What is the newest Cricut Maker in 2026?
The short answer
If you are looking for the newest Cricut Maker, the answer in September 2026 is Cricut Maker 5. Cricut announced Maker 5 on September 3, 2026, and listed availability beginning September 4, 2026. That makes it newer than Cricut Maker 4, which was introduced in February 2025.
Maker 5 is not primarily a speed upgrade. Cricut lists both Maker 4 and Maker 5 with a 14.1 IPS cut speed. The more practical changes are the redesigned body, lower weight, USB-C connection, Load & Go workflow, snap-in pen loading, included scoring tool, and expanded support for cutting or engraving compatible materials up to 3 mm thick. For new buyers who want the widest Maker-series capability, Maker 5 is the current model to evaluate first. For users who mainly cut vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, and standard stickers, Maker 4 may still cover the same everyday work.
Release timeline and why the newest model can be confusing
Cricut’s Maker line has changed quickly in recent years. Maker 4 arrived as part of Cricut’s 2025 update to its 13-inch smart cutting machines, while Maker 5 followed in early September 2026. Because Maker 4 is still widely discussed and still appears in Cricut’s lineup, shoppers may see both names and wonder which one is current.
| Model | Official timing | Main context |
|---|---|---|
| Cricut Maker 4 | Introduced February 27, 2025, with availability beginning February 28, 2025 | A faster, more accessory-rich update over previous Maker machines, with support for 300+ materials and 13 compatible tool types |
| Cricut Maker 5 | Announced September 3, 2026, with availability beginning September 4, 2026 | The newest Maker model, focused on a smaller body, easier workflow, USB-C, snap-in pen loading, and compatible materials up to 3 mm thick |
The naming matters because many buying guides written before September 2026 still identify Maker 4 as the newest Cricut Maker. That was accurate in early 2025 and for much of 2026, but it is no longer the current answer after the Maker 5 launch. When comparing advice online, check the publication or update date before relying on it.
What changed from Cricut Maker 4 to Cricut Maker 5
Maker 5 keeps the core identity of the Maker line: it is a 12-inch class smart cutting machine for crafters who want more tool and material flexibility than the smaller Cricut Joy models or the mainstream Explore line. The update is mainly about usability, workspace fit, and material range rather than replacing every Maker 4 function.
A smaller and lighter machine
Cricut lists Maker 5 at 19.8 x 7.5 x 4.7 inches and 10.9 lb. Maker 4 is listed at 22.1 x 7.1 x 6.2 inches and 15.4 lb. Cricut describes Maker 5 as 30% more compact than previous Maker models, which is useful for shared desks, craft carts, shelves, and small apartments.
The size difference matters because cutting machines need clearance in front of and behind the unit as mats and materials move during operation. A lighter body also makes it easier to store the machine between projects instead of dedicating a full tabletop to it.
Thicker compatible materials
The main functional upgrade is material thickness. Maker 4’s Knife Blade support is associated with thicker and denser materials up to 2.4 mm, such as chipboard and balsa wood. Cricut’s Maker 5 specifications state support for cutting some thicker materials up to 1/8 inch, or 3 mm, depending on material density and the selected tool.
That 0.6 mm increase can help with dimensional craft work, but it should not be read as a promise that every 3 mm sheet will cut cleanly. Cricut’s Help Center notes that density, rigidity, and required cutting pressure affect compatibility. It also notes that some acrylic blanks may be compatible with engraving but not cutting. In practice, Maker 5 raises the upper limit, but material settings and test cuts still matter.
Workflow and connection improvements
Maker 5 adds Load & Go functionality, a snap-in pen holder, simplified controls, and USB-C connectivity while retaining Bluetooth Low Energy support. These changes are less visible than a new blade system, but they address common setup points: loading material, switching between drawing and cutting, and connecting to newer laptops or tablets.
For occasional users, the workflow gains may feel modest. For crafters who make labels, stickers, cards, apparel transfers, or small-batch products several times a week, fewer setup steps can be as valuable as a higher headline specification.
Key specifications at a glance
The table below summarizes the practical differences most shoppers should compare before buying. Prices and bundle contents can change, so live store listings should be treated as the final source for cost and included accessories.
| Feature | Cricut Maker 5 | Cricut Maker 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Position in lineup | Newest Maker model as of September 2026 | Previous Maker model introduced in 2025 |
| Dimensions | 19.8 x 7.5 x 4.7 in | 22.1 x 7.1 x 6.2 in |
| Weight | 10.9 lb | 15.4 lb |
| Listed cut speed | 14.1 IPS | Up to 14.1 IPS |
| Materials | 300+ materials | 300+ materials |
| Compatible tool types | 13 tool types, with select tools sold separately | 13 tool types, with select tools sold separately |
| Maximum thick material claim | Some compatible materials up to 3 mm | Knife Blade materials up to 2.4 mm |
| Smart Materials cut length | Up to 12 ft | Up to 12 ft |
| Connection | Bluetooth Low Energy and USB-C | Bluetooth wireless technology |
| Notable workflow changes | Load & Go, snap-in pen loading, new scoring tool included | Traditional Maker 4 workflow with broad tool compatibility |
The takeaway is straightforward: Maker 5 is newer and more refined, but Maker 4 remains a capable machine. If your projects do not require thicker materials, USB-C, a smaller body, or the updated loading experience, the case for upgrading becomes less urgent.
What the newest Cricut Maker is best suited for
Cricut positions Maker 5 for a wide range of Maker-series projects, including full-color stickers, personalized apparel, cards, labels, fabric appliques, engraved keepsakes, leather projects, debossed stationery, and dimensional home decor. That range comes from the combination of 300+ material compatibility and 13 supported tool types.
Maker 5 makes the most sense for users who expect to move beyond basic vinyl and paper. Common use cases include: See also: Gadgets.
- Sticker and label makers who want Print Then Cut capability alongside standard cutting projects.
- Apparel crafters who use iron-on, heat-transfer vinyl, Infusible Ink-compatible projects, or fabric applique workflows.
- Paper crafters who score fold lines, cut card components, make layered decorations, or batch small items.
- Material experimenters who want to work with leather, foam core board, chipboard-style projects, engraving blanks, or compatible thicker materials.
- Shared-space users who need a lighter machine that can be moved, stored, and returned to a work surface without much effort.
The strongest case for Maker 5 is not one feature by itself. It is the combination of broad material support, a smaller body, thicker-material capability, and easier setup. That makes it attractive as a first premium Cricut machine because it leaves more room to grow.
When Maker 4 or an older Maker still makes sense
Newer does not automatically mean necessary. Maker 4 still cuts 300+ materials, works with 13 compatible tool types, supports long cuts with Smart Materials, and handles common projects such as decals, cards, stickers, apparel, leather accessories, wood decor, engraving, debossing, and fabric cutting with the correct tools.
Consider Maker 5 if you are buying your first premium Cricut today, want the smaller body, plan to try thicker compatible materials, or see USB-C and simplified loading as important to your workspace. Consider Maker 4 if you find a meaningful discount and your projects are mostly standard vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, stickers, or fabric. If an existing Maker 3 or Maker 4 already handles your materials well, the new workflow features alone may not justify another machine.
Budget also deserves attention. Specialty work often requires tools beyond the machine in the box. Engraving, deep cutting, rotary cutting, foiling, debossing, perforation, and knife-blade projects may require separate accessories, compatible blanks, mats, and practice materials. A lower machine price can lose its advantage quickly if the bundle does not include the tools your projects need.
Setup notes buyers should not overlook
Maker 5 runs through Cricut Design Space on a compatible computer or mobile device. Cricut’s Help Center says an internet connection is required for setup, sign-in, firmware updates, content search, image uploads, and Print Then Cut. Some offline work is possible on desktop after signing in and saving or downloading needed content. iOS can download images and fonts for design and cutting offline, but Android offline use is not supported.
Cricut also says the machine does not require a paid subscription. Design Space includes free starter content, while Cricut Access is optional for users who want a larger content library and subscriber features. That distinction is important: the machine can operate without a subscription, but many design assets and some software features may require paid access.
Before buying, confirm three practical details: your device meets current Design Space requirements, your workspace has front and rear clearance for mats and Smart Materials, and the materials you want to use are listed as compatible with the correct Maker 5 tool and operation. For more hands-on device and workshop guides, visit our DIY Tech section.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cricut Maker 5 the newest Cricut Maker?
Yes. As of September 16, 2026, Cricut Maker 5 is the newest Cricut Maker model. It was announced on September 3, 2026, with availability beginning September 4, 2026.
Is Cricut Maker 5 faster than Cricut Maker 4?
Not in a simple headline way. Cricut lists Maker 5 at 14.1 IPS and Maker 4 at up to 14.1 IPS. The main Maker 5 advantages are workflow, size, weight, USB-C, snap-in pen loading, and thicker compatible material support.
Can Cricut Maker 5 cut 3 mm acrylic?
Do not assume every 3 mm acrylic blank can be cut. Cricut says Maker 5 can cut some compatible thicker materials up to 3 mm, but material density and rigidity matter. Cricut also notes that some acrylic blanks may be suitable for engraving but not cutting.
Does Cricut Maker 5 need a subscription?
No. Cricut says the machine does not require a subscription, and Design Space includes free starter content. A Cricut Access subscription is optional if you want the larger content library and paid features.
Should Maker 4 owners upgrade to Maker 5?
Upgrade if the smaller body, lower weight, USB-C, easier loading, snap-in pen holder, or 3 mm compatible material support would change what you can make. If your current Maker 4 mostly cuts vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, standard stickers, and fabric without problems, keeping it is still a reasonable choice.
