It is the machine I reach for the most often because it's so uncomplicated and works so well! I created this entire wall decal project with my Cricut Explore Air 2.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut over 100 materials using its fine-point blade–click here to see the full list of materials the Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut. It's extremely versatile and will cut everything that most people are interested in cutting.
The Cricut Maker is NOT just a different version of the Explore machine. The big difference is the Adaptive Tool System to intelligently control the direction of the blade and the cut pressure to match your material.
The Cricut Maker can cut everything the Cricut Air Explore 2 can cut plus so much more–it cuts over 300 different materials. I've used it to cut felt and so much more.