Silhouette Cameo 4 or Cricut Maker!? Which machine is better!? 

If you already have a machine, don't forget to comment and tell me what sold you on your machine! Or if you plan to buy a machine, what machine are you going with?!

TLDR; If you're thinking about making stickers, get a Cameo. I have both the Cricut Air (own first) and the Cameo. My sole purpose of the machine was to make stickers and cut out vinyls. I had no problems cutting vinyls on either machine, but printing out stickers then getting the machine to cut the stickers was the deal breaker that made me purchase the Cameo. The Cricut was a nightmare when using the print then cut feature. I wasted so many sticker papers and the printing quality is very very low. There are tricks around the Cricut but I bothered wasting my time and at the end, it wasn't worth the effort. Also, I felt like I wasted so many sticker paper because the print and cut feature is limited to the size the registration mark and what fits inside the box. Registering the marks was a pain in the ass for the Cricut. The software is very basic and I find that you can't do much on it. The Cameo relieved all my stress that I accumulated from the Cricut. Again, I purchased a cutting machine to cut stickers. I love the Cameo because it can cut my stickers accurately and precisely. The software is easy to learn, and I like how much control you have over it. I used to go on Pixlr for script stickers (so the machine doesn't cut each individual letter on Cricut, I didn't know how to) and with the Cameo I don't have to because the feature is within the software. The cameo has registration marks where the machine reads it, and cuts accordingly (if applicable). And if your machine doesn't read the marks, you have the manual option to point the machine in the direction. I do not have problem with the machine other than the fact that it cuts loud. But despite this con, it beats the Cricut in every way because of it's capabilities. Cricut is advertise everywhere and it got the best of me. Don't let this happen to you. I absolutely despise this machine and wished I purchased the Cameo from the start. Also a bonus that I got the Cameo 3 for ~$90 bucks @ Michaels just about a month ago. If you're in the market for a cutting machine, I hope this reviews helps you from making a choice. I don't want any potential sticker maker to go through this mess. Think about why you're buying the machine for, and if you're gonna cut 200+ material, then the Cricut may be for you. Excuse my poor grammar, but you understood what I said so it's all cool.

Not even 10 minutes in the video and it already seems like the cameo is the best

You're worrying about being too long on your videos... That's the reason I was here in the first place. To get first hand experience on both platforms. Thank you so very much for comparing these two in such a way. You have done a great job!

Basically Cricut is like Apple, nice marketing but tells you what to like, simple, user friendly, more expensive( most likely to make up for the r&d). Silhouette is like android, more customization, a bit more options, less expensive, less well known but a very good product all the same.

This video has changed my life. I love my maker but I am not crazy about design space. The fact that I can use the silhouette software with the maker is amazing! Thank you!!!

I love my silhouette cameo. I had a Cricut but sold it because the designing for what I do is limited. I have done so much stuff with my Silhouette.

Silhouette all the way! I want the control and freedom. Thanks for the comparison I was curious about the maker, but I'll stick with my Cameo.

I had the old Cricut when still using cartridges. Bought the Imagine back in the day and returned it. Couldn't get it to work and there was NO technical support. They suggested I find someone who could work on the program for me! Bought the Silhouette after seeing a friend using hers. Have never regretted my purchase. Love how I own my designs and how easy it is to use.

Thank you so much for the comparison. I have been wanting to buy a machine but couldn't decide between the silhouette and cricut. Think I'll get the Silhouette 4.

I have owned both Cricut and Silhouette. I literally gave my Cricut away. It was useless to me. Way too limiting on what I could design and the software felt like a trial version that only let me do a few things. I have the 1st gen Cameo and Cameo 4 Pro and absolutely love them both. The one thing that no one has mentioned is blade life. The Silhouette blades last FOREVER. I bought my first Cameo in 2013 and I have an Etsy business. I have yet to dull a Silhouette blade. The Cricut, in the few short months I used it before rehoming it , blew through blades in a matter of days. I would never go back to Cricut.

With Silhouette you can cut, sketch, score as many colours as you like without moving the images on and off the mat. you can also do all these with a single send command, you only need to cut by lines. This means that, you choose a line colour for diffent action.So if you have 10 images on the mat and tou wish to cut 3, score 3 and sketch 4. You choose a line colour for each action. The fill colour does not matter. When you send to cut after designing, the default setting is simple, change that to line then check the box on the left side of each colour. then in front of these colours, choose action you want it to carry out.You can also choose which side of the cutting tool you want the machine to use - Red or blue.

I’ve been a Silhouette user since 2008. I had the Wishblade version and bought the Cameo when it first debuted. I have many friends who use the Cricut and love it and I wondered if maybe I should buy one. But after your comparison I know for sure Silhoutte is still my choice. I want the 4! Thank you for going into more detail to compare these two machines!

I have the original Cameo. I got it because it was the only one on the market at the time. I had initially purchased a circuit but the thought of spending money for each cartridge made me break out in hives, so I returned the circuit and paid a it more for the Silhouette. I’m still happy with my machine and have the Designer Edition.

My first machine was a silhouette years ago. I upgraded to a newer silhouette and bought a Cricut as well. I only use my silhouette. I love the design ability.

I have a Silhouette Portrait (1st edition) and Cameo (1st edition). I always wanted a cutting machine. When I finally had the budget, I did some research and chose Silhouette. It offered what I wanted, freedom and control over the designs without being tied to the internet or cartridges, at a price I could afford. I started using the software before I got the machine, so when it got here I was ready.

Wow, it took until now that I found out it was pronounced "cricket", all this time I thought it was "cry-cut" 🤦🏼‍♀️

I am brand new to the cutting machine world. I bought a Cricut Maker in March and it's my first machine. I love how easy it is to use. I did a ton of research before purchasing, and honestly had no idea about the Silhouette 4 machine! I went with the Maker over the EA2 because of the ability to do the engraving (which I adore). I felt like if I was going to spend that much, I might as well go all out and get the newest one. It is loud, so I can't imagine how loud the Silhouette is! My 4 year old comes running whenever he hears the Cricut running. Even when he heard it in the video, he had to come watch 😂 I really feel like the Maker was the best choice for me.

All I knew and trusted was Cricut, but thanks to this video I ordered a cameo. The cameo alleviates all the problems you run into with Cricut.

I switched from Cameo 2 to Cricut Maker two years ago. It was the biggest jump in quality and features ever back then. It appears Cameo is trying to catch up. I agree the quality of the machine itself is better on the Cricut Maker and it’s a more intuitive and quiet system. I couldn’t go back now that I have the ease and beauty of Cricut. I love the rotary blade and all the attachments for the quick switch system. The preforation blade and scoring blades are awesome. But honestly the ready to make projects are my favorite. Easy and fast for crafters who want to make something beautiful but don’t have a ton of time or experience at design!

This was super helpful. I almost got a Cricut and after watching this I am convinced the Cameo is the machine for me. All that customization. I'm in love. And I am content with spending a little extra for the better software instead of what I've heard Cricut bleeds you of money. THANK YOU

The first ever machine I owned was the Cricut Maker, I bought it not long after it was launched. At the time I thought it was awesome, though I used to get frustrated with the online software, odd occasions when I couldn't use my machine because cricut were running maintenance etc. I then purchased a Brother SDX1200 because I wanted to be able to do bigger print and cuts, and eventually found myself using the brother machine all the time with the cricut just sat there idle. The brother machine did cost considerably more but it was a far more versatile machine. I sold the cricut to help finance another brother machine because of an increased workload, however I discovered quite a serious flaw with the brother machines, their build quality wasn't great, the feed roller system was poorly designed and eventually failed due to wear, brother didn't seem to want to admit that they had not put enough effort into development. I think they were just eager to get to market before cricut could made too much of an impact. Anyway, I then purchased a Cameo 4, and I can honestly say, that out of all 3 of the machines, it is the one that suits me the most. It's definitely the most capable, has the most advanced software and is the cheapest. It is the noisiest, with the brother machine being the quietest, but I can live with that. I've worked it hard and it's more than paid for itself, I just wish I had bought one sooner.

Silhouette hands down, and I have had both Cricut and Silhouette. The software is so far superior there’s no comparison and like someone else mentioned my blades last so much longer on my silhouette. Plus I love print and cut and the Cricut is so wasteful of sticker paper.

I'm a beginner and this video helped me decide on which machine fits my needs more. I'm going with the Cameo 4. Thanks a bunch.

This was a really great video. I grew up with the precursor silhouette machine and I am also still using my Cameo 1. I too find that the Silhouette software is extremely flexible and I only have the Designer Edition compared to your Business Edition. When I get a new idea about something I want to do, I can usually accomplish it with Silhouette. I bought the Maker when it first came out and I have regretted it. I find Design space to be very confining and frustrating. It's too simple for me and also because I'm so used to Silhouette, I don't think Design Space is very intuitive. I have a lot of difficulty figuring out how to do the same things I can do in Silhouette. One of the things you mentioned you like the Cricut machine better is the sorting colors by mat. I find the Silhouette software does have features which can do this. One way, is you don't have to move shapes off the mat if you don't want them cut at the same time as other shapes on your mat. You can simply select those shapes you want the machine to ignore and select "no cut". You can have several shapes on your mat selected as no cut and only one as "cut" and the machine will cut only the shape that has been marked as cut. Also, a feature that I love is that you can select by color. If you have various shapes on your mat in various colors, you can select say all of the red shapes, mark them as cut and the machine will cut only the red shapes. So you don't have to move any shapes off the mat at all. The biggest difference between the two machines that you did not mention and really it is a software difference, is that Cricut Design Space is compatible only with Windows 8 and above, while Silhouette Studio will work with Windows 7. I wish I had known that before I purchased my Maker, because I have Windows 7 and I am perfectly happy with it. Even though support for 7 has ended, I don't plan on an upgrade anytime soon. So, the only way I can use my Maker now is to upgrade to the Silhouette Business Edition so that I can send projects from Silhouette to the Maker. Not sure I want to do that either, so I might end up selling my Maker.

I have the Maker and the silhouette 3. Initially I only used the silhouette for rhinestone cuts.... now I use my maker almost exclusively... easy to use.

I have used Cricut since it first hit the market. Infact, I love it so much that I volunteer teach people how to use it. That being said, I've always had an interest in the Silhouette because I've heard awesome things from other users- but hadn't slowed down to really research it. So so glad your video came in my feed....I'm doing a Watching you was like unwrapping a late Christmas 🎁. I am going to purchase one. You emphasized the versatility it offers. Cricut allows you to import several file types, but not export the designs you make. The fact that with Silhouette I can export my creations from Silhouette into other programs ie Adobe, of Sawgrass' Program Management software as examples is a game changer as I do sublimation. Lastly the ability to create my own Rhinestone designs in Silhouette is another reason I'm sold. Definitely still love my Cricut for many other reasons...but the Silhouette will be a welcomed addition to my studio! Thank you for your awesome review 😀

I have a Cameo 3 but want a Cameo 4 and a Cricut maker! I do prefer silhouette studio design. The point editing helps clean up rough edges. I like the tools and options I have when designing.

The sound that Silhouette is off-putting enough. I thought my Explore Air 2 was loud! I've had my eye on these machines for awhile and am definitely set on the Maker. I'm already someone who creates my own designs on Procreate, Illustrator, and Photoshop on the IPad pro and uploads them to design space for full control so that's not a big deal for me. But I love how sturdy and beautiful the Maker is, it's the same reason I own a Kitchenaid stand mixer, they're beautiful, powerful, and unmatched in quality.

Silhouette all the way! I have a Cameo 3, considering a Cameo 4. I use it to create and cut custom packaging for my jewelry, as well as make every craft I can find the time to do... Foil Quill, vinyl, HTV, paper flowers, cards, and more. I know so many people who got a Cricut and couldn't figure out the software due to such a high learning curve, and the machine ended up collecting dust... had them look at what I could do on my Silhouette (even with the basic level free software) and they were blown away. If you're debating between the two brands, don't give in to the Cricut hype... Silhouette is where it's at.

Most informative and detailed video I've found, you've helped me decide on the Cameo 4. I want to make and sell decals and the feed tray is what sold me on it. Thank You.

The Cameo 4 with the 3mm Kraft blade can cut right through thinner styrene sheet (plasticard) and can score the 1/8" thick stuff deep enough that it will snap on the score line like it should. It makes making wargaming terrain that has a lot of repetitive details much quicker and easier. The 2mm Kraft blade will also get through the thinner styrene. I got the base size Cameo 4 (the 12") because that's really all I need. Most often I'm buying the 7" x 12" sheets sold by Plastruct but I also use the 12" x 24" sheets when I am building an entire new set of terrain because it's more cost effective. with the 12" x 24" cutting mat I can get a lot of styrene parts cut out very quickly and safely. I had tried a laser cutter before that could cut through the material but it often leaves blackened and melted edges, gives off a lot of fumes that will either cause cancer eventually or could possibly create hydrochloric acid in your lungs and there was always the possibility of an errant piece of material reflecting the laser and blinding me. The Cameo 4 cuts the plastic neatly, quickly and safely. I couldn't be happier with it. I had demoed the Cricut at an in-store demo at a JoAnns near me but it just doesn't have the power to even score it well or cleanly.

I just found this video as I’m trying to decide which crafting cutter is best for me to get started with and I have NEVER seen anyone with their name spelled the exact same as mine!! It was meant to be that I found your video!

I started with the Cricut Maker and love it but I also wanted to be able to do larger print then cut designs so I have added the Silhouette Cameo 4 Plus. I love the ease of the Maker but I plan to get in there and learn Silhouette Studio (Business Edition). Right now, I sometimes get frustrated with all the features of Silhouette Studio and use the Maker simply out of ease. But I also refuse to give up, I will learn Silhouette Studio, even if if takes forever! :)

I have the cam 4 and Cricut 2, love them both not selling neither one

Thank you so much for this video! Everyone talks about Cricut but I don’t hear much about the Cameo, this deff helped me with my decision on what to save up for! 😊

Thank you Karley! This ia fantastic comparison. I love how you obviously planned and edited this comparison. You do not ramble! All of the information you shared is helpful and your delivery is top notch. I am checking out the laser printer link before I buy. Thank you. Best, Kitty

You can cut two different colors without having to move one shape off. You just choose fill color in the cut screen. That is available in the basic edition.

I just sold off my Air2 for a Silhouette 4 - the software alone is SO much better and targeted to people who design (I bought the Business level software). The machine is much faster too.

I have a maker and I love it. Still learning and love your videos.

This was amazing and clear. I have the cameo 2 and was gifted the cricut maker by my husband. I'm glad to know I can transfer my files since I love the control features in silhouette!

I’ve always had Cricut and currently own a Cricut maker but throughout the years have wandered if I’m missing out on anything with the Cameo. I totally love the idea of being able to use a roll of vinyl for large projects without a mat. You’re comparison is great and answers so many questions. The only thing that I would have liked to see them both cut a much more detailed and intricate design. I’ve heard on more than one occasion complaints about Cameo not cutting intricate designs well. I honestly don’t know if there was/is any truth to that or if it was nothing more than user error... but, I would never purchase a Cameo based on that alone so that would have been nice to see. Thanks for the great video.

I think the one thing that is left out of EVERY side by side comparison IS : That the Silhouette is NOT propitiatory like the Cricut which I think is a HUGE to making a decision on which one you buy in my opinion also lets not forget about the PNC feature is much better than Cricut in my opinion ...Thanks

Thanks for this video! I love my Cricut Maker, but also love the Silhouette designs. That's all I want to be able to do. I do not want the learning curve that comes with the Silhouette. Cricut Maker is perfect for me and I am so glad that I saw this video as I was close to getting the Silhouette Cameo, not any more after this video. Good for if you are into making your own designs. I am not that advanced. Again, thanks for sharing and I need to find out how to get Silhouette designs to use with my Cricut Maker and I will be a happy camper! xoxo

I literally just ordered the Maker and I’m so happy after watching this! Very informative!

#silhouette I love having all the control.

I never even realized the Maker had that front tray storage and had to go check mine out. Don’t know how I missed it. Handy.

I love designing with Silhouette and then save as a SVG and cut with my Maker (specifically when I am cutting felt or fabric). It’s a process, but you just can’t design with the Cricut the same as Silhouette. And my Cameo 3 doesn’t cut fabric like the Maker, but the process I follow works. I do wish Cricut let you have the option to NOT auto sort. Drives me batty!

This is a great comparison video! Thank you! I have the original Cameo and recently got a Cameo 4. I won my first Cameo in a contest. There is definitely a learning curve to the software, but like you said there is so much you can do with it. Have been contemplating getting the Maker to add to my collection, but just don't know if I really need it. Thanks for the video!

Thanks for the comparisons of the machines. I recently bought a cricut maker and I'm looking forward to using it, but now I'm thinking of getting a silhoutte cameo to use along with my cricut.

This is the best comparison video that I have found so far. Great job! I am leaning towards the Cameo 4 because of the roll feed capability but I'm still undecided.

Excellent comparison! Thank you for that. I have not have any machine yet but am looking into buying one for my cutting stickers, doll’s clothes and balsa wood (or thick cardboard) for miniature dollhouse furniture. Those are the 3 main things I will use it for, however hearing you said both this machine is not recommended on cutting wood, I’m now back to square one, 😂😂😂 at lease now I know I won’t be getting either of this machine, I have more research to be done. Thank you again for such wonderful comparison, just awesome! 💐💕🙏🏻

I really appreciate this comparison! Thank you! I have a Silhouette Portrait I have almost used to death and was considering getting a Cricket Maker, but your video confirms I’m using the right machine for what I do. Thank you!!!

Team Silhouette here. More software features, larger print and cut area, cutting without a mat, ability to sell files for use with other machines, and until recently Cricut did not have the ability to work offline like Silhouette

This was fun to watch. I now own a Brother Scan N Cut SDX125E. I'd love to see a comparison between it and these two models, a Roland Sticka tabletop digital cutter, and the larger version of the Cameo digital cutter as well. Throwing in the Roland cutter and the larger one from Cameo is a good way to get a feel for the Prosumer market space and the trends that the craft or home markets appear to be headed in.

My Cameo 4 is just stupid good. I used to use a Cricut at my old job doing temp tatoos and the ease, options, software, and spare parts is just amazing. Even though it feels *cheap* it's so rubust and as long as you don't drop it (a few times) it will serve you well!

I'm 71 and try to stay techy. I'm only a year ago into the cutting machines, i.e. except I'm a seamstress/designer/inventor. I needed precision cut fabric for my invention and a time saver and thought the Cricut could help - it was great. Well I purchased several including the old machines no longer online but they had this classic look for decorating in the sewing room. Foolish me! I have the Explore 2, Maker, Maker 3 and Joy. I did many tutorials and did not know anything about a rotary tool so I just used another bland, bonded the fabric which is an outdoor type with a heavy nap. I was able to design interesting looks that I could not do by hand, played with the settings on the "Explore 2" and the cuts were great and saved me hours of time. I kept trying to make the design space more computer savvy but I could not maneuver it like I wanted nor did I like losing paper in print and cut. I heard about the Silhouette. It’s tool capability is so scary but what a grand machine for manipulation and power, as I got into it. I purchased a Cameo 2 just to be safe for less than $100 at a thrift store and it works beautiful and the matless was weird although I've paid for smart vinyl from Cricut - I will not buy anymore. I'd rather use the mat especially since Cricut’s print and cut waste so much paper/vinyl. I know that I'll probably us Studio for design and cut many things in Design Space. Great Tutorial and on Point.

Thanks for the review! I need a machine to cut fabric pieces 2 1/2 yrds in length so the Cameo 4 is definitely gonna be the purchase for me!

This is the best informational video I have seen. Thank you so much for doing this and actually comparing the Pro's and Con's. II am currently a Cricut owner and although it is user friendly for beginners you do it a wall with being able to expand on you're projects. Thank you for such a detailed video. This actually has convinced me to purchase a cameo 4.

I agree with Cricut users complaing about alignment issues. I have a maker and cut my printed designs FACE DOWN. I do this because the edges are a lot nicer on this thick card stock when cut from the back. The trouble that creates is I cannot rely on the registration marks used with print and cut. I recently found out that Design Space places a ridiculous size restriction on print and cut anyways. So I have a few lines in my files that serve as registration marks. I first cut a piece of copy paper with these and cancel before it starts cutting my design. Then I have a guide made of the copy paper to align my print to. This usually works OK. But then sometimes the Cricut will randomly start the cut a few mm too high or low. That used to ruin my design but because those registration lines are cut first, I have time to bail on the cut. If the Cricut is not starting where it should I've found that repeated attempts don't work. I need to cancel the cut, position the design again and do another cut of the copy paper and hope the machine will print in the right place. I should add that I move my cuts around the map frequently since I am cutting with a lot of force. I go right through the mat if I don't move things around so trying to position my art at 0,0 and always placing it in the same spot on the mat is also not something I can do. This process is too tedious and I am disappointed with the Cricut's repeatability. I think once a cut starts in the right spot, it's accurate however most of the time for the two passes my cuts require.

Omgosh! I enjoyed your video so much! I've been in the market for a cutting machine but couldn't decide which one would best suit my needs. By breaking it down for me, you've helped me significantly in my decision.🥰 Thank you!

silhouette software with a cricut machine sounds like something that would work for me. Freedom in designing (silhouette) with the ease of use (cricut) like you said in the end of your review. Thanks for the review!

I used to be silhoutte then hopped over to a Maker, which as a stand alone machine is great, but Cricut lets all of its customers down with its software. It is so lacking in design capability and is so glitchy that it makes me dread turning on the machine. Cricut’s business model means they won’t be addressing the design and usability capabilities as they want you to lock into their own designs. I’ve stuck with the Cricut for three years (first with explore then a maker) and I cannot wait for the cameo 4 pro to come out. As soon as it is released, I’ll be selling my maker.

This is an awesome comparison. I am completely clueless but looking for options as gift for my wife and your video is extremely helpful. Thank you!

Very informative review. I loved that you weren’t leaning towards just one or the other and actually compared them both. I’m a newbie and just purchased the baby Joy Xtra 😂 hey, I’m just starting out ok! I’ve seen horrible reviews for the Maker 3, so I’m staying away from that one. My sister has a Cricut Explore Air 2 since it came out and she loves it! She says she will use it until it dies before buying another. I think I will go with another Cricut only because DS is much more simpler. I cannot retain information like I used to, so the Silhouette may not be good for me, which is a shame because I was leaning towards that until you said it’s not as easy to learn. I love the features though

This is so incredibly helpful! I want to make shirts and decals and such and I feel the Cricut would be easier for me to get started. Thanks!

Excellent comparison! I still can't decide though because I don't know if I will use it as much.

What sold me on the Silhouette SD way back before Cameo came on market was no cartridges. I also liked the flexibility that Sil offered to alter designs & that I don’t need an internet connection to use all my designs I’ve bought or created. I just bought a Cameo 4 as my SD is restricted to 8.5” wide paper & I’d like to make larger items without piecing together.

I know I’m two years late seeing your video, but I’m new to the Silhouette Cameo 4. I have the CRICUT Explorer Air 2, and recently (the Saturday before Mother’s Day, 2023) I acquired the Silhouette Cameo 4 from someone sold to me off Facebook Marketplace as a “New” cutter. It has a big long scratch on the cover, which is about 6 inches long, the autoblade was not properly installed, and it was shaking and rattling very loudly in the left corner when I turned it on. Although, she told me that she sold it because she already was comfortable using the CRICUT Explorer Air 2, and decided not to learn the new machine and its software. She said she turned it on and back off because it was louder than the CRICUT. So she placed it in her closet. She shipped the machine to me loosely in a liquor box with about 4 small ziplock bags in the box. Needless to say, I was shocked when I received it. The noise it made was not normal. Although, the Cameo is louder than the CRICUT, but the shaking, rattling noise was not the normal sound. The machine did not cut anything at first. I went to RU-vid to ask about the noise, and quickly found the answer. The carriage needed to be reset by turning the machine off, and manually sliding the carriage from left to right about 6 times. Then, turn the machine back on with the carriage still in the right hand corner. When I turned it back on, it automatically aligned itself properly to the left position. The loud noise was now gone. The autoblade: I thought the blade was dull or defective, so around 3:00 A.M.,I woke up with that blade on my mind. I went to Amazon to order a couple of replacement blades only to see the product video, which demonstrated how to properly install the autoblade. OH MY GOODNESS!!!! The blade only needed to be pushed down into the carriage to close the gap between the carriage and the blade, and then push in the locking mechanism to hold the autoblade securely in place. Now, this machine cuts really good. It quietly aligns itself every time. However, I do need to learn the correct settings for the various materials that I desire to cut. The liquor box didn’t include nothing else; just the machine and the one autoblade. Nothing else. I have concluded that the lady thought she had unloaded a defective machine for $200. I thought the same thing, but, so far, the machine is working fine now. I did cut a couple of designs, and it left the last character off the design on both pieces of HTV. So far, that has only happened twice. I wonder what could be causing this problem of leaving off the last letter in a design. I had to cut the letters separately and piece the design together to press them with my heat press. I also have figure out why the mirror option doesn’t work unless I flip the design before clicking SEND. when it asks to mirror the design, the image doesn’t actually cut mirrored. I have ruined two pieces of 3D PUFF HTV. I HAVE to figure this out. Meanwhile. I will be flipping my designs before clicking SEND. I have ordered two replacement autoblades, two deep cut blades, two 12x24 long mats, two 12x12 mats, and the stand for stacking the two cutters. The CRICUT is one the top with the bottom screwed onto the top of the white stand, and the Silhouette Cameo 4 is on the bottom. What do you think about this situation? I would greatly appreciate your feedback. Thank you, Donna Watson

Thank you so much for this very thorough comparison. I am definitely going to purchase the Cameo now, especially in light of recent events. I am particularly thankful that you showed the god-awful noise that the Cameo makes. I absolutely would have thought that I purchased a malfunctioning machine! Still going with Cameo, though. 😏

I saw a tutorial on Cameo 3 by Silhouette, and she waas able to cut by color, or layer, and she did not have to move designs on and off if she wanted to cut multicolor designs.

I think it just depends on the user, I have a friend who had silhouette and kept complaining, she we t and got herself a cricut, I was gifted a cricut which is why I’m looking at videos but having a cameo as a complement to my cricut would definitely not hurt. I do want the best of both worlds 😅

Speaking as someone who’s new to this hobby and bought a second hand cricut maker I’m glad to learn there is software that’s better than what cricut offers. Cheers! :)

I don't know how I've ever, or will ever again, be able to make a decision unless I hear you lay it out like this SO THOROUGH! I'd love to know your thoughts comparing them now that the maker 3 has come out. Thanks again !

Thank you so much for going into the differences with the software! I'm a newbie and need hand-holding for the software aspect. The software definitely sold it for me to get a Cricut. It was also very insightful into knowing the cutting surface area for both machines. For me, I'm looking to create smaller projects and don't require a large space. Very insightful video! :)

So in summary go with silhouette cameo 4, unless you want a quieter, a software that will hold your hands along each step (with far less feature), want a better feel build,

I am a beginner and the biggest sell for me is the cricut actually as you say "holding your hand" and showing what to do next. So it is the Cricut that I will be investing in for my bookbinding hobby. Thanks for this video.

Thank you Karley! Awesome video! I'm obsessed with Cricut but lately Design Space has been very frustrating and I love using the Silhouette Software. So really really been thinking of just purchasing the Cameo 4 just so I can start and finish my projects without having to switch back and forth between softwares. Very informative video. Love it!

I have had my Maker for a few months and I still only do basic things on it. I am so intimidated by it lol. I want to learn how to use it and be a well seasoned Maker user.

This is the best side-by-side comparison that I've seen. This video helped to reinforce that the Cameo is the right machine for me. I think Cricut is so popular because the company has done a better job of getting machines and other free materials to influencers. I especially like the cutting size of the Cameo. I don't like waste so taking a 12x12 paper and cutting it to 11.5x11.5 on the Cricut would be frustrating. Thank you for showing that you can cut fabric without a stabilizer.

Something you might try is putting a folded towel under your machine. I have a silhouette cameo 2 which I love and it made it a little quieter.

Thank You for taking your time to make this video. I highly appreciate it.

Thanks for the detailed comparison, have been wanting to see a video like this 👍

I bought the cameo many years ago over the Cricut because you had to be online. I love the cameo software because I can design and not have to buy designs all the time. I think the Cricut is for people who would rather purchase most of their designs or are not comfortable with designing in the software. I think your comparison was great.

I do not use the drawing functions on my Silhouette since I am a graphic designer and use Illustrator exclusively. The reason I watched this video is I know nothing about the capabilities and functions of a Cricut machine. My take away from this... I made the right decision going the Silhouette route, but your right about the noise hahaha Aesthetically, I love the look of the Silhouette... imho, it looks more sleek and professional.

Super helpful video! I have owned a Cricut Expression (with the Gypsy and old Cricut Craft Room format), a Silhouette Cameo and now I am back to using a Cricut and have a Cricut Explore. I love Cricut Explore because I can use all of the cartridges I amassed from 2006 to 2012 and I think it is so user friendly, but I think the Silhouette Design store has some really great designs. Now that I see that you can buy a Silhouette file as an SVG - that is really a game changer. I am on the fence about whether to buy a Cricut Maker - but I suspect I will need to at some point since I suspect Cricut is going to move to only supporting the blade adapter system which does seem cool

I have had the cameo since 2013 first gen. Works like a charm but i always wanted to cut deep balsa wood and bass wood. I got a new cameo for Christmas 2020. Now to make gifts.

Thanks for an excellent explanation of both machines. I am looking for fabric cutting, and light fashion vinyl. I really am truly undecided as this is for a small business. Again thank you.

Thank you, very good information. I have the cricut air and it continues to loose connection, the small space for my print and cut waste so much product. I'm glad I found your channel. I will likely purchase a silhouette.

Thank you so much for this video. I’ll be buying a Cricut for my wedding!

Thank you for this wonderful video. I have a Cricut Air 2 but I am having so many issues with Design Space and my Mac not playing nice together. It is making me want the Cameo 4. The software looks amazing and I'm very familiar with Illustration and Inkscape. I've loved my Cricut but I think its time for a change

Have a maker and just bought a cameo 4. Reasons why below. I have had a makers for 1.5 years and the last update has made it difficult for getting consistent clean cuts (I think the update was in August). It makes extra cuts in weird places that it never did before randomly on projects that we have cut many times prior with no issues. It's not a machine issue and we have tried new blades. Multiple complaints have been sent to the company from people according to a forum we are in. I loved this machine and I am so frustrated with it right now because we can't fill orders for our customers without wasting vinyl because we don't know when it will decided to just mess up on the cuts. That being said we were beyond frustrated with the auto responses from Cricut that we went out and got a cameo 4. It will take some time to get used to but so far so good and I love the extra machine features (roller and cutter). If they ever fix the Cricut software I will gladly use my maker as well but for now my gorgeous machine that I adored so much will sit on the shelf until we hear that the issues get fixed.

Thank you to the many comments added. Learned a lot reading your experiences.

Really good comparison... I still don't know which will be better for me. I like the idea of the cameo and the cutting feature on the back. Software usually comes easier to me but the ease of use for cameo is also nice.... time to play with the software.

I really enjoyed your video. I have Silhouette Cameo 1 - Designer Edition and a Cricut Joy. I love the Joy because I can use my IPad (quicker to open than my laptop). I don’t really like design space for designs - Silhouette Design Store is better laid out and easier to purchase with download cards and the free designs can be added to my library. The thing I don’t like about the Cameo, is the noise. I was disappointed that Cameo 4 is the same. I think Cricut Maker cuts fabric better than the Cameo. Also, the cutting tools of Cricut are of a better quality than Cameo. The Joy’s mat lost it’s stick quickly but rectified with 505. I’m happy using both machines and software, depending on the project - enjoying the challenge. I’m thinking of buying a Maker and keeping my Silhouette Cameo 1. The Joy is so much fun.

Good video. Hard with Covid, but find a friend with each and try them before you buy. I had a Cricut and for many reasons became completely frustrated with company and machine. Waited years, bought Sillouette Cameo 4, and it has made me love creating things again. The software fit my brain immediately... first use! I am so happy with it but I know many love Cricut logic. I do not think I will ever consider going back. I do have the Business Edition and with it, for me, the sky is the limit!

I’ve watched a lot of videos to get help trying to decide which machine was best for me. This was the best video I’ve run across. I was able to make my final decision from your suggestions and demonstrations. Thank you.

This is the perfect video! Thank you so much! I think I will go with the silhouette!

I think I'm more confused now that I was before. After I saw the video I was thinking of getting the silhouette and then I started reading the comments and I'm not sure what I want again 😓😭

I have owned both Cameo 3 and Cricut Explore Air 2. I loved them both but for me personally I love the Cameo 3 over the Cricut. For what I create the Cameo gives me more freedom in designing. I’m currently awaiting restock of the Cameo 4 Pro and will order after the Christmas frenzy. Very excited to get a large format cutter.