Cricut Maker® 4 vs. Cricut Maker® 5: Which Machine Is Right for You?

Cricut Maker 4 is already an incredibly capable cutting machine and allows you to work with everything from vinyl and cardstock to fabric and leather. It also helps you take on engraving, debossing, foiling, and more with compatible tools.

So, what does Cricut Maker 5 add? The biggest differences come down to workflow, machine design, and expanded project possibilities. Cricut Maker 5 introduces a more compact, lighter machine, simplified Load & Go™ workflows, snap-in pen loading, USB-C connectivity, and support for cutting materials up to 3 mm thick, opening the door to even more dimensional projects.

If you’re looking for the newest Cricut Maker machine, Cricut Maker 5 is designed to give you unlimited creative freedom with the widest range of project possibilities.

Cricut Maker 4 vs. Cricut Maker 5 at a glance

Quick verdict

Choose Cricut Maker 5 if you want:

• A smaller, lighter machine
• Easier setup and loading
• USB-C connectivity
• Snap-in pen loading
• The ability to cut materials up to 3 mm thick*
• More possibilities for thicker-material and engraved projects

Cricut Maker 4 remains a powerful choice for creating thousands of projects, but Cricut Maker 5 builds on that foundation with meaningful improvements that many crafters will notice every time they create.

What stays the same between Cricut Maker 4 and Cricut Maker 5?

While there are several important upgrades, the two machines share some core capabilities.

Both Cricut Maker 4 and Cricut Maker 5:

• Cut over 300 materials*
• Work with 13 tools*
• Create vinyl decals
• Make iron-on apparel
• Cut cardstock
• Create greeting cards
• Make full-color stickers
• Cut fabric for sewing projects
• Deboss, score, and engrave compatible materials
• Work with Smart Materials

Whether you’re making personalized gifts, home decor, paper crafts, or sewing projects, both machines deliver versatility.

What’s new with Cricut Maker 5?

Cricut Maker 5 focuses on making crafting easier. It gives makers unlimited creative freedom to achieve the widest range of project possibilities.

Key upgrades include:

• More compact machine design for better storage
• Lighter weight for easier portability
• Load & Go workflow for streamlined making
• Updated Scoring & Engraving Tools
• Snap-in pen loading
• USB-C connectivity
• Bluetooth® Low Energy
• Support for materials up to 3 mm thick*

These improvements come together in a machine that’s easier to use for everyday projects and more advanced making with thicker materials.

Size, weight, and workspace differences

One of the major changes in Cricut Maker 5 is the redesigned footprint. Compared to Cricut Maker 4, Cricut Maker 5 is 30% more compact and over four pounds lighter, making it easier to move between workspaces and better suited for any workspace. If you frequently put your machine away after crafting, or work in a shared space, the reduced weight and size of Cricut Maker 5 make a meaningful difference.

Despite its smaller body, Cricut Maker 5 maintains the versatility and capabilities of the previous model.

Tools, blades, and materials

Good news for existing Cricut Maker owners: you don’t have to entirely rebuild your crafting toolkit, though there are some tools that are new to Cricut Maker 5. Both Cricut Maker 4 and Cricut Maker 5 support the same family of 13 compatible tools*, allowing you to cut, draw, score, deboss, perforate, engrave, and more.

New tools for Cricut Maker 5

Cricut Maker 5 works with a new scoring tool for crisp, precise lines to help create folds and guidelines, and includes new snap-in pen loading to make it easier to go between drawing and cutting. Cricut Maker 5 also works with fine-point cutting, deep-cutting, and engraving tools to expand project possibilities.

Both machines also work with more than 300 compatible materials, including vinyl, Iron-On, cardstock, fabric, leather, basswood, chipboard, and more. That means you can still work with your favorite projects and materials and now try out materials up to 3mm thick with Cricut Maker 5.

Thicker materials for cutting and engraving

The biggest functional difference between Cricut Maker 4 and Cricut Maker 5 is maximum material thickness. Cricut Maker 4 works with materials up to 2.4mm thick, while Cricut Maker 5 can cut, foil, and engrave compatible materials up to 3mm thick.

This additional capacity opens the door to sturdier and more dimensional projects like:

• Thicker leather accessories
• Acrylic ornaments
• Personalized keychains
• Foam core signs
• Corrugated plastic signs
• Decorative keepsakes
• Custom bookmarks
• Durable gift tags

For crafters who regularly work with leather, acrylic, or other thicker materials, this is one of the most compelling reasons to consider Cricut Maker 5.

Ease of use: Load & Go™, snap-in pen loading, and more

Many of the upgrades in Cricut Maker 5 are designed to simplify everyday crafting.

Load & Go™

Cricut Maker 5 includes Load & Go functionality: choose your material, press start, and you’re on your way. Load & Go helps streamline material loading and saves time when making, so it’s easier to start projects with less setup.

Snap-in pen loading

Unlike previous Cricut Maker machines, many of which required pen adaptors to use markers or pens, Cricut Maker 5 features snap-in pen loading for faster changes between drawing and cutting steps. Just choose the pen or marker you want to use and pop it into your machine to write, draw, and decorate with ease.

Updated connectivity

Cricut Maker 5 also replaces USB-A with USB-C while supporting Bluetooth® Low Energy connectivity, making it easier to connect with newer computers and devices.

Overall improvements

These workflow improvements may seem small individually, but together they create a smoother crafting experience, especially for makers who use their machine frequently.

Should Cricut Maker 4 owners upgrade to Cricut Maker 5?

Deciding whether to upgrade to Cricut Maker 5 depends on the types of projects you make. An upgrade makes sense if you want:

• A lighter, more compact machine
• Easier loading and setup
• USB-C connectivity
• Snap-in pen loading
• Expanded engraving possibilities
• Access to projects using materials up to 3 mm thick

If most of your projects involve vinyl decals, iron-on, cardstock, stickers, and fabric — and you’re happy with your current workflow — Cricut Maker 4 will continue to meet your needs.

However, if you’ve started dreaming about sturdier signs, thicker keepsakes, leather accessories, or other dimensional projects, Cricut Maker 5 provides meaningful new capabilities.

Which Cricut Maker machine should new Cricut shoppers choose?

If you’re buying your first premium Cricut cutting machine, both Cricut Maker 4 and Cricut Maker 5 machines offer tremendous creative flexibility. For shoppers who want one machine they’ll continue growing into over the coming years, Cricut Maker 5 offers the broadest long-term creative range.

Cricut Maker 4 is a capable cutting machine that supports hundreds of materials to create professional-looking projects. Cricut Maker 5 builds on that experience by offering a smaller footprint, easier setup, streamlined workflows, updated connectivity, and expanded thicker-material capability.

Final thoughts

The Cricut Maker 4 vs. Cricut Maker 5 comparison isn’t about one machine replacing the other; it’s about deciding which best matches your crafting goals.

If you primarily create vinyl, cardstock, fabric, and iron-on projects, Cricut Maker 4 will continue to meet your needs.

If you’re ready for a more compact design, easier workflow, updated connectivity, and the ability to work with thicker materials and create more dimensional projects, Cricut Maker 5 delivers meaningful upgrades that expand what you can create.

Buy Cricut Maker 5 now to get started! Or if you’re still deciding, you can compare the full Cricut machine lineup and take the Cricut machine quiz to find the best fit for your crafting style.

Frequently Asked Questions

*Cricut Maker 5 requires compatible computer or mobile device with Bluetooth® wireless and high-speed internet connection – system requirements may change. Average size of project is 4 in x 6 in (10.2 cm x 15.2 cm) using included materials. Compatible materials, tools & accessories sold separately. Full content library & certain software features requires paid Cricut Access™ subscription. Tools shown may differ in box. All machines include pre-installed cutting blade—either with metal housing or new Cutting Tool. Pens are water based, acid-free; conforms to ASTM-D4236. Limited Warranty – see Cricut website, or write to manufacturer or authorized region representative at applicable address, for full terms and conditions. Visit Cricut website for specific compatibility, details, terms and conditions, warranty information, and more. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Cricut, Inc. is under license. Cricut Maker 5 is not intended for use by children 12 years and younger.