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
Fast, Dependable, Versatile & Beginner Friendly
on February 27, 2026
Posted by: BugBite
from USA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have added the Cricut Explore 5 to my arsenal of machines! Right out of the box, it is sleek and professional looking in a beautiful taupe color. If you are looking for a great full size starter machine or just looking to add another amazing machine to your craftroom, the Cricut Explore 5 is the one! This machine has all the features of the older versions but is 30% smaller and 5 pounds lighter - and that does not mean smaller cutting ability! The Explore 5 can cut up to a FULL 12 inches wide and up to 12 feet long when using Cricut Smart materials without a mat! I used this machine to create print then cut stickers that were spot on! The print then cut calibration has been revamped and it is incredibly fastand accurate! I think my favorite part of this upgrade is the load and go feature where you load the mat or material, it quickly measures it and goes right into cutting. This machine cuts so fast too! The new scoring tool being loaded in the blade slot allows the machine to add pressure when needed so your score lines are the perfect depth for the cardstock you are using. Better score lines means more precise folds! I received the Essentials bundle with mine which means that I was ready to go create a multitude of meaningful projects right away! No more running back to the craft store for supplies! The Explore 5 is honestly the perfect machine for beginners who want the 12 inch cut capability with a machine that is fast durable and can cut about 100 different materials. I do also love that all the old blades will work in this machine, so the fine point, the deep point, the fabric blade and the foiling tool are all interchangeable. The pens have been revamped as well so that moving forward we will have less confusion regarding which pens to use for which machine! While older pens will not work in this machine, the newer pens will work on the older machines.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Explore 5 is a Great NEW Machine Cricut, Thank you
on February 25, 2026
Posted by: Momof2boys
from Mesa, AZ
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As a longtime crafter, the new Explore 5 quickly earned a spot in my setup. It's 30% more compact and much lighter—easy to store, move, and use during long sessions (especially with two machines).
It works with over 100 materials, giving tons of options. I've made insert cards, bookmarks, stickers, fabric layers, paper crafts, home decor—the results are good every time.
Love the Load and Go feature: load the mat, it auto-measures and starts instantly—no GO button wait. Perfect for my limited time; I start it and move to the next task.
Cricut's Explore 5 bundles are convenient—includes machine, materials, tools, mats. No extra store trips to the store.
User-friendly, reliable, sleek design. Worth checking out if you're new and looking to own a Cricut or wanting to upgrading. I recommend it—already planning more projects!
It works with over 100 materials, giving tons of options. I've made insert cards, bookmarks, stickers, fabric layers, paper crafts, home decor—the results are good every time.
Love the Load and Go feature: load the mat, it auto-measures and starts instantly—no GO button wait. Perfect for my limited time; I start it and move to the next task.
Cricut's Explore 5 bundles are convenient—includes machine, materials, tools, mats. No extra store trips to the store.
User-friendly, reliable, sleek design. Worth checking out if you're new and looking to own a Cricut or wanting to upgrading. I recommend it—already planning more projects!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
I didn't want to love it....but I do!
on February 24, 2026
Posted by: Pfitzmap
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] When I first opened this box, I was a little skeptical. Cricut has released several previous Explore models, so my first thought was, “How is this one different?”
Then I started playing with it. The more I used it, the more I loved it.
This machine is fast. The cutting speed, the Print Then Cut scanning, even the way it moves the mat — everything feels quicker and more efficient. Print Then Cut was absolutely flawless for me. The cuts were perfectly aligned and spot on.
One of my favorite improvements is the pen-to-blade calibration. In this model, the blade and pens sit in separate clamps but ride on the same carriage. That design makes a huge difference in precision when matching drawn lines to cut lines — and mine were nearly perfect. This is a major improvement over previous models.
I also love the new “Load and Go” feature. You simply load your mat with material, and after the machine measures the mat length, it begins cutting without any extra prompting. It’s seamless and saves time.
I tested a wide range of materials with this machine — cardstock, stickers, heavy watercolor paper, mat board, insert cards, and more — and everything cut beautifully.
Another big win for me is the scoring tool update. With this version of the Explore, the scoring tool now rides in the same position as the blade. That change makes me incredibly happy because my score lines are now extremely precise. Even better, the scoring pressure feels more appropriate for different materials — lighter materials get a lighter score, and heavier materials get the deeper score they need.
This machine is also more sleek than previous models so it takes up less space in my crafting area, which is always a bonus.
While I wasn’t immediately convinced this machine would be a big upgrade, I’m completely sold now. It’s quickly becoming a go-to machine for me — and I don’t see that changing anytime soon!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Explore 5
on February 21, 2026
Posted by: E5
from Dobson, NC
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The cutting went very well with all the materials provided in the bundle. The quality of the machine is exceptionally good quality. The speed is very good; I love the press and go feature. I am very happy with this new machine; its versatility is very good! I am loving this new machine! Cricut has another winner with this machine!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Highly recommend
on February 16, 2026
Posted by: Desirae
from MN
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This machine looks so much different than my other machines. It’s smaller length wise which I love because it gives me more space for crafting. The pen system is different -it doesn’t have the clamp. Which I am loving!!! It’s one less step I have to do. Dod I mention the new scoring blade.thats right no more stylus-I was never a fan of the stylus. This also means I can store it with my blades. Very happy about that. I’m enjoying the speed and precision. It’s faster than my other machine. I should mention the plug is different. Took me a second to figure out- You can look in the instructions for that assembly. One thing that has nothing to do with the machine but I feel is important to note is the materials. I am really happy that cricut is including more materials with the machines. It makes it a lot easier to use straight from the box.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Great new design!
on February 15, 2026
Posted by: Joy2
from Newry, PA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love the size of the machine as for me, every inch counts. It works great cutting every material I've tried.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
You can start crafting right out of the box!
on February 12, 2026
Posted by: Chris
from Michigan
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This machine is smaller and lighter than the Explore 4. This machine comes with a variety of materials options and tools, so the beginning crafter can start creating right out of the box! I got the Essentials bundle which included smart vinyl, transfer tape, printable vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, insert card samples, as well as a 13" trimmer, weeder, scraper, pen, scoring tool, and paper ruler. It cuts 100 different materials! I was impressed with the speed and precision of the cuts.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut
Customer Rating
5
Awesome new machine!
on February 9, 2026
Posted by: Ajd
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Wow! The new Cricut Explore 5 is impressive right out of the box! I was asked to test and review this new machine. It is lighter in weight and is a smaller footprint than the Explore series machines. It cuts quickly and reads the print then cut registration marks with no problem! It comes with the cutting blade and a scoring tool. It uses the same mats as the other Explore machines. It cuts about 100 different materials. It's a great new machine to add to your already awesome Cricut machines or if you are just starting out it will be a great choice!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Cricut