Is the Explore 5 worth it over an Explore 3?

Yes if you want faster cutting and the newer hardware. The Explore 3 still handles vinyl and cardstock well, so the upgrade matters most if speed or the latest features matter to you.

Can it cut leather or balsa wood?

Not thick leather or balsa. Those need the Maker series and its knife and rotary blades. The Explore 5 covers vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, sticker paper and similar materials.

Do I need a Cricut Access subscription?

No, but many ready-made designs and fonts sit behind it. You can upload your own SVG files and use free designs without subscribing.

What comes in the Starter Bundle?

The Explore 5 machine plus basic tools such as a weeder, scraper and spatula, along with an assortment of materials for practice projects. Exact contents are listed on the box.

Does it work with a phone or tablet?

Yes. Design Space runs on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, and the machine connects over Bluetooth or USB.

It is a 12-inch machine, so it takes 12-inch mats and standard 12-inch vinyl. Longer cuts work with the mat and the roll feeder.

Cricut Explore 5 Smart Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle

Best price now

$189.00at WalmartChecked 11 h ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Cricut Explore 5 Smart Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle

Best price now

$189.00at WalmartChecked 11 h ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Lowest price today: $189.00 at Walmart (checked Nov 10, 2026).

Our take on the Cricut Explore 5 Smart Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle

The Explore 5 is Cricut's latest 12-inch cutting machine, and this Starter Bundle adds the tools and materials to start cutting right away. It cuts over 100 materials, including vinyl, cardstock, iron-on and sticker paper, and handles full-color stickers and cards without swapping pens by hand. It suits beginners and casual crafters who want one machine for decals, shirts and paper projects. Against the Maker series it gives up the rotary blade, knife blade and higher cutting pressure, so thick leather, balsa and heavy fabric work stays with the Maker. Owners like the faster cutting and simpler setup; some say the software subscription is close to required for the best designs.

Best forFirst-time Cricut buyersVinyl decals and iron-on shirtsCards, stickers and paper craftsCrafters who want materials in the box

Pros

Cuts more than 100 materials, from vinyl to cardstock
Faster cutting than earlier Explore models
Works with full-color stickers and cards
Bundle includes tools and materials for many projects
Simpler setup than the Maker line

Cons

No rotary or knife blade, so thick materials are out
Design library access needs a Cricut Access subscription
Software has a learning curve for new users
Mat and blade wear adds ongoing cost

Cricut Explore 5 Smart Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Cricut, Inc.Returns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$189.00Checked 11 h ago
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Also available at

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Cricut Explore 5 Smart Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle price history

$189.00$189.00

Nov 9Nov 10

Lowest price we've seen: $189.00 on Nov 9 at Walmart. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 9.

What reviewers say

4.4 / 5378 ratings

Owners rate it well, calling it an easy step up from older Explore machines with faster, cleaner cuts. Complaints center on the software and on the subscription needed to get the most designs.

What people mention

Cut qualityPraisedOwners say vinyl and cardstock cuts come out clean and precise.
SpeedPraisedReviewers note it cuts faster than earlier Explore machines.
SoftwareCriticisedUsers find Design Space awkward to learn and slow at times.
SubscriptionMixedSome say Cricut Access is needed to unlock the best designs; others stick to free files.
MaterialsMixedIt handles common craft materials well but struggles with thick leather and heavy fabric.

About the Cricut Explore 5 Smart Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle

Make it one of a kind every time with Cricut Explore® 5 – the sleek, simplified making experience you’ve been waiting for. The next generation of our 12-inch cutting machine precision-cuts at top-tier speeds and works with over 100 materials to help you create custom decals, personalized apparel, full-color stickers, cards, and so much more. You can even make in multiples! If you’re not sure what you want to make, the Starter Bundle is a great place to start — perfect for practicing your craft and experimenting with different ideas. Exclusive to Walmart, this bundle comes with the machine and must-have crafting tools as well as an assortment of popular materials, so you can make up to 60 projects right out of the box. The Next-Generation Upgrade to the Cricut Explore Series Cutting Machines (Explore, Explore Air, Explore Air 2, Explore 3, Explore 4)

Specifications

color: GraySource

Questions and answers

Is the Explore 5 worth it over an Explore 3?: Yes if you want faster cutting and the newer hardware. The Explore 3 still handles vinyl and cardstock well, so the upgrade matters most if speed or the latest features matter to you.
Can it cut leather or balsa wood?: Not thick leather or balsa. Those need the Maker series and its knife and rotary blades. The Explore 5 covers vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, sticker paper and similar materials.
Do I need a Cricut Access subscription?: No, but many ready-made designs and fonts sit behind it. You can upload your own SVG files and use free designs without subscribing.
What comes in the Starter Bundle?: The Explore 5 machine plus basic tools such as a weeder, scraper and spatula, along with an assortment of materials for practice projects. Exact contents are listed on the box.
Does it work with a phone or tablet?: Yes. Design Space runs on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, and the machine connects over Bluetooth or USB.
How wide can it cut?: It is a 12-inch machine, so it takes 12-inch mats and standard 12-inch vinyl. Longer cuts work with the mat and the roll feeder.
Where is the Cricut Explore 5 Smart Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle cheapest?: At Walmart, for $189.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Cricut Explore 5 Smart Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle?: Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 378 ratings.