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Cricut Maker 4 vs Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle

The Maker 5 Essentials Bundle is the better buy for most people deciding between these two. It cuts thicker material (3 mm vs 2.4 mm), supports more tools (13 vs the Maker 4's smaller set), adds USB-C and Bluetooth Low Energy, and includes vinyl and iron-on supplies that get you to real projects faster. The Maker 4 is still a capable machine with a 13-inch cutting width and a bundle of tools and practice materials, and owners rate it slightly higher. Choose the Maker 5 unless you specifically want the Maker 4's included blade housing and pen setup.

  • Choose the Cricut Maker 4 if you want a proven machine with a fine-point blade, pen and practice materials in the box and you mostly cut vinyl, cardstock and fabric.
  • Choose the Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle if you want the newest model with thicker material capacity, more tool options, USB-C and a vinyl plus iron-on starter kit.

Prices

  • Cricut Maker 4: $305.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle: $399.00 at Adorama (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Cricut Maker 4 is $94.00 cheaper than the Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle at the latest prices (Nov 8)
Cricut
Cricut Maker 4

Cricut Maker 4

4.3(11 ratings)
$305.00at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Cuts up to 2x faster than the previous Maker model
  • 13-inch cutting width handles wider projects
  • Includes blade, mat, pen and practice materials
  • Works with 300+ materials and Design Space
  • Higher owner rating in the small sample available
Cons
  • Lower maximum material thickness than the Maker 5
  • Fewer compatible specialty tools
  • Older Bluetooth and USB-A connectivity
  • No matless Smart Materials cutting
Cricut
Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle

Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle

4(34 ratings)
$399.00at AdoramaChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Adorama
Pros
  • Cuts material up to 3 mm thick, including leather and metal
  • 13 compatible tools for engraving, debossing and more
  • USB-C and Bluetooth Low Energy
  • Load & Go matless cutting with Smart Materials
  • Bundle includes vinyl and iron-on supplies for real projects
Cons
  • 12-inch cutting width is narrower than the Maker 4
  • Owner rating is lower, though from more ratings
  • No fine-point blade housing or pen listed in the box
  • Slate Blue and Teal only, no black option

What separates them

Cricut Maker 4Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle
Maximum material thickness2.4 mm3 mm
Compatible toolsFewer specialty tools; blade and pen housing included13 compatible tools
ConnectivityBluetooth, 1 USB portBluetooth Low Energy and USB-C
Matless cuttingRequires a mat for standard cutsLoad & Go with Smart Materials for select long cuts
Included suppliesBlade, mat, pen, weeder and practice materialsVinyl and iron-on sampler, cardstock, printable vinyl and transfer tape
Cutting width13 inches12-inch cutting performance
Owner rating4.3 out of 5 from 11 ratings4 out of 5 from 34 ratings
Pen loadingStandard pen housingSnap-in pen loading

Price history

$399.99$359.99
Nov 9Nov 10
  • Cricut Maker 4: lowest $389.99 on Nov 10 at Home Depot.
  • Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle: lowest $359.99 on Nov 9 at eBay; $399.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Cricut Maker 4

  • Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $389.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit Home Depot
  • Underwood Distributing Co.New

    In stockReturn policy

    $399.00Checked 2 h ago
    Visit Underwood Distributing Co.
  • MichaelsNew

    In stock

    $399.00Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Michaels
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by wolfy355 (100% positive, 88 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $305.00+ $20.00 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 14 stores and price history →

Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle

  • MichaelsNew

    In stock

    $399.00Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Michaels
  • CricutNew

    In stock

    $399.00Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Cricut
  • AdoramaNew

    Availability unknown

    $399.00Checked Nov 8
    Visit Adorama
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by estoreva1 (99% positive, 10,800 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $339.99+ $186.95 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Craft-e-CornerCheck price at Craft-e-Corner

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Specs compared

SpecCricut Maker 4Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle
Compatible MaterialPaper, Vinyl, FabricLeather, Metal
Cutter TypeDie-cutDie-cut
Number Of USB Port(S)1—
Connectivity TechnologyBluetooth—
Product Length10.200 inches—
Product Width25.700 inches—
Cutting Width13 inches—
Media Thickness (Maximum)2.4 millimeters—
Warranty - PartsOne (1) Year Limited Warranty—
Warranty - LaborOne (1) Year Limited Warranty—
ColorBlack—
SizeONE SIZE—
Show all 24 specsShow fewer specs
SpecCricut Maker 4Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle
Machine size—50.3 cm x 19.1 cm x 11.9 cm
Machine weight—4.9 kg (10.9 lb)
Compatible materials—300+
Compatible tools—13
Max material thickness—3 mm
Smart Materials width—30.5 cm (12 in)
Connectivity—Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), USB-C
Pen loading—Snap-in pen loading
Load & Go™—Yes
Print Then Cut

What reviewers say

Cricut Maker 4

  • 4.3 / 511 ratings

Reviewers appreciate the Maker 4's ability to cut a wide range of materials and the included bundle that makes it easy to start. However, some criticize the reliance on a subscription for designs and the occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues.

What people mention
  • Material versatilityPraisedReviewers say it cuts everything from paper to fabric and thin wood with ease.
  • Bundle valuePraisedOwners like that the included tools and materials let them start crafting right away.
  • Software subscriptionCriticisedSome users complain that a subscription is needed to access many designs and features.
  • ConnectivityMixedWhile Bluetooth is convenient, some report dropped connections during use.

Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle

  • 4 / 534 ratings

Owners rate the Maker 5 well and like the range of materials and tools it handles. Beginners say the bundle makes the first projects easy to start, while some find Design Space and the setup take time to learn.

What people mention
  • Material rangePraisedOwners like that one machine cuts vinyl, iron-on, paper, leather and more.
  • SoftwareMixedDesign Space is powerful but some find it slow to learn.
  • Matless cuttingPraisedSmart Materials load without a mat, which helps with long designs.
  • SetupMixed
Reviews
  • Cricut Maker 5 review: the pinnacle of cutting machines now delivers more right out of the box - Welcome to Tom's Guide Club

Questions and answers

Which is better for cutting leather and thick material?
The Maker 5. It handles material up to 3 mm thick versus 2.4 mm on the Maker 4, and it supports 13 specialty tools including leather and metal work.
Is the Maker 5 worth stepping up to from the Maker 4?
Yes for most buyers. You get thicker material capacity, more tools, USB-C, matless Smart Materials cutting and a vinyl plus iron-on starter bundle. The Maker 4 only wins on cutting width and its slightly higher owner rating.
Which one is better for beginners?
The Maker 5 Essentials Bundle. The included vinyl and iron-on supplies plus the digital guide answer the what-should-I-make-first question. The Maker 4 also includes practice materials and a pen, so either works.
Which has the wider cutting area?
The Maker 4, at 13 inches. The Maker 5 is listed at 12-inch cutting performance, so very wide single-piece cuts favor the Maker 4.
Do both work with Cricut Design Space?
Yes. Both machines run on the free Design Space app, support print-then-cut with a home inkjet printer and connect over Bluetooth.
Which lasts longer?
Both carry a one-year limited parts and labor warranty. The Maker 5 has the newer hardware and tool platform, which gives it more room to grow as Cricut adds tools.

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More comparisons

  • Cricut Maker vs Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle
  • Cricut Maker 4 Smart Cutting Machine vs Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Cricut Maker machines
All 14 stores and price history →
—
Yes
Color options—Slate Blue and Teal
Cutting performance—12-inch
Beginners say the first projects take some trial and error.