Is the Explore 5 worth it over the Explore 3?

Yes if you want faster cutting and a newer machine. The Explore 3 still handles the same flat materials, so the upgrade matters most for speed and reliability.

Can the Explore 5 cut fabric or leather?

Only thin, bonded fabric and thin faux leather. Thick leather, balsa and unbonded fabric need the Maker or Maker 3 with its stronger blades.

For most materials, yes. Cricut's Smart Materials let it feed without a mat, but standard vinyl and cardstock still use one.

What comes in the box?

The machine, a fine-point blade and housing, a pen, a light grip mat, a USB cable and a power adapter. Materials are sold separately.

Does it work without the Design Space app?

No. You design and send cuts through Cricut Design Space on a computer or phone, and many features need an internet connection.

How does it compare with the Cricut Maker?

The Explore 5 is simpler and lighter, with fewer tools. The Maker adds a knife blade, rotary blade and scoring wheel for thick and specialty materials.

Where is the Cricut Explore 5 cheapest?

At Walmart, for $197.00, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Cricut Explore 5?

2 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Walmart.

Cricut Explore 5

Best price now

$197.00at WalmartChecked Nov 9

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Cricut discount code →

Cricut Explore 5

Best price now

$197.00at WalmartChecked Nov 9

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Cricut discount code →

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Price facts

Last seen at $197.00 at Walmart on Nov 9.
Checked at 2 stores.

Our take on the Cricut Explore 5

The Cricut Explore 5 is Cricut's mid-range die-cutting machine for vinyl, cardstock, iron-on and other craft materials. It sits above the Explore 3 and below the Maker line, cutting and drawing without the Maker's scoring wheel, knife blade or rotary tools. It suits crafters who mostly cut flat materials and want a simpler machine than the Maker. Reviewers like the easy setup and the Design Space app, but note that the Maker line handles thicker and more varied materials.

Best forVinyl and iron-on craftersCardstock and paper projectsBeginners moving up from a JoyGift and small-batch makers

Pros

Cuts vinyl, cardstock and iron-on cleanly
Simple setup through the Cricut Design Space app
Lighter and cheaper than the Maker line
Handles long cuts with a mat-free feed
Large project library and community designs

Cons

No knife blade, rotary blade or scoring wheel like the Maker
Struggles with thick leather, balsa and fabric
Design Space needs an internet connection for many features
Subscription pushes for premium content and images

Cricut Explore 5 prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Cricut, Inc.
$197.00Checked Nov 9
Visit Walmart
eBayPre-owned
Availability unknownSold by stream-6057 (0% positive, 0 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$150.00+ $24.13 shippingChecked Nov 9
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eBayNew
Availability unknownSold by vipoutlet (97.2% positive, 1,000,000 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$304.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
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Cricut Explore 5 price history

Lowest price we've seen: $197.00 on Nov 9 at Walmart. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 9.

What reviewers say

Owners call the Explore 5 a reliable cutter for vinyl and paper and praise how quickly it is set up. Many say it is a clear step up from the Explore 3, while crafters working with thick materials are told to look at the Maker instead.

What people mention

Cut qualityPraisedOwners say vinyl and cardstock come out clean with little weeding.
SetupPraisedReviewers report the machine is ready to cut quickly out of the box.
Material limitsCriticisedCrafters say thick leather, balsa and fabric are beyond what it can cut.
SoftwareMixedDesign Space is easy to learn but pushes subscriptions and needs a connection.
NoisePraisedOwners describe it as quieter than earlier Explore models.

Specifications

Cutter Type: Die-cut
Color: White

Questions and answers

Is the Explore 5 worth it over the Explore 3?: Yes if you want faster cutting and a newer machine. The Explore 3 still handles the same flat materials, so the upgrade matters most for speed and reliability.
Can the Explore 5 cut fabric or leather?: Only thin, bonded fabric and thin faux leather. Thick leather, balsa and unbonded fabric need the Maker or Maker 3 with its stronger blades.
Does it need a mat?: For most materials, yes. Cricut's Smart Materials let it feed without a mat, but standard vinyl and cardstock still use one.
What comes in the box?: The machine, a fine-point blade and housing, a pen, a light grip mat, a USB cable and a power adapter. Materials are sold separately.
Does it work without the Design Space app?: No. You design and send cuts through Cricut Design Space on a computer or phone, and many features need an internet connection.
How does it compare with the Cricut Maker?: The Explore 5 is simpler and lighter, with fewer tools. The Maker adds a knife blade, rotary blade and scoring wheel for thick and specialty materials.
Where is the Cricut Explore 5 cheapest?: At Walmart, for $197.00, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the Cricut Explore 5?: 2 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Walmart.