Is the Cricut Maker 5 worth it over an Explore?

If you cut fabric, wood, leather or metal, yes. The Maker 5 handles materials the Explore line cannot. For paper and vinyl only, an Explore is simpler and enough.

How is the Maker 5 different from the Maker 3?

Cricut calls the Maker 5 the next-generation upgrade to the Maker series, with support for the widest tool and material range. Both are Maker-class cutters; the Maker 5 is the newer model.

What comes in the Starter Bundle?

The bundle pairs the Maker 5 with must-have tools and popular materials. Cricut says the contents cover up to 60 projects.

Can it cut fabric without a backing?

Yes. The Maker line is built for fabric work, including cutting fabric for appliques and sewing projects.

Does it need a computer or phone?

Yes. Projects are designed in Cricut's design app and sent to the machine from a computer or mobile device.

What can it engrave or deboss?

Cricut lists engraving on metal and debossing on leather among its capabilities, alongside cutting.

What do buyers say about the Cricut Maker 5 Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle?

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 115 ratings.

Cricut Maker 5 Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle

Best price now

$369.00at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Cricut Maker 5 Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle

Best price now

$369.00at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $369.00 at Walmart on Nov 10.

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

The Cricut Maker 5 is Cricut's top-tier die-cutting machine, built to handle more tools and materials than any other Cricut cutter. It cuts fabric, paper, wood and other thick stock, and can engrave metal and deboss leather. The Starter Bundle adds the tools and materials for roughly 60 first projects, so a beginner can start cutting without buying extras. Against the Joy and Explore lines it trades a higher learning curve for far broader material range; against the earlier Maker models it is the newer generation of the same platform.

Best forCrafters moving up from an Explore or JoyFabric and sewing projectsMixed-material projects like wood, leather and metalBeginners who want tools and materials included

Pros

Works with the widest range of tools and materials in the Cricut line
Cuts fabric, paper, wood and other thick materials
Engraves metal and debosses leather
Starter Bundle includes tools and materials for about 60 projects
Guided by Cricut's design app for setup and project ideas

Cons

Higher learning curve than the simpler Joy or Explore machines
Tool and material costs add up for regular makers
Large footprint compared with compact cutters
Blades and mats are consumables that need replacing

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

WalmartNew
In stock
$369.00Checked Nov 10
Visit Walmart

What reviewers say

4.5 / 5115 ratings

Owners rate it highly, at 4.5 out of 5 from 115 ratings. They value the material range and the bundle contents that let them start projects right away. Some find the setup and software take time to learn.

What people mention

Material rangePraisedOwners say it cuts fabric, paper and thicker materials like wood without switching machines.
Bundle contentsPraisedBuyers like that the starter tools and materials cover their first projects out of the box.
Learning curveMixedSome owners say the design app and machine setup take practice before projects run smoothly.
Running costsCriticisedReviewers note that blades, mats and materials are consumables that add up over time.
EngravingPraisedOwners mention engraving metal and debossing leather as features they use beyond cutting.

About the Cricut Maker 5 Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle

The Cricut Maker 5 is a smart cutting machine that works with more tools and materials than any other Cricut machine. It cuts materials from delicate fabric and paper to thicker ones like wood. It can also engrave metal and deboss leather.

It can be used for a wide range of projects, including full-color stickers, personalized apparel, signs and fabric appliques. An intuitive design app is used to create projects. The Maker 5 is the next-generation upgrade to the Cricut Maker series (Maker, Maker 3, Maker 4).

The Starter Bundle includes tools and popular materials for making up to 60 projects right out of the box.

Color: Blue
Cuts: Fabric, paper, wood and other thicker materials
Also does: Engraves metal, debosses leather
Projects: Full-color stickers, personalized apparel, signs, fabric appliques
Software: Cricut design app
In the box: Cricut Maker 5 machine, tools and popular materials for up to 60 projects

Specifications

color: BlueSource

Questions and answers

Is the Cricut Maker 5 worth it over an Explore?: If you cut fabric, wood, leather or metal, yes. The Maker 5 handles materials the Explore line cannot. For paper and vinyl only, an Explore is simpler and enough.
How is the Maker 5 different from the Maker 3?: Cricut calls the Maker 5 the next-generation upgrade to the Maker series, with support for the widest tool and material range. Both are Maker-class cutters; the Maker 5 is the newer model.
What comes in the Starter Bundle?: The bundle pairs the Maker 5 with must-have tools and popular materials. Cricut says the contents cover up to 60 projects.
Can it cut fabric without a backing?: Yes. The Maker line is built for fabric work, including cutting fabric for appliques and sewing projects.
Does it need a computer or phone?: Yes. Projects are designed in Cricut's design app and sent to the machine from a computer or mobile device.
What can it engrave or deboss?: Cricut lists engraving on metal and debossing on leather among its capabilities, alongside cutting.
Where is the Cricut Maker 5 Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle cheapest?: At Walmart, for $369.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Cricut Maker 5 Die-Cutting Machine Starter Bundle?: Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 115 ratings.