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Cricut Maker vs Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle

The Maker 5 Essentials Bundle is the newer machine and the better buy for most people deciding between these two. It cuts 300+ materials, takes 13 tools, handles 3 mm stock, and adds Bluetooth Low Energy, USB-C, Load & Go and matless Smart Materials cutting. The original Maker is a proven, well-reviewed machine with a large owner base, but it is older and lacks those conveniences. The bundle's 4.0 rating rests on only 34 ratings, so treat it as early feedback, not a track record.

  • Choose the Cricut Maker if you want the established machine with a long, well-documented owner history and you don't need the newer connectivity and matless cutting.
  • Choose the Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle if you want the current machine, the widest material and tool range, and starter vinyl and iron-on to begin with.

Prices

  • Cricut Maker: $135.00 at xeon.ec (last seen Nov 3)
  • Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle: $399.00 at Adorama (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Cricut Maker is $264.00 cheaper than the Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle at the latest prices (Nov 3 and Nov 8)
Cricut
Cricut Maker

Cricut Maker

4.5(961 ratings)
$135.00at xeon.ecObserved Nov 3, 2026, 3:56 AM
See all prices and details
Visit xeon.ec
Pros
  • Large, established owner base with plenty of tutorials
  • Strong average rating across many ratings
  • Cuts fabric, leather, vinyl and paper
  • Proven reliability over years of use
Cons
  • Older model with fewer connectivity options
  • Needs a mat for cutting
  • No Load & Go or snap-in pen loading
  • Fewer supported specialty tools
Cricut
Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle

Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle

4(34 ratings)
$399.00at AdoramaObserved at 7:02 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Adorama
Pros
  • Cuts 300+ materials and takes 13 tools
  • Handles material up to 3 mm thick
  • Bluetooth Low Energy and USB-C
  • Matless Smart Materials cutting and Load & Go
  • Bundle includes vinyl, iron-on and sample materials
Cons
  • Early rating average is lower and based on few ratings
  • Bundle adds materials you may not use
  • Newer platform, so fewer long-term owner reports

What separates them

Cricut MakerCricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle
GenerationOriginal Maker, an older modelMaker 5, the current model
Compatible materialsPaper, vinyl, fabric, leather and more300+ materials including leather and metal
Compatible toolsRotary blade, knife blade, fine-point blade and others13 specialty tools
Max material thicknessNot specified3 mm
ConnectivityBluetoothBluetooth Low Energy and USB-C
Matless cuttingRequires a matSmart Materials load without a mat for select long cuts
Pen loadingStandard pen holderSnap-in pen loading
Owner feedback4.5 from 961 ratings4.0 from 34 ratings

Price history

  • Cricut Maker: lowest $135.00 on Nov 3 at xeon.ec.
  • Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle: lowest $359.99 on Nov 9 at eBay.

Prices at every store

Cricut Maker

  • xeon.ecNew

    Availability unknown

    $135.00Observed Nov 3, 2026, 3:56 AM
    Visit xeon.ec
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $224.00Observed Nov 3, 2026, 4:34 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $300.00Observed Nov 3, 2026, 4:34 AM
    Visit eBay
  • MercariNew

    Availability unknown

    $400.00Observed Nov 3, 2026, 3:56 AM
    Visit Mercari

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 8 stores and price history →

Cricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle

  • CricutNew

    In stock

    $399.00Free shippingObserved at 7:02 PM
    Visit Cricut
  • Kohl'sNew

    In stock

    $399.00Free shippingObserved at 7:02 PM
    Visit Kohl's
  • AdoramaNew

    Availability unknown

    $399.00Observed at 7:02 PM
    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 shippingObserved at 9:46 PM
    Visit eBay

Also available at

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

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All 12 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecCricut MakerCricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle
Compatible MaterialPaper, Vinyl, Fabric, LeatherLeather, Metal
Cutter TypeDie-cutDie-cut
ColorRose, Champagne—
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
Show all 15 specsShow fewer specs
SpecCricut MakerCricut Maker 5 Essentials Bundle
Print Then Cut—Yes
Color options—Slate Blue and Teal
Cutting performance—12-inch

What reviewers say

Cricut Maker

  • 4.5 / 5961 ratings

Owners rate it highly for fabric and thick-material cutting, and many say it replaced hand-cutting for quilting and leatherwork. Complaints center on the subscription push in Design Space and the cost of replacement blades.

What people mention
  • Cutting fabricPraisedOwners say the rotary blade cuts fabric without backing and handles curves well.
  • Material rangePraisedReviewers like that one machine cuts paper, vinyl, leather and balsa.
  • SoftwareMixedDesign Space is easy for beginners but pushes the paid Access subscription and needs a connection.
  • Blade costCriticisedReplacement rotary and knife blades are seen as expensive over time.

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

Questions and answers

Which is better for cutting fabric and leather?
Both cut fabric and leather. The Maker 5 adds a wider tool set and handles material up to 3 mm, so it is the more capable choice for thick leather and heavy fabric.
Is the Maker 5 worth stepping up to from the original Maker?
Yes if you want USB-C, Bluetooth Low Energy, matless Smart Materials cutting and the full 13-tool range. If your original Maker still cuts what you need, the upgrade is optional.
Which lasts longer?
The original Maker has years of owner reports behind it, so its durability is well documented. The Maker 5 is too new for long-term data, though it uses the same die-cut blade approach.
Do I need a mat with the Maker 5?
Only for some materials. Smart Materials can load without a mat for select long cuts, which helps with banners and large decals. Other materials still need a mat.
Which is better for a beginner?
The Maker 5 bundle, because it includes vinyl, iron-on and sample materials plus a digital guide. The original Maker works fine but you buy supplies separately.
Can both use Cricut Design Space?
Yes. Both machines run on Cricut Design Space for ready-made projects and custom designs.

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Beginners say the first projects take some trial and error.