As a crafter, I have used the famous cutting tools of today’s time, Silhouette Cameo vs Cricut. It is undeniable that both the machines work great and share some similarities. But they also differ in some aspects.
On that note, here I present an unbiased comparison between Silhouette Cameo VS Cricut, the two leading names in the crafting industry. Not only do they cut papers but also vinyl, cardstocks, etc. You can depend on them to make DIY gift boxes, cups, t-shirts, and other personalized crafts.
However, both come in varieties of machines. So, I have picked the two best products of each to compare their cutting efficiency, accuracy, power, mechanism, ease of use, speed, etc.
Let’s dive into the detailed analysis to figure out who outperforms whom!
Silhouette Cameo vs Cricut
Silhouette Cameo Review
Let’s start with the Silhouette Cameo review.
Silhouette Cameo made its name in the industry many years ago as an electric cutting tool. Using its small yet power-packed blade, you can cut hundreds of materials such as paper, vinyl, fabric, cardstock, etc., using its small yet power-packed blade. Besides, you can cut the materials with 12 inches of width. This spacious cutting surface makes it every DIYer’s favorite crafting machine.
You can design your personalized DIY crafts by connecting them to your PC like a printer. Even printed materials are cut through the powerful motor. The best part of using Silhouette is that it’s much faster than its counterpart.
Let’s explore the top two products below.
1. Silhouette White Cameo 4 Starter Bundle
Silhouette brought this Cameo 4 series to upgrade its Cameo 3 in 2019. This is preferable because of the cutting speed, which is three times faster than the previous model. No wonder it got so many positive reviews from the DIY crafters.
Let’s talk about the salient features it comes with.
Key Features
Connection: Do you know the most convincing feature it comes with? You don’t need any internet connection to run the machine. It connects to your PC via Bluetooth.
Accessories: The Cameo 4 doesn’t come alone. It includes all other things you need to complete a craft. For instance, 38 oracle vinyl sheets, 12 premium transfer tapes of 12″ ×12″, 6 high durable heat transfer sheets for fabric, 24 sketch pens, 12″ ×12″ latest cutting mat, and whatnot. You don’t need to buy anything extra as this cutting tool comes in a full package.
Detailed User Guide: Don’t worry if you have never used one of these machines. A detailed user manual is provided to guide you through the entire using process of this Cameo 4. Furthermore, there is a chance to attend a one-hour online class on the basic instructions. On top of that, it offers 20 Ebooks free. What more do you need to run the tool successfully?
Tool Adapters: We particularly loved this white-color Silhouette Cameo 4 for the four tool adapters. The adapters make it usable for all four versions of the Cameo series- 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Pros
- Three times higher speed than Cameo 3
- Dual motor system for better performance
- Built-in roll feeder
- Compatible with thicker materials
- Elaborated instructions for the user
Cons
- Doesn’t compatible with Chrome-books
- Some customers faced connection difficulty via USB and Bluetooth
2. Silhouette Portrait 3 Electronic Cutting Tool
Secondly, we have another irresistible cutting machine from Silhouette, Silhouette Portrait 3 Electronic Cutting Tool. This should be your pick if you are looking for a compact cutting machine to complete small craft studio jobs. What key specifications does it offer? Let’s check out below-
Key Features
AutoBlade: features an auto-adjusting blade that can cut more than hundreds of materials with maximum cutting speed.
Cutting Force: The ultimate cutting force is 210 gf. Considering its reasonable price point, it’s quite good.
Software: Being compatible with both PC and Mac, the machine includes different software for both. The software makes the using procedure fast and facile.
Lightweight Architecture: This tool’s most useful feature is the compact yet lightweight construction. Though it comes with innumerable features, that doesn’t increase its weight. Instead, it’s pretty portable to anywhere.
Connection: You get to set the tool with a USB cable without hassle. Moreover, it’s Bluetooth compatible, and resultantly, no internet connection is required.
Pros
- Power-packed performance
- Lightweight and portable
- Very easy to use
- Adjustable auto blade feature
- Perfect for making personalized gifts
Cons
- No direct instructions added
- Sometimes it warps the whole design
How to Use Silhouette Cameo
In this Silhouette Cameo VS Cricut review, I am going to show how you can use the Cameo very easily. Just follow the steps below to sketch and cut your design successfully.
First, you need to install the Silhouette studio software on your PC. It allows you to create countless designs of your choice. Besides, there is a mobile app named Silhouette Go.
Secondly, connect the tool to your computer by plugging it into a power source. You can connect the PC and the cutting machine via Bluetooth or USB.
To turn the machine on via Bluetooth, make sure both your PC and the Silhouette tool have the feature on. Now, click on the “send” button on the studio software and press the small machine icon on the bottom. Thus, you will be able to set up a connection between the two devices.
Thirdly, set up the page to prepare your design. You can create your design on the software or download the design from the Silhouette store.
After selecting the design, you need to place it on the cutting mat. Place it properly by scaling it up or down.
At this point, place the cutting mat into the tool to make it ready for a new cut. For this, the auto blade needs to be loaded into the tool and be locked by pushing it down on the tool holder. Now, place the material on the mat and make an experimental cut.
Once it’s done, click on the forward arrow button to take the mat out of the machine. If the test cut satisfies you, insert the cutting mat into the tool again and male the final cut following the same process.
That’s how you can make your very first cut using a Silhouette cutting tool.
Silhouette Cameo Software
To get more acquainted with the Cameo software, you must go through an elaborated discussion on it. Let’s gather some more ideas about the studio software.
You can either use the free version or buy the paid version. Naturally, the paid version is a bit more upgraded with many other features.
But for a first-timer, the free version works pretty well. The only annoying issue is that you cannot open an SVG file. But don’t worry. Other than that, you can work on countless crafting projects with the Silhouette Studio software without spending a penny.
However, you can send any design to these electric cutting tools free of cost with this free software. If you cannot find this basic version on purchasing a new tool, install it from www.silhouetteamerica.com/software/silhouette-studio. This address lets you download the software even without a Silhouette tool.
The basic studio version is compatible with Windows, 7, 8,10, and iOS. So, get the software today and start practicing your crafting projects now!
Cricut Maker Review
As this discussion sheds some light on the year-old Cricut vs Cameo debate, let’s get some knowledge about Cricut as well.
Cricut is itself a crowd-pleasing cutting tool that gives head-to-head competition to Cameo. It is said that the only thing you need for using Cricut is the willpower to make something new. Yes, it has that user-friendly features!
It has a wide range of machinery having different cutting blades. Therefore, from novice to professional, every DIYer can get a cutting tool of their preferences. It doesn’t only cut but also adds dimension to your designs.
Being a bit expensive, it’s a frequently asked question: Is Cricut worth it? Considering its versatile applications of over 300 materials, I am pretty convinced that it is worth the investment. To learn more about this power cutting machine, check out the reviews below.
1. Cricut Champagne Maker
Cricut Maker is a tool that comes in handy both for beginners and experts. And the file formats are so versatile that you can customize the files according to your preferences. Don’t worry; too many options don’t make it substandard; rather, every format is quite standard.
Let’s go through its core specifications below in this Cricut Maker review-
Key Features
Countless Project Options: As soon as you get used to the high-quality blade, scoring tool, and pen- this machine blesses you with the possibilities to complete uncountable crafts at home. No matter what new crafting field you encounter, it will never let you feel helpless. You can use the accessories to do the task somehow efficiently.
Digital Sewing Projects: Sewing gets a cup of tea for you with Cricut Maker’s endless sewing projects. There are hundreds of options to choose the pattern. And you don’t need to do much. Just sew the cut and marked pieces together and explore a whole new sector of DIY crafting.
Compatibility: Cricut Maker is compatible with paper, vinyl, leather crafts, fabric, sewing projects, and whatnot. As a creator, you can create almost anything you want. The rotary blade can cut through any fabric, that too with sheer perfection. Comparing Cricut Maker vs Silhouette Cameo 4, both are widely compatible with versatile materials.
Pros
- Fast and flawless cutting
- Cuts through numerous fabrics with ultimate accuracy
- Perfect for both beginner and pro
- Simple operating system
- A docking slot included for holding tab or phone
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Lacks dimensional accuracy
2. Cricut Explore Air 2
Do you need a DIY cutting tool that writes and cuts simultaneously? Then look no further and get this exclusive Cricut Explore Air 2 right away!
This comes with a double tool service that writes and cuts or cuts and scores with a single operation. Besides, the lightweight construction is another great advantage for this tool which is a common feature between Silhouette Cameo vs Cricut Explore Air 2. The key specifications are as follow-
Key Features
Versatile Usage: You can cut over 100 materials for any DIY project with the ultimate cutting speed. Moreover, it doesn’t let you complain about the accuracy. Be it paper, HTV vinyl, cardstock, faux leather, or iron on- get your project done within the shortest time frame.
Other Tools: With each purchase, you get a Premium Fine Point Blade from Cricut, a 12×12 cutting map, a black Fine Point Pen, and most important of all, a two weeks free trial period to Cricut Access. All these opportunities make this machine even more desirable.
Free Design Software: Yes, you heard it right. Thanks to the free design space, Cricut free design software lets you upload or design your images on your PC, mobile, or tablet. And the gigantic Cricut library is equipped with more than 10000 images.
Pros
- Gives a personalized touch to your crafts
- Equipped with Bluetooth or wireless cutting
- Compatible with endless materials
- Free image upload advantage
- Cuts quickly and precisely
Cons
- Takes more time than usual to draw a design
- The software doesn’t work unless it’s connected to the internet
How to Use Cricut Maker
Before heading towards your very first Cricut Maker project, you must know how to set it up properly. Follow the steps below for your computer( both Windows and Mac).
- First, connect the Cricut Maker to a power source.
- Then turn it on by pressing the power button.
- You can either pair it with your computer via Bluetooth or via USB cable.
- design.cricut.com/setup – this address will take you to the Design Space for Desktop article. Download and install it accordingly.
- Create a new Cricut ID and set up the machine following the onscreen instructions properly.
- That’s how you are ready to run a test cut.
As Cricut Maker is also compatible with cellphones, let’s learn how to set it up for iOS or Android.
- You need to connect the tool with your smartphone via Bluetooth once you power it on.
- Similar to the previous process, download the Design Space app.
- Now launch it on your phone and create a new Cricut ID.
- Go to the Machine Setup option and find out your machine model from the given options.
- Select it to complete the setup based on the information displayed on the screen.
- Like as before, you will be prompted to a test cut if the setup is okay.
Cricut Design Space Measurements
If you have no idea how to make the best use of Cricut Design Space Measurements, follow the basic details below. It gives a clear idea of changing the space measurements from inches to centimeters and vice versa.
Just three clicks can change the measurement setting once you open the Cricut Design Space software.
First, you will see a hamburger icon on the top left corner of the grid. Click on it, and the “settings” option will be there. Now, go to the setting, and it will direct you to the design space unit option. There will be two options- imperial and metric. The first one means inches, and the second stands for centimeters. Click on the little circle beside any of them based on your project requirement.
This is how you can opt for your preferred measurement unit on your Windows or Mac Book. But how do you change the setting on a mobile? That is even easier. You need to open the mobile app first. Then swipe right towards the base row and find out the “settings”.
Tap the setting button, and the metric/imperial options will be there. Now you can choose between the two.
It’s a blessing to have both inches and centimeters measurement units for maximum DIY craftings. You never know which project will require which measuring unit, right?
Silhouette Cameo vs Cricut Buying Guide
Before going to the main discussion, know what you need to check while buying a DIY cutting appliance, be it Silhouette or Cricut. You can use the following features as an all-time checklist.
Cutting Power
Cutting power is a crucial thing to consider as DIY crafting tools are all about cutting. As far as cutting speed is concerned, Silhouette Cameo 4 can provide 25% more power than its Cricut counterpart. So, if you need more cutting power, go for a Silhouette tool.
Cutting Size
Size does matter if you’re aiming at making banners or something like that. In that case, the Cameo 4 is better as it offers a larger cutting size of 12″ ×10″. But Cricut is way behind in this regard. It can cut on both y 11.5 inches wide and 2 feet long materials.
Thickness
In terms of thickness, the Silhouette family outperforms yet again. It can cut through 3 mm thick materials. But the Cricut Maker can only penetrate through 2.4 mm of thickness.
Noise
Crafting tools are noisy, for sure. But the question is which is quieter. Here Cricut is a clear winner as both their Cricut Maker and Explore Air 2 are considerably silent. On the other hand, all Silhouette machines are way noisier in comparison.
Compatibility
In crafting, you will want to be as versatile as possible after a certain period. After all, you won’t be cutting paper throughout your life. So, go for a machine compatible with stronger anIt is a workhorse and cutting force. Cricut wins the battle by cutting balsa wood, matboard, and many more. But Silhouette is more preferable for cutting paper and vinyl.
Rotary Blade
A rotary blade is particularly needed when you craft fabric. Cricut Maker comes with a rotary blade to make the DIY crafting smoother and more professional.
Although Silhouette Cameo 3 didn’t include a rotary blade, Cameo 4 comes with it for better performance.
Cost
In terms of cost, Silhouette is cheaper. But it doesn’t come with as many accessories as Cricut has. So, you need to collect those separately once your crafting level becomes advanced.
It’s true that Cricut coats more initially. But the wide range of accessories will save your fortune in the long run. So, it is worth the expense.
Portability
If you draw a comparison between Silhouette Cameo vs Cricut, the first one wins to be more portable. As Silhouette manufactures lightweight tools, you can carry them easily. Being heavier and bulkier, Cricut is way more difficult to carry.
But being sturdier, Cricut Maker lasts longer, though. As we all know, lighter ergonomics make a tool feeble and flimsy.
Comparison Chart
| Product | Description |
| Silhouette White Cameo 4 Starter Bundle | 1. 3 times higher speed than Cameo 3 2. Built-in roll feeder 3. Detailed user guide |
| Silhouette Portrait 3 Electronic Cutting Tool | 1. High-performance AutoBlade 2. 210gf cutting force 3. Very lightweight architecture |
| Cricut Champagne Maker | 1. Hundreds of digital sewing projects 2. Perfect and precise cutting 3. Easy operating system |
| Cricut Explore Air 2 | 1. Free Design software with more than 10000 images 2. Premium Cricut Fine Point Blade and Pen 3. Versatile usage with ultimate cutting speed |
Similarities
Now, let’s unearth the similarities these two DIY cutting appliances share.
- Both Silhouette Cameo and Cricut Maker can resist wear and tear pretty well.
- Both of them feature Auto Blade with adjustment amenities.
- They offer decent cutting sizes for your DIY crafts.
- You can find the dual carriage feature in both machines.
- Both Silhouette Cameo 4 and Cricut Maker have rotary blades to cut precisely.
- Both have their own design software.
Should You Buy the Silhouette Cameo VS Cricut
To announce a clear winner, I compared the features and functionalities of silhouette cameo vs cricut the devices in several models. When comparing Silhouette vs Cricut Explore Air 2, it’s evident that Cricut is the clear winner as Silhouette is louder than Cricut.
Also, Cricut Design Space lets you draw more conveniently.
However, if cost is your concern, you should go for Silhouette. Though Cricut is worth the hype, it is expensive as well.
And while comparing Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Silhouette Cameo 3, I found that the latter is designed for mostly beginners with less versatility. Only at home DIYs like gift cards, food arts, etc. are best made with Silhouette. They are pocket-friendly and more portable though!
But for more workloads, I recommended Cricut. Not only is it a workhorse but also is meant for more flexible functions. It can deal with more versatile materials for commercial usages.
So, it’s your personal choice which you would go for. For more advanced levels of crafting, Cricut Maker is a power player indeed.
