The New Cricut Maker 4- What's the Difference Between Cricut Maker 4 vs Maker 3?

Introducing the new Cricut Maker 4! Learn the differences between the Cricut Maker 3 and the Cricut Maker 4 in this detailed post.

The Cricut Maker 4 just launched, and I’m here to answer all your burning questions about Cricut’s newest and most advanced machine yet! If you're wondering whether this machine is the right fit for you, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through all the latest upgrades, how it compares to the Maker 3, and whether or not it’s worth upgrading!

Table of Contents

What Is a Cricut Maker?

For those of you who are new to Cricut, let me break down what this machine is, what it can do, and how it can bring your creative ideas to life!

A Cricut Maker is an electronic die cut machine that connects to a design app called Cricut Design Space. It can cut, draw, engrave, and score hundreds of materials, such as fabric, cardstock, vinyl, leather, wood, felt, and more!

What Is the Difference Between the Cricut Maker 4 and Cricut Maker 3?

The Cricut Maker 4 is nearly identical to the Cricut Maker 3, but it features one big upgrade. This new machine runs up to 2x faster than the Cricut Maker 3. The Cricut Maker 3 cuts at 8 ips (inches per second) while the upgraded Cricut Maker 4 cuts up to 14 ips.

Did you notice the brand new color?? The Cricut Maker 4 comes in two new colors: seashell and sage! The Cricut Maker 3 (pictured on the left) is only available in a light blue color.

Characteristics & Specifications

The Cricut Maker 4 has the same dimensions as the Maker 3, measuring 22.1 in x 7 in x 5.9 inches and weighing 11.1 lbs, but is now available in different colors.

Let’s talk about the new colors! In the US, Canada, and Mexico, the Cricut Maker 4 is available in two colors: Seashell and Sage. However, the Sage color is exclusively available at Michaels and is sold only as part of a bundle.

If you’re outside the US, Canada, or Mexico, the Cricut Maker 4 is only available in the Sage color.

Looking at the Cricut Maker 4 the color is a sage or seashell color, and the name on the tool housing is labeled Cricut Maker 4 to help you differentiate between the Makers.

Identical to other Maker machines, the Cricut Maker 4 has two clamps for accessories and blades. Housing A is designed to hold accessories like pens, scoring styluses, and markers. Clamp B houses the blades, engraving tools, foil tools, scoring wheels, etc. (I share compatible tools below).

This machine runs on a Servo motor, which isn't like a standard motor. This motor not only monitors and controls its speed but also its movement, which is great for intricate cuts and designs.

Compatible Tools, Blades, and Accessories

Every tool that is compatible with the Cricut Maker 3, can also be used with the Cricut Maker 4. The compatible tools include the following: Premium Fine-Point Blade, Bonded Fabric Blade, Knife Blade, Foil Transfer Tool, Pens & Markers, Scoring Stylus, Scoring Wheels (Single & Double), Rotary Blade, Wavy Blade, Engraving Tip, Debossing Tip, and Perforation Blade.

*You can only use the Knife Blade with the desktop version of Design Space.*

The Vinyl Roll attachment (sold separately) is compatible with Cricut Maker 3/Maker 4 and Cricut Explore 3/Explore 4. This accessory attaches to the front of the machine and keeps smart materials, such as Vinyl or Iron-On, in place as the machine cuts.

The power adaptor included with the Cricut Maker 4 has remained the same as the previous model and can be used interchangeably. However, Cricut recommends using the power adapter that comes with your machine.

The Cricut Maker's power adaptor is not interchangeable with Cricut Maker 3 or Maker 4.

Are Original Cricut Mats Compatible with the Cricut Maker 4?

The Cricut Maker 4 has a max material width of 13 inches, but the cutting area is still 12 inches. So, mats that measure 12 inches x 12 inches or 12 inches x 24 inches are still compatible with the Cricut Maker 4.

Cricut mats compatible with Cricut Makers

The only Cricut mat that measures 13 inches is the Cricut Card Mat, which allows you to cut cards four at a time. Learn more about the Cricut Card Mat here.

Compatible Materials

Both the Cricut Maker 3 and Maker 4 have the same compatible materials and cut over 300 materials that are up to 3/32 of an inch thick. A few compatible materials include Smart Materials, Fabric, Vinyl, Cardstock, Wood, Thin Plastic Sheets, and more!

You can also use other brands of materials that Cricut does not manufacture, but it is recommended to place the materials on a mat before using them for the best results.

If you use cardstock, fabric, vinyl, wood, or any materials that aren't labeled as Smart Materials, you will need to place them on a mat because they haven't been designed to be cut without one. Doing so could potentially damage your machine and void your warranty.

Depending on the materials you would like to use, you will likely need to switch blades and accessories. I'll go over compatible blades and accessories below!

Shop for Cricut Vinyl here or Cricut Iron-On here.

What Are Smart Materials?

What makes Smart Materials so great? If you haven't used them before, you'll love that they don't require a mat. You can quickly load them directly into your machine, and the machine will only cut the top layer, leaving the bottom layer untouched. Smart Layers include Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, and Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock.

Shop Cricut Smart Materials here!

What Is the Maximum Cut Size?

The maximum cut size depends on the material that you are using.

The max cut length for the Cricut Maker 3 & 4 when using Smart Vinyl is 12 feet without a mat.

However, if you're using a 12-inch by 12-inch mat, the maximum cut size is 11.5 inches by 11.5 inches.

On a 12-inch by 24-inch mat, the max cut size is 11.5 inches by 23.5 inches.

To make it easy, here's a graphic that compares all the machines.

Print Then Cut Feature

I've seen quite a few comments from people asking if Cricut machines can print. Unfortunately, they don't, but I can understand where the confusion on this topic stems from. Some Cricut machines have a feature called Print Then Cut. This allows you to use your home printer to print an image from the Cricut Design Space app, place it on a Cricut mat, and use your Cricut machine to precisely cut around the image. This feature is most often used to make stickers, and it's great for party decor!

Click here to learn more about print then cut.

Here's a list of machines that are capable of Print Then Cut:

Cricut Maker 4
Cricut Maker 3
Cricut Maker
Cricut Explore 3
Cricut Explore 4
Cricut Venture
Cricut Joy Xtra

Do I Need Internet to Connect to a Cricut Machine?

An internet connection isn't necessary when you create projects with your machine. Cricut Design Space will switch to offline mode, but you can still make projects you've saved. However, you will need an internet connection to upload and see content in the Cricut Design Space app.

What Materials and Accessories Are Included With the Maker 4 vs Maker 3?

The materials and accessories that come with the machine will vary depending on the machine bundle that you purchase. You can choose the Base Box or a Cricut Essentials bundle box.

If you are new to Cricut or are running low on Cricut supplies, I suggest purchasing the Cricut Essentials box.

If you are upgrading from the Cricut Maker 3 and have all the supplies you need, go for the base box.

To compare, the Maker 3 comes with the Fine Point Blade (pre-installed in the B clamp), and it comes with a sheet of Smart Iron-On, Smart Vinyl, Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock, and Transfer tape. Everything listed below comes with the Cricut Maker 4, depending on the box you purchase.

*Cricut doesn't have an upgrade program currently, so if you have an older model of Cricut you won't be able to trade it in with one of Cricut's new machines.*

Base Box:

Cricut Explore® 4 Smart Cutting Machine/Cricut Maker® 4 Smart Cutting Machine
Premium Fine-Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in the B clamp)
Accessory Adapter (pre-installed in the A clamp)
Power adapter and power cord
3 sheets of Smart Vinyl (13 in x 6 in)
2 sheets of cardstock (11 in x 4.25 in)
2 pieces of Transfer Tape (12 in x 6 in)
1 sheet of Smart Iron-On (13 in x 6 in)
1 Light Grip Mat (12 in x 12 in)
1 Fine Point Pen
1 Mini Weeder
Quick Start Guide
Safety document
Warranty document
Power Adapter

Cricut Essentials Bundle Box:

Cricut Explore® 4 Smart Cutting Machine/Cricut Maker® 4 Smart Cutting Machine (from Michaels, sage-colored machine)
All materials included in base machine offering, PLUS:
6 sheets of Smart Vinyl (13x12")
6 sheets of cardstock (12x12")
5 sheets of Transfer Tape 12 in x 6 in)
6 sheets of Smart Iron On (13x12")
Standard Grip Mat
Tools: Weeder, Scraper, Spatula, Scoring Stylus
Two Fine Point
Power Adapter

You'll notice that the Cricut Maker 4 boxes include more materials and accessories to make up to 10 projects!

For Example, this is what's included with the Cricut Maker 3 when purchased:

Cricut Maker 3
Adaptive Tool Housing
A Welcome Card With A Sample Material For Your First Cut
A Premium Fine-Point Blade
USB Cable And Power Adapter
A Free Trial Subscription To Cricut Access For New Subscribers
Access to 100 Ready-to-Make Projects
And 4 Sample Materials (Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, Smart Sticker Cardstock, and Transfer Tape)

The material is compatible with the Cricut Maker 3, Explore 3, and the newest machines, Cricut Maker 4 and Explore 4. Learn more about Smart Materials here!

How Much Does the Cricut Maker 4 Cost?

The Cricut Maker 4 comes with more materials and accessories than previous generations of machines and retails for $399.

Where to Purchase The Cricut Maker 4

You can purchase the machine from Michaels or Cricut.com starting February 28th, 2025, in the US. If you live outside of the US, Mexico, and Canada, this machine will be available beginning March 14th, 2025.

Have any questions? Drop them down below or visit Cricut.com to learn more about this machine.

Take the quiz on Cricut's website to get matched with a Cricut machine that's right for you.

Click here to purchase the new Cricut Maker 4 or the Explore 4.

Compatible Devices

Cricut Makers are compatible with Windows, Mac, IOS, and Android devices. You can connect your phone, computer, or tablet to a Cricut machine via Bluetooth or USB cable. However, the app is not compatible with Chromebooks.

Setting Up Cricut Maker 4

Plug the power adaptor into the machine and the power cord into an outlet, then press the power button on the right-hand side of the machine to turn it on. To connect your machine to your device and start creating a project, you need to download the Cricut Design Space software to begin.

If you don’t already have Cricut Design Space downloaded, go to design.cricut.com to download and create a Cricut ID.

When you’re ready to start setting up your new machine, go to Cricut.com/setup and follow the steps to connect your machine and start creating.

What's cool about Cricut Design Space is it automatically adjusts its settings and material load options to the machine you've selected in the app.

Learn More About Other Cricut Machines Here!

I go over each machine and also compare them to their previous machines in the posts below:

You can also find resources on Cricut.com to learn more about their machines.