I tested Cricut Explore 4 and found this speedy, whisper-quiet craft machine made my projects easier

I’ll admit it: the number of Cricut machines on the market can be overwhelming, and I had to pinch myself that Cricut is now in its fourth generation of craft machines, with Explore 4 now out. How time flies when you're having fun.

Between the compact Cricut Joy, the approachable Explore line, and the powerhouse Maker 3, choosing the right tool for your craft desk isn’t trivial. That’s where the Cricut Explore 4 comes in. Sitting squarely in the middle, it’s a machine designed for hobbyists, small business makers, and anyone who wants more flexibility than the Joy without diving into the pro-level complexity (and price) of the Maker.

In many ways, the Explore 4 feels like the natural evolution after the Cricut Explore 3 review: it’s faster, smarter, and more user-friendly, with a few thoughtful tweaks that make a noticeable difference. With support for Smart Materials, over 100 compatible mediums, and a generous starter bundle, it’s clear Cricut wants this to be one of the best Cricut machines for most users.

For those weighing up the best Cricut alternatives, Explore 4 now sits confidently in the mid-range category, bridging the gap between portability, power, and precision. But read below to see why this remains one of the best entry-level digital craft machines for your money.

Cricut Explore 4: specs

Numbers are one thing, but experience tells the real story. The Explore 4’s 56 x 15 x 15cm frame makes it larger than the Joy, but still desk-friendly. The 25cm clearance at the back keeps long materials feeding smoothly, which is a welcome relief for larger projects. Unlike older Explore models, Smart Materials work without a mat, which is a game-changer for cutting larger designs quickly.

Compared to the Cricut Maker, it’s simpler: no rotary blade, no embossing or engraving, and fewer accessory options. But that simplicity comes with speed and predictability. For paper, vinyl, iron-on, and other standard crafting mediums, the Explore 4 feels faster and easier to handle than its predecessor. The fewer accessories over the Maker 4 are a hindrance, but as an entry-level craft machine, it does everything you need (though quilters like me will need Maker 4's rotary blade).

Overall, the specs, size, and accessories of the Explore 4 hit the sweet spot for casual crafters and small business users alike.

Cricut Explore 4: in the box

Cricut includes everything you need to get started: blades, pens, Smart Materials, cardstock, transfer tape, a mat, and tools. The mini weeder, new to this model, is a subtle but very handy addition, especially when dealing with intricate vinyl designs.

One small quibble: not all bundles include sticker cardstock, which means you may need a quick trip to the craft store before completing certain starter projects. That said, Cricut and many craft stores often offer unique Cricut bundles that can save money, so if you're looking to buy an Explore 4, I'd suggest shopping around.

Read our guides to the best Cricut accessories and the best materials for Cricut for what can work with Expore 4

Cricut Explore 4: design and setup

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The first thing that strikes you is the push-button lid. Adding this new little button is a tiny design tweak, but one you’ll appreciate every time you open and close the machine (the old model was manual). Add the tool storage in the lid, and it suddenly feels like a machine designed to sit on a real desk and be used.

Overall, Cricut hasn't moved far away from its clean and curvy design found in all of its machines, and feels more and more like the 'Apple of crafting'. One of the wins Cricut has always had and doesn't mess with is the attachments clamp. This little device holds blades and pens, and is super easy to use and swap new tools in and out.

Setup was smooth via Cricut Design Space. Connecting over Bluetooth worked instantly, and the cable option is there if wireless isn’t your thing. If you already own a Cricut, switching machines can be slightly hidden in the dropdown menu, but once selected, the interface is intuitive and welcoming.

Generally, Cricut has taken a few risks with Explore 4, and why should it? The design stands up, the new changes work nicely, and the setup process is easier than ever. For anyone new to digital crafting, this is a good place to begin.

Cricut Explore 4: software

Cricut Design Space continues to impress. It’s clean, logical, and loaded with ready-made projects. You can also upload your own SVGs or design from scratch. While many projects sit behind the Cricut Access subscription, the library’s depth makes it worth considering if you plan to craft regularly. (Read our article on why you need Cricut Access for more details.)

Cricut's tutorials and projects are excellent. The Explore 4 includes starter projects for stickers, decals, and paper cuts, which are perfect for getting your feet wet without feeling intimidated. Even complete beginners will be cutting with confidence in under an hour.

You can, of course, use more software with Cricut, such as Illustrator, Krita, and Photoshop, and files exported can be used in Design Space. I personally still create everything in Design Space, but read our guide to the best Cricut software for more ideas of what can be used.

Cricut Explore 4: performance

Speed and precision are where the Explore 4 shines. Paper cuts are crisp, vinyl weeds cleanly, and iron-on goes down without a hitch. I find using the new Smart Materials made long cuts simpler than ever, and optional accessories like the deep-point blade add to what can be done.

The Cricut Explore 4 is full of surprises, and one of the most impressive add-ons has to be the Foil Transfer Kit. This opens up my projects to some fancy new treatments and finishes. It comes with three tips – fine, medium, and bold – that slot in easily, and I found they give me control over the look of my designs. The foil itself is held in place with tape from the kit, and then the Explore 4 presses the pattern into the surface. Sitting back and watching the machine draw out the lines in foil is strangely compelling, and the results stand apart from the usual cuts and shapes the Explore 4 is known for.

There’s also the option to draw directly onto projects using Cricut’s own pens. These fit into Clamp A on the Explore 4, and while they’re an extra purchase, the price is reasonable. The pens are a good way to outline images or add text alongside cut designs, and it’s simple to combine both in one project. (Read our guide to the best Cricut pens for what can be used with Explore 4.)

It's worth mentioning the key difference between Explore 4 and the more expensive Maker 4, as many will be looking at either to get started in digital crafting. Explore 4 uses Cricut's Adaptive Tool System to swap blades, and supports six tools to cut, score, engrave, and even emboss with far more precision. But Maker 4 supports 13 tools and is also the only option with a rotary blade, essential for quilters and sewers, or anyone cutting fabric.

Explore 4 can’t compete with the Maker 4 in terms of tools and fabric versatility, but for most mid-range projects, the Explore 4 is fast, reliable, and surprisingly satisfying to use.

When it comes to direct comparisons to the older Explore 3, it's mostly speed, ease of use, and quality of life improvements. For example, Explore 3 doesn’t come with the new mini weeder tool as standard, and some bundles were lighter on extras (meaning you sometimes had to buy a separate starter kit). Performance-wise, Explore 3 also lacked some of the small usability tweaks, like the updated lid mechanism on the Explore 4, that make the new machine feel more polished.

Day to day, the Explore 4 is straightforward to use and surprisingly quick. The link with Design Space keeps everything organised, and once you get into the software, the choice of images and projects is huge. Access to the full library comes with a subscription, either monthly or yearly, but the range on offer makes it feel worthwhile.

What stands out most is the flexibility. From foil transfers to pen drawings to intricate cuts, the Explore 4 handles it all with a minimum of fuss. It’s a machine that invites you to try things. But be aware, it's a limited machine compared to the more costly Maker 4, yet within its mid-range pricing, it does everything you'd need with excellent results.

Cricut Explore 4: who's it for?

The Cricut Explore 4 nails the mid-tier balance. It’s more versatile than the Joy, simpler than the Maker, and comes with a starter bundle that gets you crafting immediately. If you’re a hobbyist, Etsy seller, or small business maker, this is one of the best Cricut machines you can buy without committing to the Maker’s higher price and complexity.

Buy it if…

• You’re new to Cricut and want a confident, easy entry point
• You want a fast, reliable cutter for paper, vinyl, and iron-on
• You value Smart Materials and clear tutorials

Don’t buy it if…

• You’re a quilter or fabric crafter (stick with the Maker)
• You only need small, portable projects (the Joy is cheaper and more compact)
• You want different software – try Silhouette machines