Customer Reviews for Bundle - Cricut - Explore 5 Deluxe Cutting Machine with Vinyl, Iron-On & Cardstock - Taupe
Customer Rating
5
Start you crafting journey with everything needed!
on February 7, 2026
Posted by: DFWJVE
from DFW, TX
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Cricut Explore 5 is a smart cutting machine for makers and crafters. It’s designed to cut, draw, and score a wide variety of materials — from vinyl decals and cardstock to iron-on heat transfer materials — and works with the free Cricut Design Space app on your phone or computer. It also comes with very precise Print Then Cut functionality!
Bundles for the Cricut Explore 5 transform it from just a machine into a complete creative toolkit that allows you to bring your ideas to life! You can choose from a variety of 6 budget-friendly bundle choices that gives you everything you need — tools, cutting mat, paper cutter, vinyl, iron-on material, cardstock, cards, and more. Using materials provided and the new guided flow option, you can easily make a wide variety of projects right away without needing to shop for accessories and materials first.
Let’s talk about the new design. The Explore 5 has a smaller footprint (by 30%!) than earlier models, making it easier to fit in your craft space. The sleek modern design and neutral color are refreshing and beautiful. My bundle also came with a 2-card mat! It’s easier to handle and load than the 4-card mat and much more user friendly since most people only make one card at a time!
I tested all the materials that came with my bundle without issue. The cuts were perfect, making removal from the mat, weeding, and application a breeze. I also cut infusible ink without issue (that can sometimes be tricky). I like the new scoring tool a lot, as it scores deeper than the previous scoring tool, without any nicks or tears. The new “load and go” feature is awesome! It automatically starts cutting as soon as you load the mat – no more having to wait and push a start button. The Explore 5 cuts really fast, with minimal noise. The setup was seamless and no Bluetooth connectivity issues.
The Cricut Explore 5 is a well-rounded, faster, and more capable iteration of Cricut’s popular Explore line. It excels at typical craft projects and offers very strong value for money with the bundles available. It’s a fantastic option for anyone brand new to Cricut, allowing you to start with a variety of material options to experiment with as you find your own crafting preferences. I absolutely love the bundles, as I was a bit overwhelmed when I first started out and didn’t know what else I needed. The bundles remove that frustration and set you up for success from day one. I highly recommend this machine!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I was given the opportunity to test the Explore 5 and I absolutely love it! The new sleek body is so nice. Removing the lid was genius, as now you can easily stack another machine on top without the kids getting in the way, plus you don't need much overhead clearance to run it if you have a low cabinet to place it under. My previous Explore machine is an Explore 3 and the Explore 5 is faster and quieter. My old pens still fit in the machine and I love that they thought of compatibility when creating this. The machine comes with some materials and basic tools to get your creativity flowing right out of the box!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have used this several times now and the speed is amazing. The cut when cutting intricate card stock is awesome! Love that after you load your mat it starts cutting right away! It hooked up immediately to my iPad and laptop. Love that it is lighter and easier to move around.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The new Explore 5 looks so nice and sleek! It's smaller yet so much faster! It cuts really clean and precise. It is compatible with smart materials and the speed is even faster with them. I used a black smart iron on to make canvases for my kids to paint, and it cut super fast! I love how you just load it and it immediately starts cutting. Overall, this new machine did not disappoint!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Really love the sleek new design and neutral color of this machine. This is a great value for the price. The pens do require a little muscle to click in but once you have them in they work great. I havent tried the adaptor yet. There is an updated feature that allows you to press load and then you no longer have to press "go" the machine will automatically start the operation once the mat is loaded. There is also now an unload button which I really appreciate. I've used the pens, cardstock, intricate cut, vinyl and score, all without any issues. Its also pretty quick and definitely lighter than the other machines.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Absolutely love the Explore 5. The print then cut is so precise. I love the smaller size and the flat top. Love the new load and go, such a great feature.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I received this a few weeks ago and i love so much the lower profile, slim look and the beautiful color. This machine fits nicely on my craft table and due to the smaller frame, I still have room to craft. The machine has a nice score result and I like the speed which saves me time to make more crafts. It is a nice addition to my craft room.