# Cricut Explore 4 vs Explore 3 vs Explore Air 2

Source: https://bladeandmat.com/blog/cricut-explore-4-vs-explore-3-vs-air-2
Published: 2026-10-09
Publisher: Blade & Mat

**Short answer:** The big split is matless cutting. The Explore Air 2 cuts everything on a mat, while the Explore 3 and later cut Cricut Smart Materials without one, up to 12 ft on the Explore 3 per its listing. All three use the same core blades. Buy new today and the current Explore 5 is the one stocked; buy used and an Explore 3 or 4 is the better value than an Air 2 unless the Air 2 is very cheap.

Cricut has sold several Explore generations, and used listings mix them freely. This page is for buyers comparing an Explore Air 2, Explore 3 or Explore 4, often on the used market, and for owners deciding whether to upgrade. We cover what changed between generations, blade compatibility, matless cutting, what to check on a used machine and where the current Explore 5 fits. Our product catalog lists the Explore 3 and the newer Explore 5; it does not carry the Explore 4 or Explore Air 2, so those two are described without a product link and without specs we cannot confirm from a listing.

## What changed between Explore generations

The **Explore Air 2** is the older design. It uses a cutting mat for every job and has a material dial on the machine for common settings, with a custom setting for choosing materials in Design Space. It connects by Bluetooth and still cuts vinyl, iron-on and cardstock well.

The **Explore 3** added support for Cricut Smart Materials, which feed without a mat. Its listing states Smart Materials up to 12 ft without a mat and describes it as 2X faster, a claim tied to Smart Materials. It dropped the material dial, so you choose the material in Design Space. The **Explore 4** continued the matless Smart Materials approach in an updated body. The **Explore 5** is the current generation; its listing describes a 12 in cutting machine that works with six tools and cuts 100+ materials.

Through all of these the core job stays the same. If you only cut sheet vinyl and cardstock on a mat, an Air 2 does not produce worse cuts. What you gain from newer models is matless roll cutting and longer designs.

## Side by side

The listed rows come from Amazon listings. The Explore 4 and Air 2 rows are general descriptions because no listing in our catalog covers them, so we do not give numbers for them.

| Model | Matless Smart Materials | Material selection | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Explore Air 2 | No, mat for every cut | Dial on machine plus Design Space | General description, not in our catalog |
| Explore 3 | Yes, up to 12 ft | Design Space | Listing B0BJHH35DH, $314.20 bundle |
| Explore 4 | Yes | Design Space | General description, not in our catalog |
| Explore 5 | Smart Vinyl and Smart Iron-On included in bundle | Design Space | Listing B0GJFL3WHS, $199.00 bundle |

Explore generations

Note: Smart Materials are Cricut's own backed rolls. Regular vinyl, cardstock and fabric still need a mat on every Explore.

## Blade and tool compatibility

All Explore models use the same family of drag-style blades: the fine point blade for vinyl, iron-on and cardstock, the deep point blade for thicker items like glitter cardstock and magnet sheet, and the bonded fabric blade for fabric with a backing. Pens, the scoring stylus and the foil transfer tool work across the line. The Explore 5 listing names six compatible tools, including the Deep Cutting Tool sold separately.

None of the Explore machines run the Maker's rotary blade or knife blade. If you need those, read [Cricut Maker vs Explore](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/cricut-maker-vs-explore) before buying any Explore. For settings by material, the [cut settings finder](https://bladeandmat.com/tools/cut-settings-finder) gives a starting blade, mat and pressure for each Explore job, and [Cricut blades explained](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/cricut-blades-explained) covers each blade in detail.

## Buying used: what to check

Used Explores are common and usually cheap. The machine itself is simple, but a few checks avoid surprises. First identify the model from the label using [which Cricut machine do I have](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/which-cricut-machine-do-i-have), since sellers often mislabel generations.

Power and connection problems are the main risk with older Air 2 units. If a seller cannot show it turning on, read [Explore Air 2 not turning on](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/cricut-explore-air-2-not-turning-on) to understand the likely causes before you pay.

1. Confirm the model on the label underneath or on the back.
2. Ask to see it power on and complete a test cut in Design Space.
3. Check the blade housing turns freely and the blade is included.
4. Check the rollers grip the mat evenly and the mat is not worn out.
5. Confirm the power adapter is the correct one for that model.

## Which one is worth it

For a new purchase, the Explore 5 is the machine Cricut currently sells, and its Essential Bundle lists at $199.00 at the time of writing, below the listed Explore 3 bundle at $314.20. That makes buying an older generation new hard to justify unless it is discounted.

For used buyers, an Explore 3 or Explore 4 is worth a bit more than an Air 2 because of matless Smart Materials, which matter for long decals, banners and repeated labels. An Air 2 still makes sense as a very cheap first machine for cards and sheet vinyl. If you plan to sell shirts or decals, matless roll cutting saves time, and our [best cutting machines for vinyl decals](https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cutting-machine-for-vinyl-decals) guide shows the options.

[See current Cricut machines](https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cricut-machine)

## Setup is the same across generations

Every Explore pairs with Design Space on a computer or phone, by Bluetooth or USB. Our [how to set up a Cricut Explore](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/how-to-set-up-cricut-explore) page walks through it. If a used machine will not pair, [Cricut not connecting by Bluetooth](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/cricut-not-connecting-bluetooth) covers the usual fixes. The free app works with all three; a Cricut Access subscription is optional.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can the Explore Air 2 cut Smart Vinyl without a mat?** No. The Air 2 needs a mat for every material, including Smart Materials placed on a mat.

**Do Explore Air 2 blades fit the Explore 3 and 4?** The standard fine point, deep point and bonded fabric blades are shared across Explore machines. Check the packaging for the compatible model list.

**Is the Explore 3 worth it over the Explore 5?** Only if it is cheaper. At current listing prices the Explore 5 bundle costs less and is the newer machine.

**Should I upgrade from an Air 2?** Upgrade if you want matless roll cutting or long designs. If you cut sheet materials on a mat and are happy with the results, there is little reason to.

## Gear guides for this topic

- https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cricut-machine
- https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cutting-machine-for-beginners
- https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cutting-machine-for-vinyl-decals