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Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Explore 5 vs Cricut Maker 4

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 (4.5 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about Beginners and casual crafters seeking portability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Cricut Explore 5
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Explore 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
$249 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Cricut Maker 4
Ranked #3 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Maker 4
8 sources3 derived$449as of Sep 1

The Cricut Maker 4 is a smart cutting machine designed for crafters of all skill levels, capable of handling over 300 materials including paper, fabric, wood, and leather. TechRadar praised its speed improvements and versatility, while YouTube reviewers noted its size and weight as drawbacks for portability. The machine connects via Bluetooth or USB and uses the Cricut Design Space app for design customization. It's suitable for both basic projects like stickers and homemade t-shirts, as well as advanced crafts such as 3D folded designs and engraved metal or leather. The device comes with a crafting mat, phone storage rail, and storage compartments, making it a comprehensive tool for home crafting enthusiasts.

Strengths
  • — Cuts, engraves, scores, and debosses over 300 materials including paper, fabric, wood, and leather
  • — Up to two times faster than the previous model
  • — Works with the Cricut Design Space app for design and customization
Watch-outs
  • — Machine is fairly large and heavy, similar to a home office printer
  • — Requires a learning curve for new users to get started
$449 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

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 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.

Cricut Maker 4

The Cricut Maker 4 stands out from the Cricut Maker and Maker 3 with its significant speed improvements and expanded material capabilities, though it's heavier and less portable than the Cricut Joy 2. Unlike the Explore series, it offers more advanced features like debossing and engraving, but lacks the beginner-friendly simplicity of the Explore 5.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCricut Explore 5Cricut Maker 4
Cutting Width12 inches11.5 inches
Dimensions19.8 x 7.5 x 4.7 in22.1 x 7.1 x 6.2 inches
ConnectivityBluetooth, USB cableBluetooth, USB cable
Materials100+ popular materialsOver 300 including paper, fabric, wood, leather
SoftwareCricut Design SpaceCricut Design Space
Max Speed14.1 IPSUp to two times faster than previous model
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