Hands-on Review: Cricut Maker 4 brings pro-grade crafting to the desktop

Review: The Cricut Maker 4 isn't just a toy. It's a sophisticated desktop fabrication tool for crafters, designers, teachers and side hustlers.

With major performance upgrades and enhanced material capabilities, this is Cricut's most advanced home machine to date.

Faster, smarter, more capable

Building on the strengths of its predecessors, the Maker 4 introduces significantly faster processing speeds, expanded tool support, and seamless compatibility with Cricut's Smart Materials - allowing for mat-free, continuous cuts up to 12 feet long.

It's not just an evolution; it's a reimagining of what's possible for home-based creators.

If you're new to Cricut, picture a fusion of a laser cutter, plotter, and printer - minus the ink. The Maker 4's blade-based system cuts, scores, writes, and engraves on a wide range of materials, from delicate paper to robust aluminum.

Hardware that delivers professional results

The star of the show is the machine's cutting engine. It's impressively fast - up to twice the speed of the previous generation - and the precision is remarkable, especially for intricate designs. Whether you're working with vinyl, felt, iron-on transfers, or faux leather, the results are consistently polished. The rotary blade, in particular, shines when handling fabric, delivering clean, effortless cuts.

For educators, side hustlers, or anyone launching a handmade business, the Maker 4 brings factory-level finish to your home workspace. Whether you're producing T-shirts, mugs, classroom materials, or wall art, the output feels anything but homemade.

While cutting wood like basswood remains a technical challenge requiring multiple passes, Cricut has acknowledged this and is actively working on firmware improvements. It's a reminder that even in a machine this capable, there's still room to grow.

Sleek, smart design

The Maker 4 carries a clean, modern design with smart built-in storage for tools and accessories.

While it does require space - similar to a large-format printer - the thoughtful layout ensures smooth mat movement and easy operation. Initial setup is quick, aided by USB-C connectivity and Bluetooth pairing for wireless use after installation.

Design space: Promising, with room to improve

To unlock the Maker 4's full potential, you'll use Cricut's Design Space software. It's available across major platforms (Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android) and serves as the creative hub for your projects.

While the app delivers a wide range of features, some users may find the interface less intuitive than professional design tools.

There are occasional lags and limitations, especially for those used to platforms like Illustrator. However, Cricut continues to iterate on its software, and future updates could bring much-needed polish and stability.

That said, Design Space is a functional creative gateway - and once you're comfortable, it becomes a powerful asset for personalizing and perfecting your projects.

Should you buy the Cricut Maker 4?

Absolutely - especially if you're serious about crafting or design.

The Cricut Maker 4 is an outstanding choice for creators who want to level up their production quality and explore new materials.

Its performance, versatility, and precision make it a standout in its category.

It's worth noting that complex projects do require some learning, and additional tools or accessories may enhance the experience. But for those willing to invest a bit of time upfront, the rewards are substantial.

Buy it if:

• You want to bring professional-grade polish to your creative projects.
• You've outgrown entry-level machines and are ready for more advanced features.

Things to consider:

• Design Space can take some getting used to, especially for advanced users.
• If you're only doing basic paper or vinyl crafts, a more budget-friendly model may be a better fit.

Bottom line: The Cricut Maker 4 is a significant leap forward in creative technology. It's fast, precise, and built for those who take their craft seriously.

With a bit of patience to master the software and a willingness to explore its full toolkit, it's an investment that pays off in professional-quality results.

The Cricut Maker 4 is available now for AUD $699 and NZD $799, with retailer availability in both Spotlight and Harvey Norman across both countries.