Cricut Explore 5 Bundle Tops 2026 Cutting Machine Shortlist

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent years following the Cricut product line and analyzing how each model fits different crafting needs. My approach is to focus on the official features and bundle contents provided by the manufacturer, comparing them side by side to highlight what matters most for real-world use. I do not rely on rumors or unverified claims; every detail here comes directly from the product listings.

This guide is built for clarity and honesty. I prioritize answering which machine is right for you based on your project goals, space, and budget. By sticking to the facts and avoiding hype, I aim to give you a reliable foundation for your purchase decision.

How we evaluate

I evaluate each Cricut machine based on four key criteria: cutting versatility, bundle value, ease of use, and physical footprint. Cutting versatility refers to the range of materials the machine can handle and the types of actions it can perform, such as cutting, writing, foiling, or scoring. Bundle value considers how many projects you can start with right out of the box, including materials and digital content.

Ease of use covers the setup process, software compatibility, and whether the machine is beginner-friendly. Physical footprint matters for those with limited workspace, so I compare dimensions and portability. I do not claim to have tested these machines in a lab; instead, I rely on the specifications and features as described by Cricut to make informed recommendations.

Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle + Digital Content

The Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle is the newest generation of the Explore line, featuring a 12-inch cutting width and a design that is 30% more compact than previous models. It comes in a new Taupe color with a simplified interface for a more intuitive experience. This machine precision-cuts over 100 materials including vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, and printable materials, and it can also write, draw, foil, score, and cut intricate designs. It works with six tools, including a Deep Cutting Tool sold separately for thicker materials like foam and rubber, and it has a new snap-in pen holder for hassle-free use.

The Essential Bundle includes Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets, and Printable Vinyl, enough supplies for up to 65 projects. You also get 25 additional premium-quality images and 1 font with purchase. The machine connects via Bluetooth to the free Design Space app, which offers 3,000+ images, 100+ fonts, and 1,000+ projects to start. Print-Then-Cut capability lets you create full-color stickers and decals using your home inkjet printer.

Cricut Explore 5 Deluxe Bundle + Digital Content

The Cricut Explore 5 Deluxe Bundle shares all the core features of the Explore 5 machine: the same compact 12-inch design, compatibility with 100+ materials, and the ability to write, draw, foil, score, and cut. It also includes the same snap-in pen holder and works with six tools. The key difference is the bundle contents: the Deluxe Bundle provides supplies for up to 100 projects, compared to the Essential Bundle’s 65. This makes it a better choice if you plan to do a lot of crafting immediately.

Like the Essential Bundle, it includes Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets, and Printable Vinyl, plus 25 additional premium-quality images and 1 font. The machine uses the same Design Space app with Bluetooth connectivity, and it supports Print-Then-Cut for full-color projects. If you know you will be making many projects right away, the Deluxe Bundle offers more materials upfront without needing to buy extra supplies.

Cricut Maker 4 Starter Kit

The Cricut Maker 4 Starter Kit is designed as an all-in-one beginner bundle. It includes the Maker 4 die-cutting machine, a cutting mat, blade, tools, vinyl and iron-on sampler sheet materials, and project inspiration so you can start crafting immediately. This machine is built for both simple and detailed projects, allowing you to create custom stickers, shirts, cards, and personalized gifts. It is specifically marketed as beginner-friendly, with easy setup through Cricut Design Space and instructional guides.

The Starter Kit includes adhesive vinyl and heat transfer vinyl, so you can try decals, stickers, and custom t-shirts right out of the box. This bundle is ideal for first-time users who want a complete package without having to buy additional tools or materials separately. The Maker 4 itself is a versatile machine that works with 300+ materials, but the Starter Kit focuses on getting you started with vinyl and iron-on projects.

Cricut Maker 4

The Cricut Maker 4 is the most powerful machine in this lineup, working with over 300 materials including leather, wood, vinyl, iron-on HTV, cardstock, and stickers. It not only cuts but also draws, foils, scores, engraves, debosses, and perforates, making it suitable for a wide range of advanced projects. This bundle includes the Maker 4 machine, a Fine-Point Blade, a Materials Sampler with Smart Vinyl, Matless Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Matless Heat Transfer Vinyl, Cardstock, Transfer Tape, a Fine Point Pen, a Light Grip Mat, a Weeder, and 30 bonus images in the Design Space app.

The Maker 4 supports Print-Then-Cut for full-color designs using most inkjet printers. It connects via Bluetooth to the free Design Space app, which includes 3,000+ images and 100+ fonts. The bundle’s digital content adds 30 premium-quality images. This machine is best for crafters who need maximum material versatility and advanced features like engraving and debossing, though it comes with fewer physical materials than the Explore bundles.

Cricut Joy

The Cricut Joy is an ultra-compact cutting machine with a 4.5-inch cutting width, designed for quick, everyday projects like custom cards, simple decals, and labels. It weighs just over 2 pounds, making it highly portable and easy to store. The Essential Bundle includes Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Value Cardstock, Insert Card Sets, and Printable Vinyl, enough for up to 35 projects. It also comes with 25 additional premium-quality images and 1 font.

This machine works with 75+ materials, including vinyl, iron-on, printable materials, and cardstock, and it can write, draw, foil, score, and cut intricate designs. It supports Print-Then-Cut for full-color stickers using a home inkjet printer. The Cricut Joy is ideal for small-space living or for crafters who only need to make simple projects quickly. However, its smaller cutting width limits the size of projects you can create.

What to look for

• Cutting width and machine size: Consider how much space you have and the maximum size of projects you want to make. The Cricut Joy has a 4.5-inch width, while the Explore 5 and Maker 4 offer 12-inch widths.
• Material compatibility: If you plan to work with leather, wood, or other thick materials, the Maker 4 supports over 300 materials. The Explore 5 handles 100+ materials, and the Joy works with 75+.
• Bundle contents: Look at how many projects you can start with. The Essential Bundle offers 65 projects, the Deluxe Bundle offers 100, and the Joy bundle offers 35. The Maker 4 Starter Kit includes vinyl and iron-on samplers.
• Advanced features: For engraving, debossing, or perforating, the Maker 4 is the only option. The Explore 5 and Joy focus on cutting, writing, foiling, and scoring.
• Portability: The Cricut Joy is the lightest at just over 2 pounds, ideal for moving between rooms or taking to events. The Explore 5 and Maker 4 are larger but still compact.
• Digital content: All machines include free access to Design Space with 3,000+ images and 100+ fonts. Bundles add extra images and fonts, which can save you money on digital purchases.

The verdict

For most crafters, the Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle offers the best balance of features, value, and project capacity. Its compact design, 12-inch cutting width, and generous supply of materials for 65 projects make it a versatile choice for beginners and experienced users alike. If you need maximum material versatility and advanced capabilities like engraving, choose the Cricut Maker 4. For quick, small projects or limited space, the Cricut Joy is the most portable and convenient option. The Deluxe Bundle is ideal if you want even more materials upfront, and the Maker 4 Starter Kit is perfect for beginners who want a complete introduction to vinyl and iron-on crafting.