Faster than the previous generation, looking very festive in seashell color (there will also be a sage version at Michaels), and ready to conquer your crafts room, the new Cricut Explore 4 is officially here! Learn how it differs from earlier models, see the price, check out the design upgrades, and what you should expect from the latest smart cutting machine.
The big announcement landed on February 27, 2025. However, hobbyists had been discussing the upcoming new generation machine from earlier that week and speculating about it ever since the release of Cricut Explore 3. One of the best cutting machines in the market is ready for new adventures!
Cricut Explore 4
The look and feel of Cricut Explore 4 is very much like Explore 3. You can see the same design but in a new seashell color. The February release hurried many hobbyists to Target stores all across the US, where it was possible to score Maker 3 at 50% off. Digital Art Dreams should note that the discounted price wasn't mentioned on the shelves. If you see a Maker 3, grab it and take it to the register to learn if it's on a mystery discount. If the price is below $199, consider yourself lucky!
The talks about the Cricut Explore 4 release have been around for quite a while. Hobbyists love to see upgrades, hoping one machine could replace all previous machines, offering the best speeds, fabulous looks, and remarkable features.
Is Explore 4 to die for?
Cricut Explore 4 Release Date
The official Cricut Explore 4 release date is February 27, 2025. This was when the company added the latest smart cutting machine to its official website, mentioned it on its official Facebook page, and sent out emails about this launch.
Cricut Explore 4 Price
What is the price of the newest machine? Cricut has set the starting Explore 4 price at $249 (Access Members get an extra discount automatically and can get this machine for $224 plus taxes), with bundles being more expensive and reaching up to $453.
Even though the release date is February 27, 2025, you cannot order Cricut Explore 4 on this date. You can have the company "notify you when available," which is expected to appear in stock at midnight on February 28, 2025, along with Maker 4.
P.S. Michaels offers Explore 4 in exclusive sage color in a bundle for $299 or a seashell version for $249.
Explore 4 Specs
Just like the previous generation Explores, the newest 4 lets you cut over 100 materials, draw and write with markers and pens, foil, score, print then cut incredible colorful designs, use a mat with regular materials, or choose matless operations with Smart Materials.
Overall, the specs are the same. Cricut Explore 4 does not offer any new features that were unavailable on previous smart cutting machines. For example, it cannot engrave, perforate, or deboss, unlike the Maker family. Still, there is a difference. This latest release is believed to be much faster than the fast Explore 3. In fact, the Explore 4 cutting speeds are up to 14.1 ips if working with Smart Materials.
Cricut Explore 4 dimensions are 22.2 in x 7 in x 5.9 in.
The mat you can use is the same 12 x 12 inches or 12 x 24 inches mat you used with Maker and Explore in the past. The maximum cut size is also the same, 11.5 in x 23.5 in if using the biggest mat.
If you are a fan of Smart Materials, your projects can be up to 11.7 inches wide and up to 12 feet long.
Explore 4 supports all the same tools as Explore 3, which makes it easy and money-wise. You don't have to upgrade all your mats, blades, housing, pens, markers, and Smart Materials because your new smart cutting machine works with the same accessories as your older Explore.
It has Bluetooth® wireless technology, works with the Design Space app, is compatible with home inkjet printers, and is ready to make your crafting heart happy!
Explore 4 Sage Bundle
The exclusive sage color version offered at Michaels stores only comes as a bundle only. This Explore 4 sage bundle includes:
- Smart cutting machine Explore 4 in beautiful sage color;
- Blue light grip mat 12 x 12 inches;
- Mini weeder;
- Tools (weeder, scraper, scoring stylus, and spatula);
- Black fine point pen (0.4 mm);
- Premium fine-point blade with housing (comes installed into the Clamp B);
- Materials to get started (6 sheets of Smart Iron-On, 6 sheets of permanent Smart Vinyl, 5 sheets of transfer tape, and 6 sheets of cardstock).
Explore 4 Seashell Digital Bundle
The seashell color option offered at Michaels stores is available as a digital bundle, including:
- Smart cutting machine Explore 4 in seashell color;
- Blue light grip mat 12 x 12 inches;
- Mini weeder;
- Black fine point pen (0.4 mm);
- Premium fine-point blade with housing (comes installed into the Clamp B);
- $30 digital content, including 25 images and 1 font;
- Some materials to get started.