Best Laptop for Cricut Under $500: Top Picks for Budget Crafters
The best laptops for Cricut under $500 are:
- Newest HP 14" HD Laptop, Dale Pink (Renewed)
- HP 2021 Stream 14" HD Laptop
- HP Chromebook 14 Laptop
- Lenovo Thinkpad 13 Laptop
- Acer 2022 Chromebook 315 15.6" Full HD Touchscreen
- Dell Chromebook 11 3180 Laptop (Renewed)
- HP Stream 14-inch Laptop, Intel Celeron N4000
- LincPlus P3 14-inch Laptop
As a creative enthusiast, I know how exciting it can be to work with a Cricut machine. These incredible devices allow us to create custom designs and bring our ideas to life.
A vital element in the experience of using a Cricut machine is having an equally reliable laptop to complement its capabilities. That's why I decided to explore the best laptops for Cricut under $500.
Cricut machines are versatile cutting tools that can precisely cut various materials like cardstock, vinyl, and even thin fabrics. They are easily controlled using Cricut Design Space software.
This software requires certain system specifications to operate smoothly, efficiently, and without any hindrances. So, finding Cricut compatible laptops that can handle the demands of the software within a specific budget becomes a crucial factor.
When deciding on a laptop for Cricut maker, there are a few key aspects to consider. These include the processor, memory, storage space, and screen size.
The processor should be fast enough to ensure seamless operation of the Cricut Design Space, while memory and storage space should be adequate for storing and working on multiple designs without lag.
As for the screen size, it should ideally be large enough to provide a comfortable workspace, but not too bulky, making it difficult to carry around.
With these essential features in mind, I have carefully tested and researched numerous laptops within the $500 budget range.
By focusing on performance, compatibility, and user experience, I've identified the top contenders that make using a Cricut machine a total breeze.
So, let's dive in and discover the ideal laptops to enhance your Cricut crafting experience.
Table of Contents
- Best Laptops for Cricut Under $500
- Newest HP 14" HD Laptop, Dale Pink (Renewed)
- HP 2021 Stream 14" HD Laptop
- HP Chromebook 14 Laptop
- Lenovo Thinkpad 13 Laptop
- Acer 2022 Chromebook 315 15.6" Full HD Touchscreen
- Dell Chromebook 11 3180 Laptop (Renewed)
- HP Stream 14-inch Laptop, Intel Celeron N4000
- LincPlus P3 14-inch Laptop
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Laptops for Cricut Under $500
I've gathered a list of the best laptops for Cricut under $500, so you can find the perfect one to suit your crafting needs. Check out my top picks and find the best budget laptop for you below!
Newest HP 14" HD Laptop, Dale Pink (Renewed)
I recommend this affordable laptop for Cricut users who need a practical and portable solution without breaking the bank.
Pros
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Lightweight and portable
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Efficient performance for Cricut tasks
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Nice pink color
Cons
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Limited storage capacity
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Not suitable for heavy multitasking
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Refurbished, not new
As a writer and an occasional crafter, I found it perfect for my needs, especially under the $500 budget. The laptop is lightweight and easy to carry around, making it super convenient for on-the-go Cricut projects.
The Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB SSD allowed me to run my Cricut Design Space smoothly. Although it's not a high-end laptop, it did an excellent job handling my crafting work on Cricut.
However, I would not recommend this laptop for heavy multitasking, as it may not handle multiple high-demand programs efficiently.
The Dale Pink color is another aspect I cannot ignore. It's a delight to look at and gives my workspace a refreshing vibe.
On the other hand, the storage space is limited to 64GB, which might be a drawback for some users.
I found it sufficient for my Cricut work, but if you need more storage, investing in a portable hard drive or a higher capacity laptop might be a better option.
Bear in mind that this laptop is refurbished, not brand new. I received it in excellent condition, and it worked like a charm. But if you're keen on having a brand new device, this may not be the ideal choice for you.
In conclusion, the HP 14" HD Laptop in Dale Pink is an affordable and practical solution for Cricut users looking for a portable device under $500. With a few caveats related to storage capacity and multitasking, it's a reliable choice for running Cricut Design Space and completing your crafting projects.
HP 2021 Stream 14" HD Laptop
This HP Stream laptop is perfect for Cricut enthusiasts on a budget, delivering solid performance and functionality.
Pros
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Lightweight and portable design
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Smooth multitasking with Intel Celeron N4000 Processor and 4GB RAM
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Includes a bonus 128GB SnowBell USB Card for additional storage
Cons
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Limited storage space with 64GB SSD
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Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks or gaming
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Windows 10 S, a limited version of Windows 10
It's easy to carry around, making it an excellent choice for those who travel or need a portable working station for their Cricut needs.
With its Intel Celeron N4000 Processor and 4GB RAM, multitasking is smooth, allowing me to run Cricut Design Space and other programs without lag.
However, keep in mind that this laptop is not built for heavy-duty tasks or gaming – it's tailored for light-duty usage such as web browsing, word processing, and for Cricut use.
The 64GB SSD ensures quick boot-up times and enhanced storage capabilities, but it may not be enough for those looking to store large files or run various applications. Fortunately, it comes with a bonus 128GB SnowBell USB Card to expand storage.
One downside is the pre-installed Windows 10 S, which allows only Microsoft Store applications. However, you can upgrade to the full Windows 10 version if you need more flexibility.
All in all, the HP 2021 Stream 14" HD laptop is an affordable option for Cricut users seeking a portable and reliable laptop under $500.
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop
I highly recommend the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop for anyone looking for a budget-friendly yet powerful device for Cricut crafting.
Pros
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Lightweight and portable design
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Impressive battery life with fast charging
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Smooth performance with Intel Celeron N4120 processor
Cons
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Limited to Chrome OS and Android apps
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Only 4 GB RAM which may affect multitasking
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64 GB eMMC storage may fill up quickly
The lightweight and portable design make it easy to carry around, and the sleek Mineral Silver finish is an added bonus.
The 14-inch HD display is perfect for viewing my Cricut projects, and the anti-glare feature is excellent when working in bright environments.
As a Cricut user, I found that the Intel Celeron N4120 processor provides smooth performance for my crafting needs, and the device's long battery life (up to 14 hours) is a lifesaver during all-nighters or binge-watching sessions.
When the battery begins to run low, HP's Fast Charge technology ensures your device is juiced up quickly - 50% in just 45 minutes.
One thing I must mention is that the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop operates on Chrome Operating System, which means you'll be using Android apps and the Chrome browser for all of your work.
While this is enough for most of my Cricut needs, those looking for a more versatile device might see this as a drawback.
Additionally, the device comes with 4 GB RAM, which might limit smooth multitasking, especially when working on resource-intensive applications.
The 64 GB eMMC storage is sufficient for my projects, but be prepared to invest in external storage if you plan on saving large files.
In conclusion, the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop is an ideal choice for Cricut users seeking a budget-friendly device with reliable performance capabilities. Just be aware of its limitations in terms of RAM, storage, and Chrome OS dependency.
Lenovo Thinkpad 13 Laptop
I wholeheartedly recommend the Lenovo Thinkpad 13 Laptop as the best laptop for Cricut under $500 for its performance and value.
Pros
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Strong performance with Intel Celeron 3865U Processor and 8GB RAM
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Compact and portable 13.3" FHD display
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256GB SSD for fast and ample storage
Cons
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Refurbished, but in excellent condition
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No optical drive
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Basic integrated graphics
Its Intel Celeron 3865U Processor and 8GB RAM allow me to run Cricut software smoothly and without any lags in performance.
And, with a 256GB SSD, I've found that not only do my programs and documents load quickly, but there's also plenty of storage space for all of my design files.
The 13.3" FHD display on this laptop is both compact and portable, making it easy for me to bring it along to crafting events or workshops.
The screen resolution is sharp and vibrant, which allows for accurate color representation when designing in the Cricut software.
The downside, however, is that this laptop comes with basic integrated graphics, which can be limiting for some users who need high-end graphics performance.
As a drawback, the Lenovo Thinkpad 13 Laptop doesn't have an optical drive, but this is becoming increasingly common as more software becomes cloud-based or downloadable.
The fact that it's a refurbished model might make some users wary, but I can assure you that this laptop is in excellent condition, and being tested and cleaned by qualified vendors, it even comes with a 90-day warranty.
In summary, if you're looking for the best laptop for Cricut under $500, the Lenovo Thinkpad 13 Laptop is a stellar choice.
It offers impressive performance for Cricut projects, a compact and portable design, and ample storage space for all your creativity needs.
Acer 2022 Chromebook 315 15.6" Full HD Touchscreen
I recently tried the Acer 2022 Chromebook 315 and found it to be a reliable, budget-friendly laptop for Cricut users under $500 that provides excellent screen quality and long battery life.
Pros
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High-quality Full HD touchscreen
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Impressive 12-hour battery life
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Lightweight and sleek design
Cons
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Limited storage space with 64GB eMMC
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Might not be suitable for advanced multitasking
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Sensitive touchscreen
The touchscreen is responsive, but keep in mind that it can be quite sensitive, so accidental touches may lead to unintended actions.
Although it comes with a relatively basic Intel Celeron N4020 Dual-Core Processor and 4GB DDR4 RAM, the Chromebook is able to support essential tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and working with Cricut Design Space. It might not be the best for more advanced multitasking or resource-heavy applications, though. You can check out this list of the laptops with best webcams for streaming purposes.
One of my favorite aspects of the Acer Chromebook is its remarkable battery life, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge.
This feature allowed me to work on my Cricut projects throughout the day without having to worry about constantly recharging it.
The only downside is the limited storage capacity of 64GB eMMC, which may fill up quickly if you have an extensive library of designs and projects. However, it does offer built-in cloud support, which can help alleviate storage concerns.
Overall, the Acer 2022 Chromebook 315 is a solid, budget-friendly laptop for Cricut users under $500. Its top-notch screen quality, long battery life, and sleek design make it an enjoyable device to use for personal projects. You can check out some other great Acer devices in this collection of the best laptops for Python programming as well as best laptops for hacking.
Dell Chromebook 11 3180 Laptop (Renewed)
This Dell Chromebook is a budget-friendly option for Cricut users who can work within its limitations.
Pros
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Affordable price
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Lightweight and portable
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Long battery life
Cons
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Limited storage
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Not touch-enabled
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Pre-owned or refurbished
The laptop's affordable price was a major selling point for me, as well as its lightweight design which made it easy to carry around. The battery life is also impressive, lasting for up to 10 hours without needing to be recharged.
On the downside, the laptop has a limited storage capacity of only 16GB, which might not be enough for those looking to store a large number of project files. Additionally, the screen is not touch-enabled, which may limit creativity for some Cricut users.
Plus, keep in mind that this laptop is pre-owned or refurbished, but it does come with Amazon's Renewed Guarantee, so you can be sure it's been inspected and tested to work and look like new.
The Dell Chromebook 11 3180 runs on Chrome OS and comes with a Celeron N3060 processor and 4GB of memory.
The non-touch LCD screen has an anti-glare coating, making it suitable for use in various lighting conditions. The laptop also has a decent number of ports, including more than one USB port (3.0) for connecting external devices.
In conclusion, the Dell Chromebook 11 3180 is a budget-friendly option for Cricut users who don't need a laptop with a lot of bells and whistles.
Its lightweight design and long battery life make it a convenient choice, but the limited storage and lack of touch capabilities might be a dealbreaker for some users. Dell also makes great laptops for trading forex. You can check them out at the given link.
HP Stream 14-inch Laptop, Intel Celeron N4000
I highly recommend this laptop for those seeking a budget-friendly and efficient device for Cricut projects.
Pros
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Lightweight and portable design
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Long battery life
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Strong Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons
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Only 4 GB of RAM
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Limited storage capacity
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Not suitable for heavy tasks
The battery life has been impressive with over 10 hours of power, allowing me to work on my Cricut projects without constantly needing to recharge.
The Wi-Fi antenna on this laptop has been a game-changer for me. It delivers a strong and reliable internet connection, which is essential when downloading Cricut designs or browsing for inspiration.
I also appreciate the inclusion of a one-year Microsoft Office 365 subscription. Having access to programs like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint has helped me stay organized and enhance my Cricut projects.
On the flip side, I must admit that the 4 GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC storage have been limiting at times.
This laptop is ideal for basic Cricut tasks and streaming, but it struggles with more demanding applications or large design files. That said, considering the price point, such compromises are understandable.
In conclusion, if you're looking for an affordable and efficient laptop for your Cricut projects, the HP Stream 14-inch Laptop, Intel Celeron N4000 is a great option. It boasts a portable design, long battery life, and strong Wi-Fi connectivity.
However, be prepared for some limitations in terms of RAM and storage capacity. Overall, I'm truly satisfied with my purchase and believe it's a great fit for my Cricut needs.
LincPlus P3 14-inch Laptop
I personally find the LincPlus P3 to be a decent choice for Cricut users on a tight budget, despite a few drawbacks.
Pros
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Efficient performance with expandable memory
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Full HD IPS screen and lightweight design
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Variety of interfaces and good battery life
Cons
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Different keyboard layout might be confusing
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Not suitable for heavy multitasking
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Limited storage space out of the box
Its 4GB high-speed DDR4 memory and 128GB solid-state hard drive storage make it possible to handle various tasks quite efficiently. Plus, the option to expand the memory through an SSD adds flexibility if you need extra storage in the future.
The 14.1-inch 1080P Full HD IPS screen delivers vivid colors, which makes designing and previewing projects on this laptop more enjoyable.
Its thin and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, and the battery life lasts for a whole day - perfect for on-the-go Cricut crafting sessions.
The multiple interfaces provided by the LincPlus P3 allow hassle-free connectivity to devices and peripherals.
However, I came across a few downsides while using this laptop. One noticeable issue was the keyboard layout - it might take some time to get used to.
Also, the 4GB RAM might not be sufficient for heavy multitasking or running demanding applications. And although the laptop comes with 128GB storage, you might find it limiting if you have a large collection of design files to store.
In conclusion, the LincPlus P3 is a viable option for Cricut users on a budget who value portability and battery life. While it does have some limitations, it offers a good balance of price, performance, and features for basic Cricut-related tasks.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best laptop for Cricut under $500, there are several key factors I consider to ensure I'm getting the most value for my money.
In this buying guide, I'll share the essential features to look for when choosing the right laptop to support your Cricut crafting needs.
First and foremost, I pay attention to the processor's performance since it affects how quickly my laptop can handle Cricut Design Space.
I recommend a minimum of an Intel Core i3 or its equivalent in other brands. This will help to make sure my projects run smoothly and efficiently.
An important aspect I always look for is the RAM. Having enough RAM is crucial for running multiple applications and seamless multitasking.
I suggest at least 8GB of RAM, as anything less could result in lagging or freezing when working on intricate designs.
Next, I focus on the storage capacity. Since Cricut projects can consume a significant amount of storage space over time, I recommend opting for an SSD (solid-state drive) over a traditional HDD (hard disk drive).
SSDs offer faster performance and better reliability, which are essential when working on complex projects. A minimum of 256GB of storage should suffice.
As for the display, I prefer a screen size between 13 to 15 inches for optimal portability without sacrificing visibility. Full HD resolution (1920x1080 pixels) is ideal to ensure crisp and clear images while designing.
Touchscreen capabilities can be a nice addition, although it's not necessary, as Cricut Design Space works flawlessly with a standard trackpad or mouse.
Of course, I never forget to check the laptop's compatibility with Cricut Design Space. To save time, I make sure to visit Cricut's official website and review their list of system requirements to confirm that my chosen laptop meets or exceeds their recommendations.
Following these guidelines has always led me to make informed choices when selecting the best laptop for Cricut under $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top laptops under $500 that work well with Cricut?
In my experience, some of the top laptops under $500 that work well with Cricut are the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, Acer Aspire 5, and HP 14z Laptop.
These laptops offer a good balance of performance and affordability, making them ideal for Cricut users on a budget.
Which laptops meet the Cricut Design Space requirements and are budget-friendly?
Laptops that meet the Cricut Design Space requirements and are budget-friendly include the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, Acer Aspire 5, and HP 14z Laptop.
These laptops have at least 4GB of RAM and a 2.4 GHz processor or higher, which are the minimum requirements for running Cricut Design Space.
Are there any 2-in-1 laptops under $500 compatible with Cricut?
Yes, there are 2-in-1 laptops under $500 that are compatible with Cricut. The Lenovo Flex 5 is a solid option with its AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD.
This convertible laptop allows you to work on your Cricut projects in both laptop and tablet mode.
What are the best laptop options for Cricut Explore Air 2 under $500?
I found that the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, Acer Aspire 5, and HP 14z Laptop are some of the best laptop options for Cricut Explore Air 2 under $500.
These laptops provide enough processing power and memory to handle Cricut Design Space, allowing you to create beautiful projects with your Explore Air 2.
Can I find a laptop for digital scrapbooking within a $500 budget?
Yes, you can find a laptop for digital scrapbooking within a $500 budget. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3, Acer Aspire 5, and HP 14z Laptop are all suitable options for digital scrapbooking enthusiasts.
These laptops offer the performance needed for photo editing and design software, without breaking the bank. Also check out this list of the best laptops for video editing under $1,000 for heavy video editing purposes.
Do I need a specific type of computer for my Cricut, or will any laptop under $500 work?
While you don't necessarily need a specific type of computer for your Cricut, it's important to ensure that the laptop you choose meets the minimum system requirements for Cricut Design Space.
Most laptops under $500 that have at least 4GB of RAM and a 2.4 GHz processor or higher should work well with Cricut machines.
If, however, you can go for more expensive laptops, check out an Apple laptop like the Macbook air, or the HP Pavilion.