# TLDR Review: Cricut Maker 4

*Published: 2026-04-08 | Updated: 2026-04-08 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/cricut-maker-4*

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## Product: Cricut Maker 4
**Brand:** Cricut

## Pros
- Cuts very quickly, especially on lighter materials like 65 lb paper, textile vinyl, and stickers.
- Comes with a generous engagement bundle including Smart Vinyl, Cardstock, Transfer Tape, Iron On HTV, Mat, Pens, Tool Kit, and 25 images in Design Space app, providing great value and a ready-to-go crafting experience.
- Durable and sturdy build with a soothing seashell color that users find aesthetically pleasing.
- Easy to use with an intuitive app download and setup process, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced crafters.
- Offers compatibility with advanced tools like scoring wheels, expanding crafting possibilities beyond earlier models.
- Highly suitable for hobbyists and business owners alike, providing a versatile machine for a variety of creative projects.
- Print and cut quality is generally impressive, delivering precise and professional results on many materials.
- Users express strong satisfaction and enthusiasm, calling it a valuable investment for serious crafters.

## Cons
- Struggles with cutting heavier papers (80+ lb), often failing to cut through completely and requiring manual finishing.
- Compared to earlier Cricut models like the Explorer 3 and the original Maker, the Maker 4 can be less reliable and precise when cutting thick paper.
- The improved cutting speed doesn’t always translate to better cutting accuracy or consistency, especially on paper.
- Stickiness of included materials is average, which may affect some projects requiring strong adhesion.
- Some users report the fast cutting on heavier materials leaves incomplete cuts, leading to extra work.

## Bottom Line

The Cricut Maker 4 Engagement Bundle is a powerhouse for crafters looking to quickly and precisely cut a variety of materials, especially lighter ones like vinyl and cardstock. Its wide array of included accessories and compatibility with advanced tools make it a great choice for both hobbyists and small business use. However, if your projects frequently involve heavy papers above 80 lb or demand flawless cutting accuracy on thick materials, you might want to consider an earlier Cricut model known for its superior paper cutting precision. Overall, this is a stylish, durable, and versatile machine that excels in speed and creative potential, albeit with some limitations on heavier paper cuts.

If your focus is more on heavy paper cutting or absolute paper precision, double-check if older models might serve you better, but for broad crafting versatility, the Maker 4 is a smart pick.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Cuts very quickly, especially on lighter materials like 65 lb paper, textile vinyl, and stickers. | Struggles with cutting heavier papers (80+ lb), often failing to cut through completely and requiring manual finishing. |
| Comes with a generous engagement bundle including Smart Vinyl, Cardstock, Transfer Tape, Iron On HTV, Mat, Pens, Tool Kit, and 25 images in Design Space app, providing great value and a ready-to-go crafting experience. | Compared to earlier Cricut models like the Explorer 3 and the original Maker, the Maker 4 can be less reliable and precise when cutting thick paper. |
| Durable and sturdy build with a soothing seashell color that users find aesthetically pleasing. | The improved cutting speed doesn’t always translate to better cutting accuracy or consistency, especially on paper. |
| Easy to use with an intuitive app download and setup process, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced crafters. | Stickiness of included materials is average, which may affect some projects requiring strong adhesion. |
| Offers compatibility with advanced tools like scoring wheels, expanding crafting possibilities beyond earlier models. | Some users report the fast cutting on heavier materials leaves incomplete cuts, leading to extra work. |
| Highly suitable for hobbyists and business owners alike, providing a versatile machine for a variety of creative projects. |  |
| Print and cut quality is generally impressive, delivering precise and professional results on many materials. |  |
| Users express strong satisfaction and enthusiasm, calling it a valuable investment for serious crafters. |  |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*