September 2026
In 2026 these brands finally compete in the same aisle: a 15×15 automatic press around $350. EasyPress is a different tool and should not be in that fight.
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| Spec |  HTVRONT Auto 2 |  Cricut AutoPress 2 |  Cricut EasyPress 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our pick | Best overall | Closest auto alternative | Best connected beginner |
| Street price | About $350 (street price, September 2026) | About $350 in September 2026 (typical list $379) | Typically $140–$180 depending on bundle; 12×10 is the large handheld size |
| Platen | 15 × 15 in | 15 × 15 in | 12 × 10 in (9×9 also sold) |
| Power | 1500W (120V) | Not clearly published on the listing we checked; Cricut markets it in the same craft-auto class | About 1250–1400W on the 12×10, per Cricut’s FAQ |
| Max temperature | 410°F / 210°C | 410°F / 210°C | 400°F / 205°C |
| Pressure | Adjustable, 20–80 kg (about 44–176 lb), 7 levels | Adjustable, 44–220 lb (about 20–100 kg) per Cricut | Manual — you supply the pressure |
| Clearance / height | Up to 4.5 cm / 1.77 in (hoodies) | Up to 1.8 in / 4.5 cm | Handheld; you move the plate to the garment |
| Weight | About 44 lb / 20 kg | About 42 lb per Cricut’s launch materials | About 8.6 lb on the 12×10 |
| Warranty (published) | HTVRONT states a 1-year manufacturer warranty on this model | Cricut manufacturer warranty (see listing / Cricut.com) | Cricut’s standard limited manufacturer warranty (register / activate through the Cricut Heat app) |
| Where it is sold | Major online retailers and HTVRONT.com | US retail exclusive into November 2026, then Cricut.com and other retailers | Major online retailers and big-box craft stores. Cricut.com currently leads with EasyPress SE, not this SKU. |
| Buy |  Check priceUS exclusive through November 4, 2026. Cricut.com does not sell this SKU yet — no manufacturer buy link until then. |
Figures come from manufacturer pages and product listings checked in September 2026.
#1
Best overall
#2
Closest auto alternative
Check priceUS exclusive through November 4, 2026. Cricut.com does not sell this SKU yet — no manufacturer buy link until then.
#4
Best connected beginner
Plate size. Auto Heat Press 2 and AutoPress 2 are both 15×15. EasyPress 3 tops out at 12×10. If the search was “best heat press 2026” for shirts, EasyPress is the beginner off-ramp, not the production pick.
Pressure. HTVRONT publishes 20–80 kg (about 44–176 lb) across seven levels and calls out DTF. Cricut publishes 44–220 lb on AutoPress 2. EasyPress has no frame — pressure is your wrists. We have not measured any of these numbers on a scale.
Software. Cricut wants the Heat app (mandatory activation on EasyPress 3; optional Bluetooth presets on AutoPress 2). HTVRONT advertises onboard presets plus a Bluetooth app. If you already cut in Design Space, Cricut’s guided settings are a real reason to stay in-family. If you do not want another login, HTVRONT’s physical controls are the simpler story.
Price. Both current autos were around $350 when we checked in September 2026, with AutoPress 2 showing a $379 typical price. HTVRONT’s original Auto 15×15 still sells closer to $200 and has a much longer public review history. AutoPress 2 had 35 ratings (4.5 stars) on September 2, 2026 — too small a sample to treat as a verdict.
Warranty and returns. HTVRONT’s listing copy on this model states one year. Cricut uses its standard limited warranty. AutoPress 2 is a US retail exclusive into November 2026, so there is no Cricut.com buy link for that SKU yet. Read the live listing. We do not promise a return will be painless.
Best overall remains HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 because it is the mature 15×15 auto in this price band. Choose AutoPress 2 if you want Cricut’s ecosystem and a higher published pressure ceiling. Choose the original HTVRONT Auto if you want the same drawer workflow for less. Choose EasyPress if you are not buying a floor machine.
#1
Best overall
About $350 (street price, September 2026)
#2
Closest auto alternative
About $350 in September 2026 (typical list $379)
Check priceUS exclusive through November 4, 2026. Cricut.com does not sell this SKU yet — no manufacturer buy link until then.