Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Explore 4 vs Cricut Explore 5

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Cricut Explore 5 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Beginners and casual crafters seeking portability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Explore 4

4.2

6 sources1 derived

Cricut's Explore 4 offers significant speed improvements over its predecessor, particularly with non-Smart Materials, where it can be up to twice as fast. CNET's Russell Holly noted the machine maintains quality at speed and retains the same sturdy build and familiar interface as the Explore 3. The device is priced identically to the Explore 3, making it a cost-effective upgrade for crafters seeking faster performance. However, it doesn't introduce any new supported materials or tools, limiting its appeal for users looking for expanded functionality.

Strengths

— Up to 2x faster than the Explore 3 with non-Smart Materials
— Maintains quality while increasing speed
— Same price point as the Explore 3

Watch-outs

— No new supported tools
— No new supported materials

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Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Explore 5

4.5

5 sources$249as of Sep 1

The Cricut Explore 5 represents a significant redesign for the Explore line, offering a 30% smaller footprint while maintaining full 12-inch cutting performance. Reviewers noted the new integrated blade system and snap-in pen holder as user-friendly improvements, though the single clamp system creates a workflow disruption for users accustomed to the dual-clamp Explore 4. The machine is positioned as an accessible entry point at $199, though early adopters may find the tool swap during multi-step projects slightly inconvenient. This makes it ideal for beginners and casual crafters but may not satisfy users who rely heavily on scored-and-cut workflows.

Strengths

— 30% smaller footprint than Explore 4, measuring 19.8 × 7.5 × 4.7 inches
— New integrated blade system simplifies blade replacement and improves safety
— Snap-in pen holder provides quick and secure tool loading

Watch-outs

— Single clamp system requires tool swap during scored-and-cut projects
— Older Scoring Stylus not compatible with new machine

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Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Cricut Explore 4

The Cricut Explore 4 improves speed over the Explore 3 but doesn't add new materials or tools, unlike the Explore 5 which offers a more compact design and easier blade replacement. It's less versatile than the Maker 4, which supports more advanced functions like engraving and debossing.

Cricut Explore 5

The Explore 5 is more compact and affordable than the Explore 4, but it lacks the dual-clamp system that makes the Explore 4 more efficient for scored-and-cut projects. Unlike the Maker 4, it doesn't offer engraving or debossing capabilities, making it less versatile for advanced crafting.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Cricut Explore 4	Cricut Explore 5
Materials	Supports Smart Materials and third-party materials	100+ popular materials
Max Speed	Up to 2x faster than Explore 3	14.1 IPS
Connectivity	Bluetooth, USB cable	Bluetooth, USB cable
Cutting Width	11.5 inches	12 inches
Software	Cricut Design Space	Cricut Design Space
Dimensions	22.2 x 7 x 5.9 inches	19.8 x 7.5 x 4.7 in

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