I am excited to show you the new Cricut Explore 4 machine and all it can do. Cricut is launching this new machine today and I’ve had one for a little while so I can test it and see all it can do.
Do you need this newest Cricut machine? We are going to test it side by side against the Cricut Explore 3 to see what’s different to help you answer this question.
Along with the Explore 4, Cricut is also releasing the new Maker 4 machine today. You can see more about the Cricut Maker 4 here if you are interested.
If you really want to see the Cricut Explore 4 in action, be sure to watch my YouTube video. I am testing each material side by side with Explore 3 to help you see exactly how much faster it is in real-time.
Click play on the video below to watch it now:
Cricut Explore 4 Machine
I am going to dive in depth into this machine below and give you everything you need to know. No matter if you are looking at a Cricut Explore for the first time or want to upgrade, I can help!
When and where is the Explore 4 for sale?
Before we get into the machine itself let’s talk about when it will be available and where you can get it.
The Cricut Explore 4 will be available starting February 28, 2025. It will come in two colors, seashell and sage green.
You can purchase the seashell color here if you live in the US or Canada. You can purchase the sage color in a bundle on Michaels.com if you live in the US, Canada, or Mexico.
If you live in another part of the world, you can purchase your machine beginning March 14th and it will be available in the seasheel color worldwide.
The MSRP for Cricut Explore 4 is $249.
How is Explore 4 Different than the Explore 3?
I know this is the question that everyone really wants the answer to so let’s look at the main differences.
- The Explore 4 is up to 2x faster than previous machines even with materials on the mat.
- This machine comes with more materials in the box so you can get crafting right away. I think this makes this machine an even better deal.
What is in the Box?
When you open the box you’ll find your Cricut Explore 4. There are packing materials that you will need to remove from outside and inside the machine.
Included inside the machine is the Fine Point Blade and the housing for the blade. In the box, you’ll find a black Cricut pen, a mini weeding tool, a power and USB cord, a blue LightGrip mat, and enough different materials to make approximately 10 projects.
Is the Physical Machine Different?
Compared to the Explore 3 and previous explore models, the dimensions are the same. Other than the color difference, Explore 4 looks very similar. The buttons are the same as the Explore 3. On the right side of the machine, there is a power button, a load/unload button, a Go/start button, and a pause button.
On the left side of the machine, there is a button to open the machine, and there are storage cups. The tray that opens also has additional storage just like older machines.
The Cricut Explore 4 has both an A and B clamp just like other machines.
I call the A clamp the accessory clamp. This clamp holds pens, and markers, and can also hold a scoring stylus.
Clamp B is the blade clamp. When you receive your machine it will have the fine point blade installed.
What Tools Work with Explore 4?
Every tool that worked in previous Explore machines will work with Explore 4.
This includes:
- Fine Point Blade
- Deep Cut Blade
- Bonded Fabric Blade
- Scoring Stylus
- All Cricut Pens and Markers including Infusible Ink
If you have the smart material Roll Holder that was available with the release of Maker and Explore 3 machines, that roll holder will also work with the new Explore 4. This is not a necessary accessory but it is available and will work with this machine.
What mats work with Explore 4?
All Explore and Maker mats, including LightGrip, StandardGrip, StrongGrip, FabricGrip, and Card Mat will work with this machine. See a full guide on what mat works for each material here.
What is the Maximum Cut Size for Cricut Explore 4?
When cutting Smart materials, you can cut 11.7 inches wide by 12 feet long. When using a mat, you are limited by the mat. If you have a 12×12 mat, the maximum cut size is 11.5×11.5. If you’re using the 12×24 mat, the maximum cut size is 11.5 by 23.5 inches.
What materials does Explore 4 cut?
The maximum thickness is 2mm. This thickness depends on the material.
You can find a full list of all materials that can be cut with Cricut Explore 4 on the Cricut website and what thickness those machines can be. I will cut some examples below but there is no way I can cut all of the materials this machine can cut in one post!
How to Set Up Cricut Explore 4
To set up your new machine, head to Cricut.com/Setup and follow the setup process. The process is very simple and quick. You can set up your machine via either Bluetooth or USB. It will walk you through setting up your machine and making your first project.
My project used Cricut Smart Vinyl and cut out the Cricut logo as a decal. The whole process was very easy and the Smart Vinyl cut perfectly.
During the setup process, you will be prompted to download Cricut Design Space if you do not already have it. If you are new to Design Space, I have a full tutorial here to help you get started.
Cricut Explore 4 vs Explore 3 Side-by-Side Comparison
Now we’re going to test a variety of different materials side by side with both the Explore 4 and Explore 3 to see how much faster the Explore 4 actually cuts.
You can watch these comparisons in real-time by pressing play on the video above.
For all of these comparisons, I am using the exact same materials, I am using the same computer, and the same internet, and pressing play at the same time to make sure we are seeing what the difference is.
Smart Vinyl Cutting Comparison
When Explore 3 was released it was marketed as up to 2x faster for Smart materials vs using a mat. Now we’re going to see if that time is different between these two machines.
When cutting Smart Vinyl, both machines cut at the same speed.
Iron-on On a Mat Comparison
When using Iron-on material, you place the material shiny side down on the mat and mirror your image.
This comparison was more drastic. The Explore 4 cut Iron-on on a mat much faster than the Explore 3 did.
Cardstock and Pen Writing Comparison
For this next project, I wanted to test cutting cardstock but I also wanted to see if the writing was also faster.
This is an on-the-mat project and the Cricut Explore 4 was significantly faster with both the drawing and cutting.
Cricut Faux Leather Comparison
To cut Cricut Faux Leather, I moved the star wheels out of the way so they don’t leave marks on the material. I like to put my material good side down to protect my mat and that means you need to mirror the image.
The Explore 4 was a lot faster cutting Faux Leather than the Explore 3 was.
Print Then Cut Comparison
This comparison is the star of the show. The Print Then Cut cutting process was at least 2x faster on the Cricut Explore 4 than it was on the Explore 3.
For this test, I did a kiss cut so the cut goes through the sticker material but not the carrier sheet.
If you’re new to Print Then Cut, you can learn how to do that here.
Make sure you calibrate your machines before you begin. You should calibrate the Print Then Cut anytime there has been a big update in Design Space, if you haven’t used the machine for a while, or if you have replaced your blade.
Close Up of Finished Cuts
I was really impressed with all the cuts. Even when the Cricut Explore 4 cut twice as fast as the Explore 3 the cuts are still clean and very high quality.
The calibration for Print Then Cut was perfect so my stickers look fantastic.
Do You Need Cricut Explore 4?
Here’s the big question, do you need a Cricut Explore 4? I think in the end it depends on what you’re doing.
When Cricut first contacted me about this machine, I was not sure that up to 2x faster was really all that exciting or worth upgrading for. After testing it and finding that all the materials that were cut with the Fine Point Blade on a mat cut so much faster, I can definitely see a case for why you’d want this machine.
I actually found that even the load and unload process was faster with this new machine.
If you are a small business owner who cuts a lot of materials on the mat, this machine can save you so much time. Especially, if you’re making projects with Print Then Cut.
If you are a hobby crafter or someone who doesn’t really need additional speed with your crafting, this may not be a machine you need right now.
If you do not already own a Cricut machine, I would recommend the Cricut Explore 4. For new users, I always recommend the latest and greatest machines so they last a long time.
If you’re cutting mostly thin materials like cardstock, vinyl, HTV, etc, this machine could be the perfect machine for you.
Are Old Machines Going Away?
If you do not currently need a new machine and you’re a hobby crafter who doesn’t need to cut even faster, you don’t need to worry.
All Joy machines, Explore machines, Maker machines, and Cricut Venture are still supported by Cricut. All machines that work with Design Space are still supported and will continue to work. A few years ago Cricut stopped supporting what they call legacy machines. Those are machines from before the Explore and Design Space were released.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at the new Cricut Explore 4. It was a lot more impressive with its speed than I thought it would be. I was also really impressed with how clean the cuts are even at a faster speed.
If you have any questions about this new machine, leave them in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer them for you.
