Cricut Explore 5 Unboxing, Setup & Review: Upgrade or Skip It?

Cricut just released the brand new Cricut Explore 5, but is it actually an upgrade or just a redesign with a new number? Buy a Cricut Explore 5 here: https://www.cricut.pxf.io/5kbRE9 In this honest, unsponsored review, I unbox the Cricut Explore 5 Essentials Bundle, set it up step by step, connect it with Bluetooth, update the firmware, and run a real test cut so you can see exactly how it performs. As the author of Cricut for Dummies and someone who teaches Cricut full time, I bought this machine myself on launch day to answer the questions everyone is asking: Is the Cricut Explore 5 worth 199 dollars? Should you upgrade from the Explore 4 or Maker 4? What is actually new? In this video we cover: • Everything included in the Essentials Bundle • Missing tools and whether that matters • The new open top design and storage changes • Cutting speed and performance • Price comparison vs Maker 4, Joy 2, and Venture • Who should buy it and who should skip it If you are trying to decide which Cricut machine to buy in 2026, this review will help you make the right choice. Let me know in the comments. Are you upgrading to the Explore 5 or sticking with your current machine? 📘 Order My Book – Cricut For Dummies! https://www.kerricraftsit.com/cfd Want help mastering your Cricut? My new book is packed with step-by-step tips, beginner-friendly tutorials, and project ideas to help you make the most of your machine. 🖥️ More Help + Free Cricut Tutorials → Visit my blog for Cricut tutorials, beginner guides, and materials I love: https://kerricraftsit.com #CricutExplore5 #CricutReview #CricutMachine #CricutMade #CricutForDummies Chapters: 0:00 Cricut Explore 5 Review – Is It Really an Upgrade? 0:30 Unsponsored & Honest Review (Bought on Launch Day) 1:04 Unboxing the Cricut Explore 5 Essentials Bundle 2:12 What’s Included (And What’s Missing?) 3:27 Missing Tools in the Essentials Bundle 4:54 Materials Included: Smart Vinyl, Iron-On & Cards 5:08 What Can the Cricut Explore 5 Actually Make? 5:36 Explore 5 vs Maker Series – Key Differences 6:17 Design Changes: No Storage & Fewer Buttons 7:16 Open-Top Design Concerns (Dust & Pet Hair?) 8:29 Ports, Power & Bluetooth Setup 8:59 How to Set Up Cricut Explore 5 in Design Space 10:14 Connecting with Bluetooth & Firmware Update 11:04 First Test Cut with Smart Vinyl 12:18 Weeding & Applying Transfer Tape (Beginner Tips) 13:51 Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade? 15:03 Cricut Explore 5 Price Breakdown vs Other Machines 16:05 Is It Worth It? My Honest Opinion 16:47 Who Should Buy the Explore 5? Music codes: FMOZK9W11ZXSL0OY 9MBP7FQXKTQMZF2C 514FA9Y5IWVECTEZ 🛒 Shop My Favorite Cricut Tools & Materials Cricut Maker® 4 in Sage & Essentials Bundle from Michaels https://www.michaels.com/product/cric... Get the HTVRont Auto Heat Press 2 (white) https://amzn.to/3V7mrFN or (blue) https://amzn.to/4eGWlR1 Siser EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl https://amzn.to/3GO2I9Q AOOIIN Rubber Brayer Roller https://amzn.to/3GQNr8k Cricut Mat Variety Pack https://amzn.to/4jQjST9 📺 Watch Next – My Cricut Project Playlist 🎬 Cricut Projects for Beginners:    • Easy Cricut Tutorials For Beginners by Cri...   Learn how to make shirts, mugs, decals, and more! 👉 Sign up for a Creative Fabrica subscription ➔ https://www.creativefabrica.com/ref/2... 📣 Connect with Us: Email: [email protected] Blog: https://kerricraftsit.com/ Facebook Group:   / cricutsvgs   Facebook Page:   / kerricraftsit   Instagram:   / kerricraftsit   Pinterest:   / kerricraftsit   YouTube:    / @kerricraftsit   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/KerriCraftsIt Some of the links provided are affiliate links. Kerri Crafts It is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.