If you’ve been wondering whether the Cricut Maker 5 is actually worth the hype—or if you should just stick with the Maker you already have—you’re definitely not alone. I’ve been playing with the Maker 5, putting it through its paces, and looking at what has changed compared to the older Maker machines.

And today, I want to give you my 100% honest review.

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That part is really important to me. When I work with a company, I will only agree to the collaboration if I am allowed to give my honest opinion. Working with Cricut does not mean that I’m going to pretend everything is perfect or tell you that you need to buy something just because they sent it to me.

Cricut is allowing me to say what I actually think about the Maker 5—including the things I don't love. They are not suppressing my thoughts or telling me what I can and cannot say. The opinions in this review are mine, and mine alone.

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So, let's talk about this new machine!

The first thing you’ll notice about the Maker 5 is that it is significantly smaller than the original Maker. Cricut says it is about 30% smaller than the Maker 3 and Maker 4, and I can definitely appreciate the difference when it’s sitting on my craft table.

It still has the front storage compartment that we’re familiar with, but Cricut removed the storage cups on the sides. Personally, that is something I’m going to miss because I actually use those little storage areas quite a bit.

The new machine is also lighter, which makes it much easier to move around my workspace. If you’re somebody who doesn’t want a giant, heavy machine permanently taking over your craft table, that smaller footprint is a really nice change.

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And yes, it is still very much a Maker.

You can cut 300+ materials, work with different blades and tools, cut leather and foam, engrave, score, emboss, and do all kinds of projects that make the Maker family so versatile.

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Maker 5 vs. Maker 3 & 4: What's Actually Different?

This is probably the question I expect to get the most.

If you already own a Maker 3 or 4, do you need a Maker 5?

My answer is probably not.

And I think that's an important thing to say because I don't believe every new Cricut machine automatically means you need to replace the one you already own.

the real difference is in how thick the Cricut Maker 5 can cut and engrave. The Maker 5 can go up to 3MM thick compared to Maker 3 & 4 at just 2MM thick. 
The other changes to the machine are the removal of the side storage area, and the pen holder is no longer a clamp style but it is now the cup snap in style.

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If you're mostly cutting vinyl, cardstock, HTV, stickers, and other everyday craft materials, you may not notice this difference very often.

But if you want to start experimenting with thicker materials, this is where the Maker 5 becomes much more interesting.

 

The New Engraving and Scoring Tools

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Unlike the older Maker engraving tool, the new tool doesn't have the gear on top and it doesn't spin the way the older tool does. I tested the new tool against the original Maker engraving tool, and honestly, both did a great job.

That's another thing I really appreciate about the Maker 5: you aren't starting completely over with your existing Maker accessories.

Your older Maker tools can still be used.

So if you've already invested in Maker tools, you don't have to throw that entire collection away just because you've upgraded your machine.

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The big exception is the pen holder.

And this is one of the things I don't love.

The Pen Holder Is One of My Biggest Complaints

Cricut changed the pen holder design on the Maker 5.

Instead of the traditional clamp-style holder, the Maker 5 uses the new seated-style pen holder. That means some of the pens and adapters you may have used with older Cricut machines aren't going to work the same way.

For someone who uses lots of different pens, this is something I'd definitely consider before buying.

I also noticed that when writing, the carriage can drag against the paper if you leave the blade installed. Thankfully, there's a very easy workaround: remove the blade when you're writing and remove the pen when you're cutting.

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The Maker 5 also has Print Then Cut capabilities, and the calibration process is similar to what we've seen on some of Cricut's newer machines.

The calibration sheet is different from the older style, with a single square, and Cricut Design Space walks you through the process.

I found the calibration to be very accurate.

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What About Smart Materials?

Yes, the Maker 5 can still cut Smart Materials without a mat.

So if you like using Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, or other Smart Materials, you still have that option. This isn't something unique to the Maker 5—it was already available on machines like the Maker 3 and Maker 4.

And I'll give you the same warning I always do about matless cutting: you can waste more material because you need some extra material at the beginning for the machine to pull it through.

So while matless cutting is convenient, I don't personally recommend using Smart Materials for every project.

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One Small Change That I REALLY Like

The Maker 5 has a single-button loading/cutting process.

That might sound like such a tiny thing, but it actually makes a difference.

You don't have that same second-button process that older machines required, and I found it to be a nice little time saver.

The Maker 5 also has the ability to double cut. If your material doesn't cut all the way through, you can press the button again and have it cut another time. Unlike the Joy machines. 

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The Cricut Maker runs on Design Space just like any of the other Cricut machines so no needing to learn completely new software! And remember you DO NOT have to pay for Cricut Design Space! I have a video that shows you how to use everything they have behind their paywall without their subscription

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Now I know you want to know. What do we not love about this new Maker 5?

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❌ The open hole at the top

There is an open area at the top of the machine, and I don't love it.

I've already noticed dust and debris getting in there, and that's something I'd rather not have to worry about.

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❌ Losing the side storage

I use those side storage cups on my older machines, so I am genuinely going to miss them.

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❌ The new pen holder

For me, this is probably the biggest annoyance. I like being able to use different pens with adapters, and the new pen holder limits that. If you use the writing features frequently, this is something to think about.

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❌ The carriage noise

The carriage lifting is a little louder than my original Maker and Maker 3. Not enough to make me dislike the machine, but it's something I noticed.

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So... Would I Buy the Cricut Maker 5 With My Own Money?

Yes. Absolutely.

And I think that's probably the simplest way for me to sum up my review.

Would I tell someone with a perfectly good Maker 4 that they absolutely need to throw it away and buy a Maker 5?

No.

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If your current Cricut is working perfectly and you're happy with what it can do, especially if you don't need to work with thicker materials, I would keep using it.

But if you're upgrading from an older Cricut, especially something in the Joy or Explore family, and you want a machine that's faster and more capable, I think the Maker 5 is a fantastic option.

And if your current Maker or Maker 3 is starting to struggle and you've already tried the usual troubleshooting—changing the blade, updating firmware, etc.—I think the Maker 5 makes a lot of sense as your next machine.

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Many people have express regret in purchasing their Maker 4 recently and I want to assure you that you should have no regrets! The Maker 4 is an amazing machine and honestly I prefer the look, the pen holder, the side cup and of course the fully closed lid of the older style Maker machines. You will not be disappointed with the Maker 4! You are really getting basically the same machine just without the thicker cutting capability and I say this with a lot of experience most people do not need that thicker option. 

If your Maker 4 works perfectly and you're happy with it, I don't think you need to upgrade simply because the Maker 5 exists.

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After using the Maker 5, I like it. A lot. It's fast, versatile, considerably smaller and lighter than the original Maker, and it opens up some additional possibilities with thicker materials and engraving.

But it isn't perfect. I don't love the open top. I miss the side storage. I'm not thrilled with the new pen holder, and the carriage is a little louder than my older machines. But none of those things are enough to make me regret choosing the Maker 5 as an upgrade to my original Maker. 

In fact, I'm excited to keep pushing this machine and see what else I can make with it.

And don't worry—I'm not getting rid of my original Maker.

That machine has been with me since 2018, it still works beautifully, and she's my tried-and-true girl. I can love my original Maker and still be excited about a new machine.

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And as always, I'm going to keep testing it, pushing it, and telling you exactly what I think.

Because that's what you can expect from me—100% honest opinions, every time.

When I work with a company, that is non-negotiable for me. I will never agree to make a video or review a product if I'm not allowed to tell you what I genuinely think. My relationship with Cricut doesn't change that. They are giving me the freedom to share both the good and the bad, and they are not suppressing my opinions. If I don't like something, I'm going to tell you. If I love something, I'm going to tell you that too.

And that is exactly how I think product reviews should be. ❤️

Happy crafting!