If you own a Cricut machine, you will use Cricut Design Space software to create your crafts and import some Instagram ideas. However, not all devices are ideal for Cricut Design Space. While you can use a smartphone or a laptop, a tablet is the best device for Cricut Design Space thanks to its large screen than smartphones and its lightweight factor than the usual laptops.
Creating your designs or making a copy is fun and exciting when you use the proper tablet. However, to understand what you need the tablet for, let's start by understanding what the Cricut Design Space is.
What is the Cricut Design Space?
It is a tool that links your smartphone to a Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore series or the Cricut System. Not only does it have a restricted connection, but it also allows you to submit or select the typefaces, layouts or fonts. However, Cricut Joy is only optimized for phones and not for a tablet or an iPad.
Image Credit: daydreamintoreality.com
The Cricut Design Space app allows you to explore the pre-designed themes to build your creations. It has a predetermined option for about 75,000 pictures, 800 designs and 400 typefaces.
The Cricut Design Space app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store on smartphones and mobile devices. However, the program should be downloaded from the Cricut website to use the application on a laptop.
Why Do You Need a Tablet for Cricut Design Space?
Computers, laptops are smartphones can support the Cricut Design Space app, but a tablet is the most feasible display since it supports creativity. Although Cricut Design Space doesn't recommend any specific tablet brand or model, they advise users to ensure that a great tablet should meet the Cricut design space requirements.
Running software from an iPad calls for an iOS 14 or a later version, whereas an Android tablet needs a minimum requirement of Android 9 or a further one. You can run Cricut Design Space on an iPad online and offline, but you will need an active internet to run Cricut design space on an Android tablet.
Using this software on the best tablets for Cricut comes with several advantages, such as:
- The program will be more intuitive
- Comfortable to use with a great degree of accuracy
- Affordability
- Portable
- It will offer hand-drawn composition elements that a PC cannot replicate
- They will sometimes benefit from a touch-screen display and a stylus pen.
- Digital touch screen keyboard
- Convenient since you can download the Cricut Design Space from the Google play store or the App Store
- A palm rejection differentiates between the desired input from styli or fingers and ignores the pressure from wrists or palms.
However, not all tablets are compatible with the Design Space software; therefore, you must be wise when deciding. To assist you in decision-making, we have listed the best tablets for Cricut Design Space to help your creativity thrive while working smoothly. Dive in!
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1. Apple iPad Pro
- Apple M1 chip for next-level performance
- Stunning 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone,...
- TrueDepth camera system featuring Ultra Wide front camera with...
- 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner for...
- Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi
The Apple iPad is one of the best and most popularly used tablets on the market. The Apple iPad Pro comes with an 11 or 12.9-inch liquid retina display with a 2732 x 2048 resolution, featuring a reflectivity of 1.8 percent and an anti-reflective coating. Its beautiful display quality offers around 600 nits at maximum brightness, making it pretty decent for a tablet. These screen features will allow you to generate great designs with amazing detailing.
The Apple iPad Pro is the lightest tablet, weighing about 1.4 pounds, making it super portable. The Apple iPad Pro has also been termed the fastest iPad yet as it features an A12Z Bionic chip, 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU to perform best.
The Apple iPad Pro ships with either 4GB or 6 GB of ram while offering storage choices ranging from 128GB, 256GB,512GB and 1TB. This guarantees you have ample space for your designs. The Apple iPad Pro runs on iOS 13.4, offering seamless performance. Inside, it's powered by a 36.71-watt battery providing excellent battery life, lasting up to 10 hours on a full charge. In addition, the Apple iPad Pro has a USB type C port that supports 20W charging capability with its charger.
The iPad Pro supports the Apple keyboard folio, magic keyboard and the apple pencil (2nd generation), with pressure sensitivity and tilt functions. In addition, the Apple iPad Pro has won the hearts of many Cricut design space users for its exceptional features. All these outstanding features make it a perfect device as one does relish the long-lasting battery life, solid performance and amazing display.
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2. Microsoft Surface 7
- Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio...
- Faster than Surface Pro 6, with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor...
- More ways to connect, with both USB-C and USB-A ports for...
- Standout design that won’t weigh you down — ultra-slim and...
- All-day battery life upto 10.5 hours, plus the ability to go from...
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a superb choice for windows os users. It's one device that performs well against competitors like the iPad Pro and Samsung galaxy tab. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 weighs around 1.7 pounds and features a 12.3-inch PixelSense IPS display with a screen resolution of 2736 x 1824 (267 PPI) and a 3:2 aspect ratio, thus providing a good picture display.
This device runs on a 1.1GHz intel core i5-1035G4 processor, which gets the job done without a hassle. This means it can run multiple apps in the background, and you can easily complete your art project on Cricut Design Space. In addition to the processor, the device comes with 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB of internal storage and 16 GB of RAM with 512 GB of internal storage. Both variants allow you to multitask and efficiently carry out work on Cricut Design Space.
Image Credit: pcworld.idg.com.au
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 provides a sufficient battery life of up to 10 hours. The new addition to the Surface Pro 7 is USB-C. This allows you to hook up to an external monitor directly. In addition, you can separately acquire a detachable keyboard with backlight keys allowing you to type in the dark.
With its great PixelSense display, excellent battery life, and fast performance speed, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 tablet is a great device for anybody looking to invest in a Surface Pro.
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3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
- PC PERFORMANCE. TABLET PORTABILITY: Transform your tablet into a...
- REDESIGNED S PEN INCLUDED: With improved 9ms pen latency, the...
- ENTERTAINMENT, UPGRADED: Experience cinematic viewing with larger...
- CHARGE FAST, POWER FOR HOURS: Go for hours on a single charge and...
- SYNC AND SEND FROM ANY SPACE: With One UI 3.1, you can copy text...
This is one of the best tablets for the Cricut Design Space app, built around the Android OS. Cricut Design comes pre-installed on the device. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ tablet includes a 12.4 super AMOLED, WQXGA+ screen panel. The screen offers a resolution of 2800 x 1752 pixels with a refresh rate of 120Hz, allowing seamless scrolling.
The Galaxy Tab S7+ runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor with a four-core Octa-Core CPU. This CPU allows the Galaxy Tab S7+ to perform tasks effortlessly. Additionally, the Adreno 650 GPU is included to enhance the performance. Furthermore, the Galaxy Tab S7+ features DeX mode, which allows you to transform the tablet into a PC experience using an optional keyboard with an expanded trackpad.
Image Credit: Samsung
This tablet comes with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage space expandable up to 1TB with microSD cards. It also includes an in-display fingerprint sensor that allows users to unlock their tablets without entering a security code. Moreover, it features a redesigned S Pen that offers 9ms pen latency. This redesigned S Pen is handy in note-taking and controlling presentations.
With a weight of around 1.28 pounds, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is exceptionally portable. In addition, it features a great battery life that lasts up to about 8 hours.
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4. Fire HD 10 Tablet
- Fast and responsive - powerful octa-core processor and 3 GB RAM....
- Long-lasting 12-hour battery and 32 or 64 GB internal storage....
- Brighter display - Vivid 10.1" 1080p Full HD display is 10%...
- Enjoy your favorite apps like Netflix, Facebook, Hulu, Instagram,...
- Stay connected - Download apps like Zoom, or ask Alexa to make...
Fire HD 10 Tablet is among the best tablets for Cricut in the tablet market today, and it also qualifies as a low-cost method of accessing Amazon Content. It features a MediaTek Helio P60T quad-core processor suitable for day-to-day work and a Mali-G72 MP3 GPU ideal for gaming.
The Cricut Design space tablet also has 3RGB RAM that allows efficient multitasking, and it's quick enough to satisfy your daily requirements. In addition, the Fire HD 10 Tablet for Cricut includes an IPS display that adjusts your screen's brightness according to your environment.
Image Credit: Amazon
Fire HD 10 Tablet for Cricut has a new function of Alexa where the tablet will answer you if you say "Alexa" even when it's asleep or on standby mode. Since Alexa is a phone call away, you can easily engage with entertainment, information and people.
Lastly, it's one of the best tablets for Cricut that will offer you a long battery life of up to 12 hours, meaning you will not need to charge in between uses frequently. In addition, the device is the best tablet for professionals in the Cricut Design space thanks to its improved specifications, display quality and loudspeakers.
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5. Dragon Touch Max10
- [ Native Android 10.0 OS ] The Dragon Touch Max10 comes with the...
- [ Powerful Octa-Core Tablet for All ] The Dragon Touch NotePad...
- [ Full Google Service Access ] Max10 is a GMS certified android...
- [ Slim Body, Room for Everything ] This 10-inch tablet has...
- [ Ultimate Entertainment Experience ] Featuring a vivid 10.1 inch...
Dragon Touch Max10 is among the best windows tablet for Cricut and might be one of the best undercover Design Space instruments. The great tablet offers a perfect mix of low price and functionality. The screen has a Full HD screen with a pixel count of 1200 x 1920, and because the display is not AMOLED or a Retina display, it is impressively bright.
Image Credit: Dragon Touch
It is one of the best tablets for Cricut with an octa-core CPU and 2 GB RAM that has good updated technology. Although it doesn't have the best specifications out there, you can comfortably be able to multitask. However, running multiple applications at a time might cause the windows tablet to overheat, but if you are only using one program, the tablet will not suffer from heating issues.
The tablet's battery life is estimated at 8 hours and should last a while without needing charging. However, because of the power adapter's low output in the box, the device will charge slowly. Nevertheless, Dragon Touch Max10 is one of the best deals you can cop if you shop for a low-cost way to operate Cricut Design Space and want to design.
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6. Microsoft Surface Go 3
- The most portable Surface touchscreen 2-in-1. Perfect for your...
- Go-anywhere tablet with laptop productivity for the whole family....
- All-day battery life. Get up to 11 hours (1) of on-the-go power,...
- The new, more intuitive Windows. Work, play, and create in the...
- Plug in the accessories you use today with included USB-C port,...
Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an upgrade from the company's previous model, Surface GO2 but with the latest wireless connectivity standards and a fast i3 processor. As a result, this is a better tablet choice if you want a more affordable version than the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 but with a low-quality but decent display.
The budget tablet for Cricut Design Space comes with a 10-5 inch PixelSense display featuring a 1920 x 1280 screen resolution. The display is sharp with decent viewing angles, making it comfortable using a kickstand in different positions. In addition, the tablet display has 402 nits of brightness and a 1500:1 contrast ratio, allowing you to view designs and colors easily, even when moving.
Image Credit: Microsoft
In addition, the display supports the Surface Pen allowing you to be accurate with your paintings and designs. It claims 11 hours of battery life from 6000mAH, but when it's under standard usage, such as photo editing, video calling, and web browsing, the device will last about 7 hours. Luckily, the device supports 45W quick charge 3.0, which means you can fully charge your device in about 1.5 hours.
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7. Apple Ipad Mini
- The Smart Folio for iPad mini is thin and light and offers front...
- It automatically wakes your iPad when opened and puts it to sleep...
- You can easily fold the Smart Folio into different positions to...
- Smart Folio includes front and back cover
- Compatibility: iPad mini (6th generation)
Apple iPad Mini is among the best tablets for Cricut with all the features you would want from an Apple iPad Pro but is more portable without the hefty price tag. Furthermore, after the 2021 update, the iPad mini is better than ever since it is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation making it perfect for designers.
Image Credit: phonearena.com
The device features brilliant specifications and a fast performance thanks to Apple's A15 Bionic processor and Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen. While it doesn't allow you to plug in your headphones to listen, it comes with an Apple Pencil that attaches to this iPad mini magnetically.
Apple iPad mini weighs less than 300g with a super sleek design, and some users may assume that this device features will not deliver, but that is far from wrong. However, the screen size may not be compatible with all Design Space users, but if you can survive the small screen, you will be able to enjoy the quality of life Apple offers.
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8. Lenovo P11 Plus
- Experience superior streaming with the stunning 2K resolution...
- Find a deeper connection with all the songs, stories, and shows...
- Experience less lag while gaming or browsing via the MediaTek...
- Multitask seamlessly with 4GB with 128GB memory; Android 11...
- Do more while you're away from home – the Tab P11 Plus runs on...
Lenovo Tab P11 is among the best tablets for Cricut to perform display-intensive tasks for creative designers. The combination of a Snapdragon processor and the 2K screen can be a dream come true. The processor makes it fast and responsive, and with 8 CPU threads, multitasking has become more accessible.
The tablet has an Android 10, 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage offering a smooth yet lag-free performance for most editing apps. In addition, Lenovo Tablets for Cricut design come with a display that stands out with a 2K anti-glare display and a pixel density of 400ppi.
Image Credit: notebookcheck.net
The Lenovo tablet is suitable for college students, writers, and stock traders with a pre-installed Gboard are works as it's supposed to, and it also supports multi-touch gestures on the glass displays. However, the tablet doesn't have a fingerprint sensor to enhance security.
Lenovo P11 tablet has a good battery life, excellent display, and performs well. Also, one of its biggest pros is that its child-friendly and affordable, which will run Cricut Design Space smoothly.
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9. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
- The 2-in-1 that’s your all-in-one. Instantly transform your...
- Power to multitask. Thanks to the speed of the fast mobile...
- All-new S Pen included. Now the included S Pen lets you pause and...
- More hours of power. With up to 15 hours on a full charge, you...
- Disclaimer - Based on laboratory testing. Battery life depends on...
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 has a powerful processor that powers the tab, which helps you multitask with minimal lag using an octa-core processor. The tablet has an Adreno 640 GPU with a 30% increase in power efficiency, unlike the previous generations, and it also supports many blockbuster games.
Samsung Galaxy Tab offers two choices of SSDs to ensure you choose between storage space and speed and runs on Android 9 pie. However, the deX mode isn't polished, but it is similar to a laptop.
Image Credit: mobilesyrup.com
The tablet has an AMOLED display with a high resolution and bright and vivid colors, enabling users to have a visual and premium experience. The Samsung Galaxy Tab keyboard is small but lacks a backlighting feature. The keys are deep-seated and travel smoothly. Below the keys is a trackpad working perfectly for opening applications and moving the cursor, but it has a poor palm rejection.
In addition, Samsung Galaxy Tab has a stylus with great pressure sensitivity, but you will have an extra amount for the keyword. However, the in-display fingerprint sensor at the bottom can only detect your fingerprint while in one position.
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Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Tablet for Cricut Design Space
For the best design and editing, an artist will need a tablet with a multi-functional stylus and compatibility to run the app smoothly. Some of the factors to look out for when shopping include:
1. Display Quality
The display is a major factor to consider when it comes to drawing and designing, and the sharper the display quality, the more precise your designs will be. Nowadays, all tablets come with a Full HD panel where the touch screen adds extra functionalities to the tablet for Cricut. A perfect example is a digital pen/Stylus support which makes you feel like you are drawing on a real piece of paper.
The most popular choice among manufacturers is the IPS LCD screen because of its great viewing angles, affordability and brightness.
Notably, in terms of color representation and deep blacks, there isn't a match for an AMOLED display which gives you enough to work on with the Cricut design space software.
2. Hardware & Performance
The processor, RAM, and GPU specifications are like the wheels of a car, and if any of these specifications lag, the tablet will lose its compatibility and performance. In addition, when working on your Cricut designs, you will often need to navigate through various screens while you have several apps open in the background.
A good processor ensures your apps run smoothly, while a good amount of RAM helps maintain the apps in the background without killing them. Of course, this is also possible by the OS the tablet for Cricut Design Space might be using, where some are more ideal for multitasking than others.
Most of the best tablets for Cricut have Octacore chipsets, which are enough to handle the day-to-day tasks, including classic gaming, web browsing, social media and applications. Moreover, for advanced uses such as photo/video editing, Cricut design and gaming, you will need a decent GPU engine and a powerful processor.
3. Battery
Of course, when shopping for the best tablets, all the features are useless when the tablet doesn't have great battery life. However, the battery capacity doesn't mean long hours because the battery performance is determined by the power efficiency of the CPU, the tasks you perform and the type of display.
The best tablet for Cricut design space should be able to give you a full day of standard usage, including web browsing and music and videos. So, if you are someone with limited time on your hands, ensure the tablet PC you choose comes with a quick charge option with a minimum of 18W capacity.
4. Storage Space
To store all your data, you need sufficient space, and therefore, you will need to check out several storage options before settling on the best tablets for Cricut design.
5. Stylus & Hotkeys
Although this feature will not be in all the best tablets for Cricut, it is very beneficial. A compatible stylus pen (S-Pen) will support the precision of a design and also its quick functionality. Although an S-pen is not a need when using the Cricut design software, it is highly recommendable since it will allow your creative juices to flow.
Notably, you will find either the battery-operated styluses or the electromagnetic resonance (EMR). Although both work fine, the battery-operated ones are slightly thicker and will offer a fine point. Alternatively, the EMR technology's stylus is thin to hold and will give a thick pointer.
On the other hand, most tablets or the latest slates come with built-in hotkeys, also known as shortcut keys, that add quickness and swift functionality. The hotkeys allow users to customize their top apps in an accessible yet feasible pattern. Although it's not beneficial for the design performance, it's a perfect add-on that will facilitate your convenience.
6. Operating System
Whether you opt for a macOS or a Windows operating system, it's a matter of preference and personal taste. Both operating systems have good tablets, but starting with the operating system you are comfortable with is advisable to avoid needing a lot of work.
7. Pressure Sensitivity
Pressure sensitivity is another factor to consider when using the Cricut design space. When working on complex designs, the better the pressure sensitivity of your tablet, the better your focal view.
Most tablets have a pressure sensitivity of 300-3,000, with slate tablets having a pressure sensitivity of 1200-1300, suitable for running Cricut design space.
8. Screen Size
The screen size is also a matter of preference since you don't use the screen to create Cricut. Since you will only be choosing designs, any screen size is enough as long as you can comfortably see your designs.
Nevertheless, you will need a decent screen size to balance comfort and portability. Opt for a larger screen if you need to squint to see your phone or for smaller tablets. The large screens usually go as large as 14 inches.
9. Cost
The right tablet for Cricut design can cost a huge amount of money, and your tablet will comfortably operate your Cricut if it fulfills the system requirements. However, you may also find a table costing about $200, which will still do the trick. Depending on the features, choose a tablet that will match your budget.
Conclusion
If you are shopping around for the best tablet for the Cricut design space, try to look for specialized performers. The tablet that allows Cricut Design Space should be able to handle several tasks at a go to ensure a glitch-free drawing experience. The tablets above will sort a wide range of budgets and needs, so you should make a wise choice to help your creative ability achieve its goal.
For a beginner, investing in a primary tablet for Cricut design can handle the more intensive design chores you could encounter in the near future is better. Some quick suggestions you can use are:
- If you are using Cricut on your laptop but are interested in switching to a tablet around the same environment, then Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the best choice. The table can also be a laptop with the Surface cover keyboard.
- However, if you are not on a budget, cop yourself with the iPad Pro, the best overall tablet on the market and can comfortably handle Cricut.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Tablet for Cricut Design Space
1. Can I Use the Cricut Design Space with a Chromebook?
Yes, it's possible. However, for a while back, Chromebooks did not support Cricut, but now you can down the Android Design Space app and use it on your Chromebook. Below are the steps:
a). Go to the Google Play Store on your Chromebook and Download the Design Space App
b). Open and sign in to the app and set up a new profile account
c). Connect your Cricut maker or Cricut machine by turning it one
d). Open your Chromebook's system menu that is at the bottom right and choose Bluetooth to pair your device
2. Is Cricut Design Space compatible with more than one device?
Yes. Design Space allows you to create anywhere you are because it is cloud-based. You can begin a project on your iOS or Android mobile from your couch and finish it in your craft area on a PC.
3. Is the Camera quality a Factor to Consider when Using the Cricut Design Space App?
Yes, when you are doing your projects, it is only when using your device to take your pictures. Therefore, the best tablets for Cricut should have a front and rear-facing camera. However, if you need a budget tablet only for work purposes and don't need to take pictures, then the Cricut Design Space will be all you need.