Cricut Explore 5 vs Cricut Explore 4: Which Cricut Explore Machine Is Right for You?
Trying to choose between Cricut Explore 5 and Cricut Explore 4? You’re not alone. Both machines support 100+ materials, Smart Materials, and Print Then Cut—but they differ in size, setup experience, bundled value, and overall feel.
Quick takeaway: Cricut Explore 5 keeps the same core crafting capabilities as Cricut Explore 4 but delivers them in a smaller, simpler machine with more in-box supplies and a lower starting price. Below, we break down what’s actually changed, what hasn’t, and which machine makes the most sense for your crafting style.
Cricut Explore 5 vs Cricut Explore 4 at a glance
| Feature | Cricut Explore 4 | Cricut Explore 5 |
| Starting Price | $249 | $199 |
| Size | 22.7 in x 6.2 in | 19.8 in x 4.7 in |
| Weight | Approximately 11.1 lbs | Approximately 10 lbs |
| Materials supported | 100+ materials | 100+ materials |
| Smart Materials | Yes | Yes |
| Print Then Cut | Yes | Yes |
| Project types | Stickers, shirts, cards, decals, and more | Stickers, shirts, cards, decals, and more |
| Best for | Established users, full-size setups | Beginners, small spaces, value shoppers |
Bottom line: If you want the same crafting capability in a more compact and approachable machine, Cricut Explore 5 stands out. If you already have a Cricut Explore 4 and love it, there’s less urgency to switch.
What’s actually new with Cricut Explore 5?
Cricut Explore 5 focuses on experience improvements rather than expanding cutting power. Here are the specifics on what’s new:
1. Smaller footprint
Cricut Explore 5 is designed to take up 30% less space on your desk or crafting table, making it ideal for apartments, shared spaces, or casual crafters.
2. Simplified setup and design process
The machine leans into a cleaner, more beginner-friendly experience on Cricut Design Space, reducing friction when getting started. Design Space updates include things like new Guided Flows for all of the most popular project types, from cards and cardstock cutouts to t-shirts, vinyl decals, and full-color stickers.
3. Stronger in-box bundle
With the new Cricut Explore 5, you get more materials and tools included in your box, so you can start crafting right away without extra purchases. Plus, bundle options allow you to choose more materials included with your machine, depending on the level of crafting you plan on using your machine for. Check out our blog post on Cricut Explore 5 and Joy 2 bundle options to help find the right bundle option for you.
4. Lower starting price
With a lower price point and more included in the box, Explore 5 makes it more accessible to start crafting with Cricut without losing machine capabilities. While the core cutting capabilities of Explore 5 are not dramatically different from Explore 4, Explore 5 is all about ease, value, and space.
What can Cricut Explore 5 do that Cricut Explore 4 can’t?
This is the most common question—and the answer is nuanced. In short, there’s very little Explore 5 can do that Explore 4 can’t. Their main differences lie in the machines’ value and footprint, not functionality.
Both machines:
- Cut 100+ materials
- Support Smart Materials
- Handle Print Then Cut
- Create the same types of projects
So what’s the real difference?
- Explore 5 fits in your space better for everyday use.
- Setting up your machine is now more streamlined.
- Explore 5 offers more value right out of the box.
Cricut Explore 5 vs Cricut Explore 4 for stickers, T-shirts, cards, and decals
Stickers (Print Then Cut)
If you’re looking to make full-color stickers using Design Space’s Print Then Cut Sticker feature, both Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Explore 5 can do Print Then Cut operations without issues, making stickers a breeze with both the die cut and kiss cut settings on Design Space.
T-shirts & apparel
Both the newest Cricut Explore 5 and its previous generation can cut regular and Smart Iron-On (HTV) and Infusible Ink sheets with precision, supporting detailed, layered designs.
Cards
Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Explore 5 are both compatible with Cricut card materials such as Insert Cards and Cutaway Cards and handle intricate cut designs with ease.
If you plan to make a card from scratch (instead of using Cricut Insert Cards or Cutaway Cards), both machines support the scoring function as well, although the new Cricut Explore 5 will utilize the new Scoring Tool that comes in the box with the machine. Cricut Explore 4, on the other hand, utilizes a Scoring Stylus that is not forward-compatible with new machines.
Similarly, both Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Explore 5 have drawing capabilities. However, Cricut Explore 5 will only be compatible with the new universal pen sets and marker sets, while Cricut Explore 4 can use either the new universal pen sets or original, machine-specific Explore pen sets. If you would like to use a universal pen on your Cricut Explore 4, you will simply need to use the new adapter tool, which comes in the box with most universal pen sets.
Vinyl decals
Both Cricut Explore 5 and Cricut Explore 4 cut both Permanent and Removable adhesive vinyl. Likewise, both machines support Smart Materials for matless cutting.
Overall verdict for projects
You’ll get the same functionality and crafting results from both a Cricut Explore 4 and a Cricut Explore 5. Your decision comes down to how you want your crafting experience to feel. We recommend choosing your machine based on your available crafting space and bundle value rather than project capability.
Size, setup, and everyday crafting experience
When it comes to the setup and how the machine fits into your everyday life and space is where Cricut Explore 5 really separates itself and stands out.
Explore 5 advantages
- Easier to fit into small spaces
- More intuitive setup and design, making it less intimidating for beginners
- Faster to get started out of the box
- More crafting materials and tools included in the box, allowing you to jump right into creating and make your first several projects without the need to spend any more money
Explore 4 advantages
- Familiar full-size format
- Great for users already comfortable with previous generations of Explore machines
Should you upgrade from Cricut Explore 4 to Cricut Explore 5?
When it comes down to it, whether you should choose an Explore 5 over an Explore 4 comes down to what type of crafter you are and what you expect from your machine purchase. Below, we’ve broken down our suggestions.
| Type of Crafter | Recommendation | Reasoning |
| First-time buyers and beginner crafters | Cricut Explore 5 | – Lower price – Easier setup – Smaller footprint |
| Recent Explore 4 owner | Stick with your Cricut Explore 4 | – Same capabilities as Explore 5 – No major performance leap – You can continue using the machine you’re familiar with |
| Space-constrained crafter | Cricut Explore 5 | – Noticeably smaller machine – Easier to store and use |
| Value-focused shopper | Cricut Explore 5 | – Better bundle options – Lower entry cost |
Shop the right machine for you
We’ve put a lot of thought and effort into our newest generation of machines, giving them the latest and greatest hardware technology, upfront value, and even working to make the Design Space experience easier and more versatile. If you’re comparing Cricut Explore 5 vs Cricut Explore 4, the decision is simple:
- Want the easiest, most compact, best-value option? Choose a Cricut Explore 5.
- Already own Cricut Explore 4 and happy with it? No need to upgrade.
Both machines are powerful, versatile, and capable—the difference is how they fit into your space, budget, and crafting routine.
* Explore 5 is available for purchase at cricut.com and all retailers where Cricut machines are sold. Cricut Explore 4 is available for purchase only at retailers where Cricut machines are sold and not through Cricut.com.
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