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Cricut Maker 5 vs Cricut Explore 5
Research-based comparison. Neither machine has been hands-on tested by CraftGearGuide.
Short answer
Get the Explore 5 unless you know you'll cut thick materials, unbacked fabric, or engrave. For vinyl, iron-on, cards and stickers, Cricut lists the same print-then-cut area and a similar matless length for both, and the Explore costs less.
Side by side
| Spec | Cricut Maker 5 | Cricut Explore 5 |
|---|---|---|
| CraftGearGuide editorial score | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Max cut width (matless) | 12 in (Cricut Smart Materials) | 11.7 in (Cricut Smart Materials) |
| Max length (matless) | 12 ft (Smart Materials) | 12 ft (Smart Materials) |
| Max cut area on mat | 11.5 x 11.5 in (12 x 12 mat); 11.5 x 23.75 in (12 x 24 mat) | 11.5 x 11.5 in (12 x 12 mat); about 11.5 x 23.5 in (12 x 24 mat, per Jennifer Maker) |
| Print-then-cut max (US Letter) | 9.94 x 7.44 in | 9.94 x 7.44 in |
| Max material thickness | 3 mm (Cricut-approved materials; cut and engrave) | Not stated by Cricut; about 1.5 mm with the optional Deep Cutting Tool (per Jennifer Maker) |
| Tools | 13 compatible; one tool clamp plus a snap-in pen holder | 6 compatible; one tool clamp plus a snap-in pen holder |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth; USB cable included | Bluetooth; USB cable included |
| Subscription | Not required to cut; paid Cricut Access unlocks the full library and some features | Not required to cut; paid Cricut Access unlocks the full library and some features |
| Size (W x D x H) | 19.8 x 7.5 x 4.7 in | 19.8 x 7.5 x 4.7 in |
| Weight | 10.9 lb | About 10 lb (per Jennifer Maker; not on Cricut's page) |
| Links | Check price on AmazonBundle listingCricut Maker 5 review | Check price on AmazonBundle listingCricut Explore 5 review |
What's the same
- Cricut lists the same dimensions for both: 19.8 x 7.5 x 4.7 in.
- Same print-then-cut limits: 9.94 x 7.44 in on Letter, and up to 15.94 x 9.94 in on Tabloid.
- Both come with the Premium Fine Point Cutting Tool, Scoring Tool, a marker and a 12 x 12 in mat.
- Both cut up to 12 ft matless on Cricut Smart Materials.
What the Maker adds
- Thickness: Cricut claims 3 mm for the Maker 5. It doesn't publish a figure for the Explore 5, and Jennifer Maker puts it at about 1.5 mm with the optional Deep Cutting Tool.
- Tools: 13 compatible tools versus 6, including the Knife Blade (chipboard, basswood), Rotary Blade (unbacked fabric), Engraving Tool and Debossing Tip.
- Width: 12 in matless versus 11.7 in.
A quick test for yourself
List your first ten project ideas. If none of them involve fabric, wood, chipboard, leather or engraving, the Maker's extra tools would sit unused, and the Explore 5 is the better buy. If two or three of them do, the Maker 5 saves you from outgrowing your first machine.