Cricut is a popular brand for crafting machines, used to cut and create designs for various materials.
But to use a Cricut machine, you need a laptop that meets the system requirements.
While high-end laptops are often the first choice for many, budget laptops under $500 can also work perfectly fine.
If you are on a budget and cannot afford to spend a lot of money on a high-end machine?
Let’s take a look at the best laptops for Cricut under $500 that can deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank.
Top 3 PICKS

Acer Aspire 5

Lenovo Ideapad3

HP 15 Laptop
Best Laptop for Cricut Under $500
Let’s delve into our top recommendations for the best laptops for Cricut under $500:
1. Acer Aspire 5
Specifications | |
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Brand | Acer |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
CPU | Ryzen 3 3350U |
RAM | 4GB |
Hard Disk Size | 128GB SSD |
Operating System | Windows 11 |
The Acer Aspire 5 (model A515-46-R3UB) offers several advantages that cater to Cricut users, including a fast AMD Ryzen 3 3350U processor that provides efficient and powerful performance for demanding tasks such as multitasking and content creation.
It also has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels that provides a clear and immersive viewing experience. The laptop features 4GB of DDR4 RAM and a fast 128GB NVMe solid-state drive, allowing for speedy boot-up and program launch times.
Additionally, it has a sleek and durable design that makes it both stylish and practical. Other features include a built-in fingerprint reader for secure login and a variety of ports for connecting to external devices.
Overall, The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is a budget-friendly laptop that is suitable for running Cricut software.
2. Lenovo Ideapad3
Specifications | |
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Brand | Lenovo |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
CPU Model | Core i3 |
RAM | 8GB |
Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 |
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop is another budget-friendly option that can handle Cricut. that offers a 15.6″ touchscreen display with a resolution of 1366 x 768. While the resolution may not be as high as on some premium laptops, it still provides clear visuals and allows for convenient touch interaction.
Powered by an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, the Ideapad 3 delivers decent performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and basic productivity. The inclusion of 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB solid-state drive enhances its overall responsiveness and enables swift multitasking.
One notable advantage of the Ideapad 3 is its lightweight and portable design, making it convenient for users who are frequently moving. It also features a variety of ports for connecting peripherals and accessories, adding to its versatility.
While the Ideapad 3 has its strengths, it’s important to note that its screen resolution may not meet the expectations of users who demand a higher level of detail and clarity. Additionally, some users have expressed a desire for more storage capacity, as the 256GB solid-state drive may fill up quickly for those with extensive multimedia files or large software installations.
3. HP 15 Laptop
Specifications | |
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Brand | HP |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
CPU Model | Core i5 |
RAM | 8GB |
Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
The HP 15 laptop offers several advantages that make it a great choice for a budget laptop for Cricut. Equipped with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, it delivers powerful performance suitable for a range of tasks, including multitasking, content creation, and general productivity. The lightweight design of the laptop adds to its appeal, making it easy to carry around for work or travel purposes.
The 15.6-inch Full HD display provides a visually pleasing experience with sharp and vibrant visuals. Combined with 8GB of RAM and a fast 256GB solid-state drive, the laptop offers smooth multitasking capabilities and quick boot-up times.
Furthermore, the inclusion of Windows 10 pre-installed adds convenience to users by providing a familiar and user-friendly operating system. The variety of ports available allows for seamless connectivity to peripheral devices and expands the laptop’s functionality.
Despite its strengths, there are a few aspects worth considering. The battery life, rated at up to 7 hours, may be limiting for users who require extended usage without access to a power source. Additionally, while the laptop offers a solid configuration, it may not be suitable for users with extremely high-performance demands such as intensive gaming or resource-heavy professional applications.
4. Dell Newest Inspiron 3510 Laptop
Specifications | |
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Brand | Dell |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
CPU Model | Celeron N4020 |
RAM | 8GB |
Hard Disk Size | 128 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 |
The Dell Inspiron 3583 laptop, powered by an Intel Celeron processor, is a great option for those who need a basic laptop for Cricut. Its compact 15.6-inch HD display provides adequate visual clarity for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and multimedia consumption.
The laptop’s lightweight and portable design makes it convenient for users who are frequently on the move, while the inclusion of 8GB of RAM and a 128GB solid-state drive (SSD) ensures smooth performance for basic tasks and quick boot-up times.
One of the advantages of the Dell Inspiron 3583 is its decent selection of ports, allowing for easy connectivity with peripherals and external devices. Additionally, it comes with Windows 10 Home pre-installed, providing a familiar and user-friendly operating system for seamless use.
However, it is important to note that this laptop’s specifications are geared toward basic computing needs and may not be suitable for resource-intensive tasks or demanding applications. The Intel Celeron processor may struggle with multitasking or running complex software, and the limited 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD may restrict storage capacity and overall system responsiveness.
4. ASUS VivoBook 14
Specifications | |
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Brand | ASUS |
Screen Size | 14 Inches |
CPU Model | Core i3 |
RAM | 4GB |
Hard Disk Size | 128 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
The ASUS VivoBook 14 is a well-rounded laptop that offers decent performance for running Cricut software. Powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, it delivers efficient performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and multimedia consumption.
The laptop’s 14-inch Full HD display provides crisp visuals and a comfortable viewing experience. Additionally, the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor adds an extra layer of security and convenience for quick and secure logins.
The ASUS VivoBook 14 features a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for users on the go. Its 4GB of RAM allows for smooth multitasking and responsive performance, while the 128GB solid-state drive (SSD) provides ample storage space and fast boot-up times.
One of the notable advantages of this laptop is its extensive connectivity options, including USB Type-C, USB 3.2, HDMI, and microSD card reader, ensuring seamless connectivity with various devices and peripherals.
However, it is important to note that the ASUS VivoBook 14’s Intel Core i3 processor may not be suitable for resource-intensive tasks or demanding applications. Users with high-performance needs, such as gaming or video editing, may require a more powerful processor and dedicated graphics.
5. HP STREAM
Specifications | |
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Brand | ASUS |
Screen Size | 14 Inches |
CPU Model | Celeron N4000 |
RAM | 4GB |
Hard Disk Size | 64 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 S |
The HP Stream 14″ Laptop is a budget-friendly option. Its 14″ diagonal HD BrightView display is suitable for web browsing, streaming content, and basic productivity tasks. The dual-core Intel Celeron processor and 4 GB RAM are capable of handling basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications. While the RAM and storage may be a bit on the lower side, it can still handle most Cricut projects.
The laptop comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode, which is a streamlined version of Windows designed for security and performance. However, users may need to switch out of S mode to install certain applications. The improved 802.11 ac 2×2 Wi-Fi antenna provides a strong and reliable internet connection, and the battery life of up to 11 hours allows for a full day of use.
The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 is suitable for basic gaming and streaming 4K content. The laptop also includes a multi-format SD media card reader, HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone, and an IFT 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive.
6. Lenovo Chromebook Laptop
Specifications | |
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Brand | Lenovo |
Screen Size | 13.3 Inches |
CPU Model | Intel Core i3 |
RAM | 8GB |
Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
Operating System | Chrome OS |
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 13.3″ 2-in-1 Laptop is a versatile and affordable device that could be a great choice for those who need a device for basic Cricut project tasks. With a 360-degree hinge and a touchscreen display, the laptop can be used as a traditional laptop or a tablet.
The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, which is a solid performer for most day-to-day tasks. It also has 8GB of RAM and a 256GB eMMC SSD for storage. While the storage space might be a bit limited, the eMMC SSD is faster than a traditional hard drive, which should make for snappy performance.
The 13.3″ Full HD IPS touchscreen display is bright and vibrant, with good color accuracy and viewing angles. The display can also be used with an active pen (sold separately) for note-taking or drawing.
One of the best features of the Chromebook Flex 5 is its long battery life, which can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. It also supports fast charging, which can provide up to 2 hours of use from just 15 minutes of charging.
As a Chromebook, the laptop runs on Chrome OS, which is a lightweight and fast operating system designed for web-based applications. This makes it ideal for tasks such as browsing the web, using Google Docs, or watching videos on YouTube.
7. HP Pavilion Laptop
Specifications | |
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Brand | HP |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
CPU Model | Pentium |
RAM | 8GB |
Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 |
The HP Pavilion 15 is a versatile laptop that is suitable for running Cricut software. It is equipped with a quad-core processor, which allows for smooth multitasking and efficient handling of everyday computing tasks. This makes it suitable for tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and multimedia consumption.
The laptop features a 15.6-inch display with a resolution that offers a crisp and clear visual experience. This is great for watching videos, browsing photos, and working on documents. The built-in webcam and microphone make it convenient for video conferencing or online meetings, ensuring clear communication with colleagues or friends.
In terms of design, the HP Pavilion 15 has a sleek and modern look with a slim profile. It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around for on-the-go use. The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, and the touchpad is responsive and accurate.
One drawback of this laptop is its storage capacity. With only 256GB of storage, it may be limited for users who require a large amount of space for storing files, videos, or games. However, it is worth noting that the laptop supports external storage options, such as USB drives or cloud storage, which can help mitigate this limitation.
8. HP 17-inch Laptop
Specifications | |
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Brand | HP |
Screen Size | 17.3 Inches |
CPU Model | Intel Core i5 |
RAM | 8GB |
Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
The HP laptop with model number 17-cn0025nr is a high-performance machine that is suitable for running Cricut software smoothly. The laptop is powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which is a quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.4GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.2GHz. The processor is coupled with 8GB of DDR4 memory and a 256GB PCIe NVMe solid-state drive, providing fast and efficient performance for a wide range of tasks.
In terms of graphics, the laptop features Intel Iris Xe Graphics, which provides smooth and efficient performance for gaming and multimedia applications. The laptop also comes with a range of ports, including USB-C, HDMI, and a multi-format SD media card reader, allowing for easy connectivity to a wide range of devices.
The laptop has a sleek and stylish design, with a silver finish that looks great in any environment. It also features a backlit keyboard, which makes it easy to type in low-light conditions. The laptop’s battery life is up to 9 hours and 15 minutes, which is quite impressive for a machine of this size and power.
What are Cricut laptop requirements?
Firstly, your laptop’s processor speed and type are critical to consider. A processor with a speed of at least 2.5 GHz is recommended, and Intel Core i5 or i7 is a preferred choice. A high-quality processor ensures that your laptop can handle complex designs and multiple applications running simultaneously.
Secondly, the laptop’s RAM is essential for smooth operation. A minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended, and higher RAM capacity means your laptop can handle larger projects with ease.
Thirdly, the graphics card on your laptop plays a crucial role in the Cricut software’s performance. An integrated graphics card can work, but a dedicated graphics card is preferred for optimal performance.
Lastly, the storage capacity of your laptop is essential for storing your design files and Cricut software. A minimum of 256GB of storage is recommended, but a larger storage capacity is always better for storing more files.
What are the System Requirements for Circut Laptops?
To ensure that your laptop can handle the Cricut software and perform smoothly, then we recommend the following specs:
- OS: Windows 10 or MacOS
- CPU: Intel i5 or better
- RAM: 8GB or better
- SSD: 256GB or better
- Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768
- Battery: 6 hours autonomy or better