Customer reviews from Cricut
Bundle - Cricut - Explore 5 Deluxe Cutting Machine with Vinyl, Iron-On & Cardstock - Taupe
Average customer rating
4.7
(62 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 62 reviews
5 Stars
53
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
1
1 Star
2
96%of customers recommend this product.
(
51 out of
53)
Customer Reviews for Bundle - Cricut - Explore 5 Deluxe Cutting Machine with Vinyl, Iron-On & Cardstock - Taupe
Customer Rating
5
Cricut Explore 5, Worth it on a budget?
on March 3, 2026
Posted by: Jen
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Cricut Explore 5, Worth It on a Budget?
If you want to get into Cricut-ing without dropping Maker-level money, the Explore 5 is honestly a sweet spot.
It cuts all the everyday stuff, vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, stickers (yes, it does Print Then Cut), which covers 90% of what most people actually make. Shirts, decals, birthday banners, labels… you’re good. You don’t need all the heavy-duty tools unless you’re cutting wood or engraving metal.
I also love that it doesn’t take up a ton of space. It feels practical, not over-the-top.
Is it the most powerful machine Cricut makes? No.
Is it the smartest buy for a casual crafter or small side hustle on a budget? Absolutely.
Is it the smartest buy for a casual crafter or small side hustle on a budget? Absolutely.
If you’re trying to Cricut without crying at checkout, this is a solid choice.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Love the color and size of the explore 5.
on March 3, 2026
Posted by: HappyCrafter
from USA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] It's so cute, quite and fast. I like that it is slightly smaller than the other explore machines.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Explore 5: A Thoughtful Evolution
on March 2, 2026
Posted by: CraftyPowers
from Washington
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Getting started with this machine was incredibly easy. The Load & Go feature removes a step from the workflow — something I didn’t realize would matter until I used it. My machine sits across the room, and that small change streamlined the process more than I expected. The buttons are intuitive, loading feels smooth, and the machine is stable while running. It is noticeably louder than my Maker 4, which is worth mentioning, but not a dealbreaker in my space.
They’ve intentionally slowed the speed compared to the Maker 4. While the Maker 4 remains the leader in speed and overall versatility, the Explore 5 delivers clean, consistent cuts that feel confidence-building rather than rushed. It covers what most crafters truly need to create amazing projects without feeling limiting.
Compatibility is where this machine really shines. It can use the Deep Point Blade from the Maker series, and while the tool system is slightly different overall, I see that as a long-term improvement. If you’re already deeply invested in Cricut tools, change can feel like an adjustment. But if I put on my “new to Cricut” glasses, this updated blade system is safer and more intuitive from day one.
The standout for me is pen compatibility between the Joy and Explore machines. That’s a big deal. It means you can start with a Joy, build your pen collection, and move into an Explore without feeling like you have to reinvest all over again. That continuity makes the ecosystem feel intentional and accessible.
I was able to make vinyl decals, HTV projects, cards, and spend a lot of time with Print Then Cut right away. The simplified calibration process makes it quick to set up and easy to trust. The included material bundle was also a smart touch — it allowed me to really explore what the machine could do from day one.
The open design caught my attention at first — I did briefly think about dust — but realistically, I rarely closed my other machines unless I was traveling. It hasn’t been an issue.
The Maker 4 is still the powerhouse of the lineup. But the Explore 5 fills a very important space. It makes stepping into a full-format Cricut far more accessible while still delivering the performance most crafters need. Since receiving it, it has quietly become my primary go-to machine.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Amazing!
on March 1, 2026
Posted by: Oreo's Mom
from Indiana
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I’ve been having so much fun getting to know the Cricut Explore 5, and I have to say. the Explore 5 truly impressed me right from the start.
Setup was quick and easy straight out of the box, and I loved that it came with plenty of materials and tools so I could start creating right away. Just open the box, set up, and create.
One of my favorite features is the new Load & Go system. You place your material on the mat, load it into the machine, press one button, and it automatically loads and starts cutting. It’s so smooth and easy.
What stood out most to me is just how easy this machine is to use. The Explore 5 is beginner-friendly while still being powerful enough for advanced crafters.
I absolutely love it!
Setup was quick and easy straight out of the box, and I loved that it came with plenty of materials and tools so I could start creating right away. Just open the box, set up, and create.
One of my favorite features is the new Load & Go system. You place your material on the mat, load it into the machine, press one button, and it automatically loads and starts cutting. It’s so smooth and easy.
What stood out most to me is just how easy this machine is to use. The Explore 5 is beginner-friendly while still being powerful enough for advanced crafters.
I absolutely love it!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Sleek, Redesigned Cricut Cutting Machine
on March 1, 2026
Posted by: AZCraftyMom
from Arizona
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Cricut Explore 5 is a sleek, streamlined machine that really shows how far Cricut has come over the past 20 years. When I first opened the box, I was surprised by the redesigned look since it doesn’t resemble earlier models. The open design initially made me wonder how it would hold up in my (dusty!) Arizona craft space, but it’s been completely fine. It’s also more compact than I expected. I was even able to place it on a shelf where my Maker 3 wouldn’t fit, which is a huge win for anyone working with limited space.
The biggest difference in performance is the new “load-and-go” functionality. It takes a few projects to get used to watching the on-screen prompts and loading tools when directed, but once you do, it’s a real time saver. Load your material or mat and it begins cutting right away. The pen system is slightly different as well. You just need to press firmly until you hear the click, and then you’re ready to go. Setup overall is incredibly easy. The machine walks you through the process step by step so you can go from unboxing to creating quickly and confidently.
One of the best features for new users is the Essential Bundle option. Having the most-used tools and materials included makes it so easy to start making right away without guessing what you’ll need. You can truly hit the ground running and complete your first projects without placing extra supply orders. As far as upgrading, I wouldn’t move from a Maker 3 or 4 since this doesn’t have the same Maker-level mechanics, and it may not be a big enough jump from an Explore 3 or 4. However, if you’re coming from an Explore Air 2, Joy, or Joy Xtra, this is absolutely worth it. You get full 12-inch cutting capability with the speed of the newer machines in a compact footprint, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced crafters looking for a streamlined machine.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Blown Away by the Cricut Explore 5!
on February 28, 2026
Posted by: JenC
from Cleveland OH
I'm so happy with the Cricut Explore 5! I'm completely blown away by the packaging and how thoughtful the kit of tools and materials were curated. Everything I needed to start creating immediately was included. I really liked how it cuts and tried so many materials right away and it was fast with super clean lines.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Next level crafting
on February 28, 2026
Posted by: Issa
from San Francisco CA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Cricut Explore 5 offers great compatibility, smooth ergonomics, precise cuts, faster speed, and amazing versatility. A fantastic upgrade for any crafter!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Sleek, precise & love the upgrades!!
on February 27, 2026
Posted by: Holly
from Chicago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I am absolutely LOVING the new Explore 5!
First thing that grabbed me was the sleek new look and color are beautiful. It truly fits into any aesthetic and looks so clean and modern in my craft space. I also love that it’s more compact and takes up less room on my table.
First thing that grabbed me was the sleek new look and color are beautiful. It truly fits into any aesthetic and looks so clean and modern in my craft space. I also love that it’s more compact and takes up less room on my table.
The new snap-in pen holder is an awesome new addition! No more loosening and tightening clamps every time you change pens, love that!
The Print Then Cut calibration is nothing less than magical if you ask me. It’s so simple now. I honestly don’t even understand how it works behind the scenes, but my cuts were spot on! No more trying to figure out the lines or numbers.
And can we talk about the Load & Go feature?! AMAZING. No more pressing load, waiting, then pressing go again. Now one button does both. Such a small change that makes a huge difference.
It cut my intricate cardstock, vinyl, veneer, and more perfectly. And I love that if I want an extra pass, I can simply press the Load/Go button again to run it through another cut cycle. So convenient!
It cut my intricate cardstock, vinyl, veneer, and more perfectly. And I love that if I want an extra pass, I can simply press the Load/Go button again to run it through another cut cycle. So convenient!
I was also pleasantly surprised to see this machine is less expensive than previous models while still delivering that high Cricut quality. The Essentials bundle I got was great too — it came with a nice variety of materials and tools so I could start creating right away.
Overall, a lovely machine!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut