth your money.
A) Storage Space
At least 500 GB will be a good place to start with your storage space.
The storage space in your laptop directly affects its performance. The recall speed in a computer depends on the storage, and the more storage you have, the faster your laptop will perform some functions. You do not want to expand your storage only months after buying your laptop.
Have you ever noticed how prices differ for similar models with different storage?
Getting a laptop with enough storage gives you space to store your files unless you are planning to buy external devices. Storage is one of the key features that will make your life easier in the long run.
B) Screen Size
If you are a designer, the laptop's screen size matters a lot. A large screen will make it more enjoyable to work on your designs. In addition, the Cricut design space will be easier to work with, and you will not have a lot of things crammed up in one space.
14 inches should be the least you go for. 16 inches and above would be better. While picking the screen, look for one with an anti-glare feature. This makes it easier to design without having problematic reflections.
C) Battery Life
The battery life on your laptop for Cricut is one of the main things you want to look at. A laptop running a program uses a lot of processing power. Sometimes, you need to cool down the laptop because it is overheating. Suppose the laptop has a long battery life. In that case, you can use it remotely to design in your Cricut design space or connect wirelessly to external devices without having to plug in every second.
When getting a new laptop, look at reviews (like the ones we have provided above) to ensure you get the right one for your work.
D) Processor
If you are going for a design laptop, it is best to go for the latest processor on the market. It is better to go for a core i9, which will do a good job with Cricut machines. An intel core works on PCs, and the M1 chip is for Apple computers. So, the latest Intel processor will be the best option for you. The processor is where everything happens; the best thing to do is to future-proof your setup.
E) Operating System
This is important. The Cricut software does not run on the Google operating systems. However, macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems will do just fine. The operating system you get should be the latest because the latest OSs have support from the developers. In addition, you can get updates with the latest operating systems, which will make your design programs more compatible.
Windows S mode is an operating system you need to be familiar with if you want better performance and security.
F) GPU
A GPU is normally incorporated on the same chip as the main processor. However, you can get a dedicated GPU for your laptop. While looking at the specifications of the device you want to buy, check out the GPU and what it can do.
The GPU might pass as the graphics card. The unit in the graphics card does the actual processing, while the larger graphics card generates the images you see.
The graphics card renders the images you see in the videos and animations.
G) Display
You know to know the resolution that your computer will be giving you. Some people go to the extent of buying dedicated screens for display.
For designers, you should go for 1440px or 1920px screen size. These pixels will give you a clearer picture of what you are working with.
H) Ports
The Cricut maker does not have its program to run it. Instead, think of the Cricut maker as a printer. Therefore, the Cricut maker needs to connect to your computer wirelessly or through a port. Look for a computer with a USB C port or a Thunderbolt port connecting to the Cricut machine.
You can get machines with Bluetooth connectivity. However, you should not gamble on the physical ports as they increase the reliability of your setup.
I) RAM
Go for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM.
Getting a laptop for Cricut with a large RAM increases the processing speed. In addition, memory transfer is increased between programs, increasing the general speed by which your computer functions.
How to Set Up Cricut Design Studio
We would recommend buying a wireless Cricut machine. Once you do, ensure you have both internet and Bluetooth connectivity. Then, use the following steps to set up your Cricut machine.
- Plug the machine into a power source.
- If your laptop for Cricut is set up near the Cricut machine, you can connect the two using a USB port or the Thunderbolt.
- If your setup is not close to the laptop, you can connect the two machines using Bluetooth connectivity.
- Download Design Space.
- Once you download the program, install Design Space using on-screen prompts.
Other Things to Budget for When Setting Up Your Cricut Machine
Image source: cricut.com
Having the best laptop for a Cricut machine without being able to complete your projects would be a bit pointless. The Cricut machine allows you to work on different projects with different materials. To fully take advantage of the capabilities of the Cricut machine, you can budget for the following materials.
I) Cricut Blades
Cricut blades come in multiple sizes. When you buy the different blades, you can create more designs that will boost your productivity and creativity. You need to know about Cricut blades before choosing the one you want to buy.
The blades you buy might or might not be efficient for the materials you wish to work with. For this reason, you should pay attention to the blades you are getting and their capabilities.
Ii) Materials
You will be working on a project once you get your computer and Cricut machine. For your projects to be successful, you will need to cut out, which requires materials. You can get these at an affordable price, and it is better to get them as soon as possible.
You will need papers, infusible ink sheets, transfer tape, iron-on vinyl, or adhesive vinyl. You need these materials to transfer your projects. Depending on the initial inspiration or ideas, you can buy materials that fit your needs. Eventually, you will find your favorite material to work with.
Iii) Pens
You can write with your Cricut machine. This is one interesting feature you should take advantage of. However, once you create intricate designs on the laptop for Cricut, it might not be easy to transfer those results freehand. So here is where the Cricut machine comes in.
Iv) Mats
The machines come with mats sometimes. However, when the Cricut machine does not come with cutting mats, you can get some for yourself. You will need cutting mats with different strengths depending on the projects you will be working on. The last thing you want is to cut the surface of your Cricut desk.
V) Heat Press
If you are working using the iron-on vinyl, you will not want to buy a heat press to use on the final product.
Image source: cricut.com
There are more hand tools you can buy to help you get started with the Cricut machine. However, when dealing with Cricut, the best place to start is to buy the best laptop for Cricut, and you can find good ones for 500 dollars.
Finally
Your Cricut is just an output device, making your computer a vital setup component. For this reason, you should look for the best laptop for Cricut under 500 dollars. Even if you are on a budget, the suggestions we have provided above will give you a strong place to start before you upgrade in the future.
