What is Cricut Explore 4 and what does it do differently than Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Explore 3? Learn all of the features of Cricut’s updated cutting machine so you can make an informed decision about upgrading or buying it as your first machine!
This post is sponsored by Cricut, but all opinions are my own.
It’s time for another upgrade to the Cricut machines—meet Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Maker 4! These are the next generation of Cricut machines and in this post, we’ll specifically talk about the features of the new Cricut Explore 4 and how it compares to the other Cricut Explore machines. You can also check out my overview of Cricut Maker 4, if you want to learn about Cricut’s top-of-the line machine.
If you have any questions about anything in this post, let me know in the comments!
What is Cricut Explore 4?
Cricut Explore 4 is the newest generation of Cricut cutting machines, which also includes Cricut Maker 4. These machines are a minor upgrade over the 3-series machines that were released in 2021, and have features that make crafting faster and more affordable.
In the Cricut Explore 4 Box
To make getting started with your new Cricut even easier, Cricut has included more in the box than they have in past machines. You’ll get the machine itself, a USB cord, a power cord, a Fine Point Blade and housing (installed in the machine), a welcome book, a small weeding tool, a black pen, a blue cutting mat, and a nice selection of practice materials that can make up to 10 small projects. This means you are buying less alongside your machine, which definitely makes it easier to get started.
Connect the power cord to the back of your machine and plug the other end into an outlet. Click the power button to turn it on. It’ll make some noises—you’re ready to begin!
Setting Up Your Cricut Explore 4
To connect your Cricut Explore 4, sign into Cricut Design Space (create an account if you don’t have one already) and then click on the top left menu and select New Product Setup.
From there, you can select your new machine and follow the on-screen instructions to get it hooked up to your computer. This will change whether or not you want to use the USB cord or Bluetooth, and which type of device you are using (Mac vs. PC; computer vs. a mobile device, etc.).
Once your machine is connected, you’ll have the option to do a test project cutting out a vinyl decal of the Cricut logo. Design Space will walk you through all the steps for setting up this project. If this is your first Cricut, I highly recommend walking through this sample project just to give you an idea of how to make a project using your Cricut.
How is Cricut Explore 4 different than Cricut Explore 3?
This is a small upgrade to the machines, so if you already have Cricut Explore 3, don’t feel like you need to rush out and get Cricut Explore 4 (unless you want to!). All of the blades, tools, mats, and accessories that work in your Cricut Explore, Cricut Explore One, Cricut Explore Air 2, and Cricut Explore 3 will work in Cricut Explore 4.
Here’s how the two machines differ from each other.
Speed
The biggest upgrade to the machine is the speed. It’s can cut up to twice as fast as Cricut Explore 3 (and that machine is fast!) and now includes cutting on a mat. This is new compared to Cricut Explore 3, and makes it a great upgrade particularly for paper crafters who must us a mat.
I decided to put this to the test with three projects: cardstock, print then cut, and removable Smart Vinyl. I cut the first on my Maker machines, and the other two on my Explore machines, but your results should be similar no matter which machine you have. Your speed will also depend on the intricacy of your design as well as your material. For example, your machine can’t move as fast cutting a detailed design as it can with a big simple shape. And it can’t foil as fast as it can cut a vinyl because it will tear the foil.
For most of my tests, my new Cricut did have more “thinking” time before it cut, but it still ended up being faster than the 3-series machine. I remember this being the case when I was comparing my 3-series machines to my older machines and over time, they did actually get faster. I think software updates helped.
Cardstock
For the cardstock, my Cricut Maker 3 cut it in 2:24 while my Cricut Maker 4 beat that with 1:43. It did have quite a bit of thinking time before it started to cut, but once it started, my Cricut Maker 4 flew through the processing. This was a somewhat intricate heart design cut at 11″ tall.
Print then Cut
For this test, I had each machine cut out six stickers. Again, there was quite a lot of thinking time before it started to cut, but it still ended up finishing before my Cricut Explore 3.
Smart Vinyl
For this one I used the same intricate heart design, but I cut it at 3″ tall. That means that the Cricut doesn’t have quite as much time moving on the rollers. For this one, the time was nearly identical, with the new machine actually being about a second slower than my Cricut Explore 3, because of that thinking time I mentioned. If it’s the same as the 3-series machines, that lag time will improve over time.
Ease of Use
Cricut also wanted to make it easier for people to get started using their Cricut machines without having to spend even more money on accessories. That’s why this machine includes even more in the box, including more practice materials, a blue cutting mat, a weeding tool, and a pen. You really can get started with your Cricut without having to buy anything else right off the bat. Then, once you’re comfortable, you can grab more materials or Cricut tools to make your crafting even easier.
Here are the materials you’ll get in the box, along with everything else:
- 3 sheets of Smart Vinyl (13″ x 6″)
- 2 sheets of cardstock (11″ x 4.25″)
- 2 pieces of transfer tape (12″ x 6″)
- 1 sheet of Smart Iron-On (13″ x 6″)
These should allow you to make up to 10 projects that are around 4″ x 6″ (think things like mugs, baby bodysuits, labels, cards, etc.).
Cost
Cricut also knows that money is tighter for folks, so they’ve worked to get the retail price point of this machine lower than the price point when Cricut Explore 3 launched. Cricut Explore 4 will come in at just $249, whereas Cricut Explore 3 was $319 when launched.
Color
Of course, there are new colors for this machine launch—seashell and sage. Both of my new machines are the seashell color. In the US, Mexico, and Canada, Cricut Explore 4 will be available in seashell (all retailers) and sage (Michaels only, in a bundle). Outside of the US, Mexico, and Canada, Cricut Explore 4 will only be available in sage.
These colors are specifically designed to fit in with home decor, vs. the bright and colorful machines we’ve seen in the past (particularly with Cricut Explore Air 2). The Cricut Maker 4 has a glossy finish with a metallic lid, and the Cricut Explore 4 has a matte finish.
Seashell is a soft neutral color, bordering on rose gold just a bit. The sage is a moody greenish blue color. Both of these machines would look nice sitting on a shelf in a living room or den, not just a colorful craft room.
I only have the seashell, but as you can see here, it’s a pretty neutral pinkish color.
This is a small detail, but I appreciate it. The plug for the new machines has the cord at a 90° angle. This means you need less space behind the machine while storing it with it plugged in, and because it’s a circle, you can aim that cord in either direction depending on your needs.
I want every single crafting machine I have to have a plug that does this right angle, please.
These are the differences between Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Explore 3. If you want to see how these compare to the other Explore machines, check out my post Cricut Explore 3 vs Cricut Explore Air 2. This post will walk you through the differences in the anatomy of the machine as well as using Cricut Smart Materials without a mat.
Cricut Explore 4 Essentials Bundle
I mentioned above that the sage color is only available in the US as a part of a bundle at Michaels. This is a great deal to get even more materials and tools to start with. In addition to everything that comes in the box above, you’ll also get:
- 6 sheets of Smart Vinyl (13″ x 12″)
- 6 sheets of cardstock (12″ x 12″)
- 5 sheets of transfer tape (12″ x 6″)
- 6 sheets of Smart Iron On (13″ x 12″)
You’ll also get a set of tools that includes a weeder, scraper, spatula, and scoring stylus, as well as a StandardGrip mat and two fine-point pens. This bundle will retail at $299.99.
Is Cricut Getting Rid of the Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Explore 3?
In the past few years, Cricut has slowed down sales of the Explore Air 2 and other Explore machines, though you can still buy refurbished machines on their site. They have no plans to stop selling Cricut Explore 3 at this time, though you might expect to see Cricut Explore 4 on store shelves moving forward.
BUT don’t worry—support for all of the Cricut Explore machines isn’t going anywhere. Because these new machines are within the same “ecosystem” as the original machines (meaning they use the same mats, blades, tools, and accessories), support for these machines will still be readily available.
Should I Upgrade to the Cricut Explore 4?
So the big question is—should you upgrade to the new Cricut Explore 4?
I like to look at this machine sort of like you would the next generation of your phone. If you want all the latest and greatest updates (in this case, faster cutting and maybe a different color), then you probably want to get the Cricut Explore 4 or upgrade to the Cricut Maker 4 to be able to use even more tools and materials.
If you are happy with your current machine, you don’t need to upgrade at this time. Like you would with a phone or other device, you sort of know when it’s time to upgrade. And when you do, I definitely recommend one of the two new 4-series machines, depending on your needs.
If this is your *first* Cricut, then I also recommend getting Cricut Explore 4 over Cricut Explore or Cricut Explore 3. It has all of the same features as the other machines, but it’ll be even faster.
I hope you found this post helpful as an overview of the new Cricut Explore 4! If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer them or track down answers if I don’t know myself!
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