Cricut Maker 5 vs. Explore 5: What’s Actually Different?

This week’s free SVG is live, and because Cricut decided to drop the new Maker 5 into the world, we’re doing a little bonus comparison too.

Because you know me — I’m not about to tell you that you need a $349 machine just because it’s shiny and new.

First: Grab This Week’s Freebie

This week’s file is ready for you to download and make something cute with.

👉 [GRAB THIS WEEK’S FRIDAY FREEBIE HERE]

It’s available free for a limited time, so snag it while it’s up!

Cricut Maker 5 vs. Explore 5:

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through my link at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Craft’n Cadabra CUTS!

If you mostly cut:

• Vinyl

• HTV

• Cardstock

• Stickers

• SVGs

• Print Then Cut projects

…the Explore 5 is already going to do basically everything you need.

Both the Explore 5 and Maker 5 can cut the everyday Cricut materials most of us use, and they even have the same listed maximum cutting speed.

So what are you paying extra for with the Maker 5?

The weird, but cool stuff.

The Maker 5 can use Cricut’s specialty tools for things like:

• Engraving

• Debossing

• Perforation

• Wavy cuts

• Rotary cutting for fabric

• Knife Blade projects

• Scoring Wheels

• Thicker specialty materials

The Maker 5 works with 300+ materials, while the Explore 5 works with 100+.

And this generation of Maker can cut and engrave compatible materials up to 3 mm thick, opening up more options for acrylic, leather, wood, felt, chipboard and other dimensional projects.

So Which One Would I Buy?

If you’re mainly making shirts, decals, signs, stickers and cardstock projects?

Explore 5. Save your money.

If you want to start playing with engraving, acrylic, leather, fabric, wood or more advanced Maker projects?

That’s where the Maker 5 actually makes sense.

Basically:

Explore 5: I make Cricut stuff.

Maker 5: I make Cricut stuff… and sometimes I want to attack a piece of acrylic with a tiny engraving tool.

And listen.

I support that energy. 😂

She’s new, she’s stunning, and she’s available now!

Want the New Maker 5?

If the Maker 5 sounds like your kind of chaos, you can check it out here:

👉 SHOP THE CRICUT MAKER 5

Now go grab your freebie before you forget.

Craft smart. Make magic. ✨