Best overall for hobby & small business
HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2
About $350 on Amazon (Daisy White listing checked September 2026)
Brand spoke
HTVRONT vs Cricut
In 2026 these brands finally compete in the same Amazon aisle: a 15×15 automatic press around $350. EasyPress is a different tool and should not be in that fight.
Published specs, side by side
| Spec | HTVRONT Auto 2 | AutoPress 2 | EasyPress 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our pick | Best overall for hobby & small business | Closest Amazon auto-press alternative | Best beginner / handheld |
| Street price | About $350 on Amazon (Daisy White listing checked September 2026) | About $350 on Amazon in September 2026 (typical list $379); US Amazon exclusive into November 2026 | 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 Amazon 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 | Amazon (Prime-eligible on the current US listing) | Amazon US exclusive at launch (July–November 2026), then Cricut.com and other retailers | Amazon, Cricut.com, and big-box craft retail |
| Buy |
What the public record actually says
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 and cookie. Both autos were on Amazon around $350 when we checked in September 2026, with AutoPress 2 showing a $379 typical price. HTVRONT has a longer public review history in this exact SKU. AutoPress 2 had 35 Amazon 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 and, on the AutoPress 2 listing we checked, Amazon.com as seller. Read the live listing. We do not promise a return will be painless.
Our editorial call
Best overall on Amazon 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 EasyPress if you are not buying a floor machine.
Closest Amazon auto-press alternative
Cricut AutoPress 2
About $350 on Amazon in September 2026 (typical list $379); US Amazon exclusive into November 2026