Cricut Explore 4 vs Cricut Maker 4. Which machine should you get? This is a common debate among Cricut users, and this blog will help you decide!
The Cricut Explore 4 and Maker 4 retain the features of their predecessors but are significantly faster. You can make endless gifts, decor, art, and more with their new speedier cutting time. You can do popular projects like custom vinyl decals, full-color stickers, cards, and T-shirts while spending less time waiting on your machine and more time creating with these advanced crafting machines.
This post will share my honest opinions about these two popular crafting machines, including what I love about them and what I don’t love about them.
Cricut Explore 4 vs Cricut Maker 4: Key Differences
The main difference between Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Maker 4 lies in their tool compatibility and cutting force. The Explore 4 excels at cutting thin materials, while the Maker 4’s adaptive tool system and higher cutting force enable it to handle thicker materials like leather, wood, and fabric.
Cricut Explore 4
- Materials compatibility: It can cut up to an impressive 100+ materials, including cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, and more.
- Tools: It works with six tools, including a fine-point blade, foil transfer tool, scoring stylus, deep-point blade, and bonded-fabric blade, as well as pens and markers.
- Smart Materials: It can utilize smart materials for “matless” cutting.
- Cutting Force: Standard cutting force.
- Price: Lower starting price
- How much space does it take? The Explore 4 is 22.2″ x 7″ x 5.9″ and 11.1 pounds (5.03 kg).
Cricut Maker 4
- Material compatibility: It can cut up to 300+ materials, including all that an Explore can cut. Plus leather, basswood, and crepe paper.
- Tools: It works with 13 tools, including a Rotary blade, Wavy Blade, Perforation Blade, Knife blade tool, Engraving tool, Deboss tool, and scoring wheels, single and double. The Maker’s adaptive tool system makes swapping the tools easy!
- Smart Materials: These materials are made for direct feeding into the machine without a cutting mat, which enables faster and more efficient project creation.
- Cutting Force: Up to 10 times stronger cutting force, with the ability to cut thicker and more challenging materials.
- Price: Higher starting price due to its increased capabilities and tool compatibility.
- How much space does it take? The Maker 4 measures 22.1″ x 7.1″ x 6.2″ and weighs 15.4 pounds (7.0 kg).
The difference is almost the same; both have similar features. Cricut Explore focuses on cutting thinner materials, whereas Cricut Maker 4 cuts a wider range of materials, including those that are thicker than Explore.
Cricut Explore 4 vs Cricut Maker 4: New Features & Capabilities
Both machines can cut, draw, and add sparkle with the foil tool. They work with materials used in previous models and offer faster cutting speeds with features like matless cutting using Smart Materials. They also have sensors to make awesome print-and-cut projects.
Overall, Cricut Maker 4 is the more versatile and powerful machine, while Cricut Explore 4 is a great option for crafters who primarily work with common materials like vinyl and cardstock. Both have performed well, as they offer significant improvements in speed and ease of use compared to previous generations.
Fast Cutting Speed
Both claim to cut 10″ per second in a straight line, whether you’re using a machine mat or matless. That’s up from 8″ per second matless or 5″ per second with a cutting mat for the Cricut Maker 4 and Cricut Explore 4!
Note: Your speed may fluctuate based on your design and the material you are using.
Smart Materials
Smart Materials have a built-in “mat,” which means you don’t need to cut them on a separate mat. Smart Materials help you maximize your machine’s potential. They enable long, continuous cuts up to 12 ft (3.6 m) for long banners, batch making, and more, without the need for a cutting mat. Simply place the end of the material under the guides and against the roller, then press the “Load” button. The Cricut Maker 4 and Cricut Explore 4 will automatically draw your material within a bit. They have sensors to ensure that your material is properly aligned and that there is sufficient material for your cut. Then, you’re ready to cut!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Engrave on My Cricut Maker?
learn how to engrave on a Cricut Maker using the “Engraving Tip Tool“. This tool allows you to create personalized text, monograms, decorative flourishes, and more on various materials. Both the Maker and Maker 4 are capable of engraving. You can engrave on various materials like acrylic, plastic, paper, leather, and some soft metals. The Engraving Tip can be swapped out with other QuickSwap tips, like scoring wheels or debossing tips.
Cricut Maker 4 worth the Extra Money?
Whether the Cricut Maker 4 is worth the extra money depends on your needs and what you plan to create. The Maker 4 offers a more versatile and powerful cutting experience compared to the Explore 4. If you only plan to use basic cutting and crafting, the Cricut Explore Air 2 might be sufficient for you. And if you plan to create complex projects, work with thicker materials, or need the versatility of the rotary and knife blades, then the Cricut Maker could be worth the extra money.
How to Use Cricut Explore without a Computer?
Yes, you can use Cricut Explore without a computer, but you’ll need a compatible mobile device (iOS or Android) and the Cricut Design Space app installed. You can connect your machine to the app via Bluetooth. While you can design and cut without a computer, some advanced features and the ability to use Print Then Cut require a computer.