UPDATE: Feel free to read my opinions, there is some great information below, but I wrote another post ABOUT 1 YEAR LATER that you should also read: Check it out to see my opinion now!
Click the button below:
I get a lot of questions about my Silhouette on a daily basis, and long time readers know that I’ve been “pro” Silhouette for a long time. Heck, I have sooo many Silhouette projects, I stopped counting. BUT, I’m sure you have noticed the hubbabaloo from all over the web about the “new” Cricut machine.
I’m a trier and a doer. I have to try things myself. So although I had some great blog friends tell me about the wonders of the Cricut Explore, I am naturally skeptical. It’s just my nature.
So I have been playing around with both machines for several months now. After all I couldn’t just jump to a conclusion after trying it once, that wouldn’t be fair in my opinion. Now that I’ve got some experience under my belt, I’m ready to discuss the pros and cons of both.
In all fairness, before I continue, I need to disclose that I got both machines for free. My Silhouette Cameo and my Cricut Explore were given to me for free to use. But as always all opinions are 100% my own. I think that if I had paid $300 for one machine and had gotten another for free, my opinion could have been skewed because of the cost, but since my machines were sent to me without cost, I believe this gives me an advantage to review them both from a neutral point of view.
You may have noticed that I haven’t done much with Silhouette {as a sponsor of ATT} for awhile. I still use my machine, but I wanted to try the Cricut too. I can truly say that I have no current affiliations with either company, I would like to share my unsponsored opinion about both machines without filtering myself.
Let’s get right to the chase: I’ll start with the Cricut.
Cricut Explore Pros:
The Explore truly cuts better than the Silhouette CAMEO. In my opinion the machine is manufactured better and it has more precise cuts. I have been pleasantly surprised by it’s abilities to cut {especially thick materials}.
You can re-cut something and it does it PERFECTLY! I love this feature! All you do is press the green “go” button again and it will cut it again. This would have saved me lots and lots of time in the past.
The software is easy to navigate unlike the Silhouette software was as a beginner and just an FYI: the Cricut Explore machine gives you the same abilities to use your own fonts like Silhouette.
You can upload your own images much easier into the Cricut software than Silhouette {SVG files work best}.
Cricut Cons:
In order to use their design software, you need to have an internet connection. This is hard for me because my Internet is sketchy at times.
You can only cut 24 inches long. BUT, in their defense, when I do cut longer than 24” with my Silhouette, I usually have problems. I have ruined probably 50 feet of vinyl trying to use this feature with my Silhouette and a lot of times it takes three/four tries to get a good solid cut. BUT, it would be nice to have that option with my Cricut. Because to be honest, I would rather try it four times and have it work eventually than not have that option at all.
Their images to buy are sparse. TIP: you can download SVG files from all over the internet to cut and it’s a simple process to upload them. I started buying images from ETSY when I couldn’t find what I was looking for.
The blade is high quality and does not need to be changed quickly.
Silhouette Pros:
You can cut longer than 24 inches {see above debate though}, and now you can use the rolling attachment to make sure it loads straight.
The image bank for Sihouette is excellent. You can usually buy the exact image you are looking for for only 99 cents.
Silhouette Cons:
The software is confusing. I have had at least 50 phone conversations with friends and family who cannot figure out how to do something with the software. It is usually easier for me to do it for them by emailing the file to me, me fixing it and sending it back to them than it is to explain.
The machine has hiccups. I have learned to avoid problems with hours and hours of trouble-shooting, but even with my experience with the machine, sometimes I want to throw it through the window. It is hard to count on and sometimes it just won’t work correctly.
In order to get precise cuts, you need a fresh blade. The blades get dull fast. I have learned that a big project can easily need two blades to finish.
Overall, I am still internally torn slightly because a lot of the projects I do the Cricut just simply does not have the ability to do. It can’t cut longer than 24″ and that is a hang up I have.
But, if I had to choose right now which one was better, I would choose the Cricut. Why? You ask? Well, because it cuts like a DREAM. I hope sincerely that they will roll out other features, and to be honest I will still use my Silhouette when I need to do certain projects. But, I prefer cutting with my Cricut. I do. I truly do.
Ultimately if I had my Mom on the phone today and she asked me which one to buy, I would tell her to buy the Cricut because of the quality of the machine. But, guess what? My Mom has a Silhouette and I’m not telling her to throw it out, yet.
But, if you are debating between them, I would buy the Cricut.
Don’t hate me Silhouette Lovers.
xoxo,
Brooke
For those of you who have also used both machines, feel free to use the comments to share your expertise. I will be updating this post to include any other info that I find.
UPDATE: ABOUT 1 YEAR LATER I WROTE THIS POST: Check it out to see my opinion now!
Thanks for sharing Brooke! I’ve had issues cutting with my silhouette . so I’ll probably switch to cricut at some point!
Thank you for sharing! I really love your side-by-side comparison. I’ve been wanting to purchase and this is the first neutral comparison I’ve seen. What would you recommend purchasing with it??? There seem to be a million add on things.
Jess, Thanks for your comment! What would you be cutting mostly?
I’m thinking vinyl primarily, but my daughter would use it for paper crafts and fabric transfer.
Thanks for this, Brooke. I am ashamed to say I got a Silhouette Portrait last November and have been too busy and too intimidated to try it out yet. Don’t tell my husband. LOL xo
No worries Cindy! Your secret is safe with me!!
What do you do with your old cartridges with the new Cricut? Do you know? I have an older one and have been debating a step up to a silhouette but now I think I might stick with the brand I know.
The new Cricut Explore doesn’t need cartridges. So I would sell your old one (with the cartridges and get the new one.)
With the Explore, you can link your cartridges within the Design Space, so they are always available to use. The way I understand it, once they are linked to one account, they cannot be linked to another. So if you have cartridges that you love, and you would still use with a new machine, you could link them, but if you sell them once they are linked, the new owner wouldn’t be able to link them (I think they could still use them tho.)
Thanks for the clarification Amy! xoxo
A new user can use a previously linked cartridge with older Cricut models but not an Explore.
All of my cartridges are linked to my Cricut Craft Room account and will all be available to me when I update to the Explore one of these days, so don’t get rid of your cartridges since you can use them all with the Explore. They just need to be linked to Design Studio. I love all my cartridges.
Actually you can still use your old cartridges with the new Cricut Explore! It’s a bit tricky, you’ll see a cartridge insert right above the “open” button. Enjoy!
I have a second-hand Cricut Expressions 2 that I stopped using (not enough time right now and I hate not having my own images). I cannot link it to my pc and gave up through the years, hence my cartridges are PROBABLY not linked to anything.
I was thinking of selling it with the cartridges to buy a Silhouette, untill I discovered there’s a Cricut Explore that’s receiving excellent reviews!
Now I’m so contemplating rather saving for and getting the Explore and staying in the Cricut family, but 1. do I still sell my cartridges, or 2. do I keep them (will they work with the new machine)?
I also see there are 3 models:
Explore One (cuts)
Explore (cuts & writes)
Explore Air (cuts & writes wirelessly)
OF COURSE I’d WANT the Explore Air, but I do NOT have unlimited funds.
Does anyone know if it’s worth it, if it makes such a difference?
I’m so confused…
Feel free to answer ANY of the questions I just rambled off above! PLEASE! :):):)
PS: Brooke, thanks for the post, VERY helpful 🙂
M
I enjoyed reading your review. I’ve been a Cricut user for 7 years, and I LOVE my Cricuts! I won a silhouette portrait last year, and was so excited to be able to cut my own fonts. I struggled with using the silhouette software. I didn’t think it would be hard to go from using Cricut Craft Room to the Silhouette software, but it was. I now have a Cricut Explore. I am able to use it for everything I want/need to cut. I very rarely get out the silhouette. I’m sure it would be more of a toss up between the two machines if I knew how to use the silhouette better (and if I had the cameo). I agree with you, I don’t really like that you have to have an internet connection to be able to cut on the Explore tho.
Thank you so much for this. I’ve been trying to decide which to ask for for my birthday. I have an old, old original Cricut which I still use daily. But I also use Illustrator and can create my own SVG files – so good to know that I can use these with the Explore! I think I know which machine I’m going to ask for!
I am just a beginner, so forgive the dumb questions. Cricut corp told me that only the explore would allow me to make monogram car window decals with custom fonts. Does your post mean that it can be done with another cricut machine? I am sorry, but i do not know what illistrator is. Can you please help?
No, you need the Explore to do that. But, you could do it with a Silhouette also. Silhouette is a different brand.
One thing I do not like about the cricut is their inability to update the software with versions of computer of software. Currently, i am on month 5 of not using my cricut expression 2 because the latest Mac update does not work with the CE2. And while I have been told that they are working on it and the new Cricut Explore is Mac compatible with latest update, it does not help me now, since I prefer to use my computer and cannot afford to buy a new one. I am thinking I am going to switch to the Cameo, I have not heard any update issues for making it compatible with the Mac at all. Have you had any issues with the Cameo software not being compatible with the newer Mac software update?
Thanks.
Have u tried using Chrome instead of Safari?
I also use a mac and just got the cricut explore a few weeks ago and it does work just fine with the new mac update.
I have a Silhouette Cameo and have run into the same problems that you have. I’m glad I’m not alone! I went to a Cricut Launch party though and ran into problems when the glitter vinyl didn’t cut well and ended up taking over 30 minutes to weed. Definitely turned me off! BUT after reading your review I might have to consider the Cricut again.
Turn your vinyl over and cut it from the smooth side instead of the glittery side.
I have a mac and the Explore works great with Chrome! U can’t use Safari but with Chrome the Explore is awesome!
I have the Silhouette and I totally get what you’re saying about the software being confusing! I’ve heard wonderful things about the Cricut.
Thanks for sharing!
Leslie
Good comparison. I’ve never tried a Cricut: I decided to go with Silhouette Portrait a year ago since it doesn’t require cartridges, while Cricut did at that time (at least as far as I knew). I do love the Print and Cut feature, and the ability to create my own SVGs as well as get free ones from the net.
I was wondering about the Close To My Heart cartridges?
I have already purchased them and use them with my 1st generation expression machine. I have never set up a cricut acct.
Because I have so much money invested in cartridges I am just wondering if there is a way I would not have to re-purchase them?
Thanks, Lydia
Lydia, you just link your cartridges to your online Cricut.com account and you have access to all their images forever.
According to the support page, “Cricut Explore® was designed to work with Cricut Design Space™, rather than as a stand-alone machine. However, you can still use cartridges you own with your Cricut Explore®. This can be done by linking your cartridges to Cricut Design Space using the port on your Cricut Explore machine, linking your cartridges to the Cricut Craft Room® design software, or linking your cartridges to your Cricut Gypsy™ device and then linking your Gypsy to your Cricut.com account.”
Go to http://us.cricut.com/home/support/ and then click on the question “How do I link my cartridges to Cricut Design Space™?” to get details on how it works.
I don’t have either but already have money set aside to buy the explore on Black Friday. I do have a Mac so hope I don’t run into any issues.
I appreciate your review, I have been curious about the new Cricut my self, but after the last Cricut disaster a few years back, I wasn’t sure if they could bounce back or even IF i wanted to go back. I had the Cricut Expressions. That’s when I found my Silhouette. I’m very surprised at all the problems you had with yours & when you wrote how you where so frustrated you wanted to throw it out a window, I just cant imagine that with the silhouette I have. Mine has always preformed like a dream, except the first month. I was cutting regular scrap pieces of card stock, pieced on the mat & left the room while it was cutting & heard a gear grinding noise, I came running back in & it had stopped working all together. a piece of paper that I didn’t lay completely flat, had gotten stuck, but it wouldn’t turn back on at all, ever. I called Silhouette customer service & they sent a brand new one overnight they next day. never had another problem since. I do however completely agree with everything else you had to say about the Si;silhouette. especially the blades. I always makes sure I have a lot of them. I normally run my machine all day, every day. so I go through them. I think if I could get a free machine I would be more inclined to try it out too, but until I figure out how to do that I think Ill stick with my Silhouette. Thanks for the review I did find it very useful. :0)
I have a cricut person, cricut expression , cricut E2, cricut gypsy and Silhouette Portrait. I love them all . I use both of them lot for all kinds of projects. There is a learning curve for the software for both . I don’t know how it is for cricut explore. It took awhile. The are features that like on silhouette. ( cut & print, design you own project and svg cut files, designs are up to date, and get designs for half the cost if watch for sales). Cricut still love. I do lot of large amount cutting on this for my church. (women’s breakfast and VBS) . It goes a lot faster . I still use the cricut craft room to do some of my designs and most of my card making. I love to try out the cricut explore, my friend has on that I guess that I can try out.
My internet is way too sketchy to have to depend on it. I think Provo craft bombed when they made that a requirement. I would never buy because of that and I have a major internet provider in a metro area.
What exactly do you mean by “print and cut”? I have a Cricut currently and I enjoy it but I’m wondering about the print and cut feature on the Silhouette. Does that mean it will cut something you print out of your printer?
Yes, you got it. Cricut is working to add this feature to Design Space and the Cricut Explore very soon.
I LOVE that you did this post! I have been eyeballing the silhouette’s for a few years now. I have the Cricut Expression. Old school, I know. But, I wasn’t ready to part with my cartridges. I loved the fact that Silhouette allowed you to use whatever fonts you’d like. That was something I had a problem with my cricut. I have not “shopped” around for a new cutting machine because I was torn. After reading this, I may need to start shopping again. lol Thank you!
You can link your cartridges to your cricut.com account and you’ll have access to them forever. So all that investment is not wasted 🙂
I also have both machines, and I would agree that the cricut is probably my favorite. It just cuts so nicely, and the software is so user-friendly. One feature, however, that I use consistently on the Silhouette is the offset feature. If the Cricut had that capability, I would be very happy!
Nice to hear. Thx for the good info!
I’m curious…what do you cut that is longer than 24 inches? Or are you referring to cutting continuously for longer than 24 inches? Thanks for the review!
I enjoyed reading your post and I always love your projects. You are my favorite blogger of all. I am a little saddened by the fact that you are having trouble with your Silhouette Cameo. I have a friend who has the newest Cricut and we work together on a lot of projects for school and some of my furniture that I do. I have honestly NEVER had any problems with mine cutting and have only changed my blade once in a year. My machince the Cameo Silhouette is used daily with HTV glitter and every other material you can think of. My friend with the Cricut wishes daily that she had bought the Silhouette instead of the latest Cricut. I think with the issues you are having something must surely be wrong. I love my Cameo and honestly my friend Christy with the Cricut is an incredible designer and what she can do on my Cameo vs, her Cricut is unbelievable and I am learnig so much. I will always be a Silhouette Cameo lover and after working with Christy and having her at my side with the Cricut, I am thrilled with my choice and she will be purchasing her own Cameo very soon! I really think you should let them know and their customer service is phenomenol. Thanks so much Brooke!!
WOW! i have wanted a cutting machine for a LONG time but havent gotten one because i couldnt decided. I have read LOTS and LOTS of other comparisons but nothing has helped like this did!!!! Thanks so much!
I do have 2 questions.
Is the Cricut software easy to use? Im not very tech savvy…
Also does the cricut do well with vinyl?
I really appreciate this comparison review! I can learn new software pretty quickly but given the choice between easier or “more time” I’d go with the easier. I had my eye on Cameo for years and never bit. Now that the Cricut was released I wanted to wait to see how things shook out between the two. Cutting quality is important to me because I would likely do some intricate things.
What is “print and cut?”
Have you cut fabric with both? How did that turn out?
Silhouette Cameo vs Cricut Explore is like the iPhone vs Android debate. Silhouette offers many more designing features and has a fully flexible and capable design software. If you’re not used to a graphic imaging program it may be overwhelming (much like Android can be for newer smartphone users).
Cricut Explore is a much cleaner user interface and the machine cuts like a dream! However, there are still lots of little design features that I miss in Design Space that Silhouette Studio Designer Edition software offers: Offsets, Fill Page with a single design (for multi cuts), knife tool, draw tools, etc. I can take an image and rework it to fit my needs or create an image from scratch. Explore seems to work best with their stock images and projects. It is also more user friendly and simplistic. Whew! I’m glad I have both machines.
If only I could design in Silhouette Studio and cut on Cricut Explore without having to export and import 😉
Very good review. Gives folks a good comparison. I am in the process of buying a machine myself and trying to decide between the 2 of them. Right now I’m leaning toward the Cricut Explore. I have an E2 and have always enjoyed using it but loved some of the options the silhouette has. But the updated features on the Cricut have surprised me. The Cricut Explore now has the print and cut feature as well as the slice feature. And I love that we can now import our own SVG files and cut and import fonts and cut as well, even the more elaborate ones. When the new Cricut came out, I didn’t buy one and didn’t think I would but with these recent changes and more that are coming, I think I’m headed that way. Also as I understand it, Cricut is working on having an Ipad and computer link with a bluetooth wifi adaptor, that I understand will give you more flexibility and make it more portable.
hi, im thinking in buying one of this machines for my scrapbooking business. i might buy more than one machine so i must take the best choice. i have some questions for you, the machines are gonna be continously working so which one will be best for it? also … many of the things i do are boxes for packaging, in this case which one is better? asking about both of them do they work only with the specific materials they supply, or can i use any material that has some characteristics ? which one works with more materials and in a better way? thinking in business will you advise me one of these or any other brand?
thanks a lot
I am a total newbie here so please be patient with me. I am looking to buy either the Cricut or the Silhouette for my “Santa Selfie” present this year. I am a glass fusing artist, so here are my questions:
(1) Which would be better at cutting a thick material like a vinyl resist for sandblasting? That stuff is about 1/16″ thick and TOUGH.
(2) Mostly I want it for cutting designs from a kiln shelf paper called Thinfire. It is about the thickness of a heavy parchment or a home-made paper. Which one do you think would deliver sharper cuts for fairly intricate and detailed designs, for example paisley-type images?
(3) And this IS a newbie question, am I correct that with either machine, you can import your own images for cutting? I do all my designing on an AutoCad program for glass called Glasseye, and want to be able to import those images. I can save those images in JPG files, so will those work OK with either machine?
Thanks for any help/advice! I am so glad I found your site!!
I’ve read and viewed many reviews on the systems and am still torn on which to buy. I was leaning towards the cricut until I used the online software and I’m not too impressed so far, especially after I learned that there are restrictions on the file sizes based on the internet browser you use. I am waiting to hear from another forum if there is a way to change that setting or not. For those of you who have used the software, what would you say is better? I’m not intimidated by computers or software, everything has the ability to be learned. My main projects are corn hole decals (so vinyl decals) and looking to do sizes 12″x12″ to 18″x18″ max. This is what I learned about the cricut software and the web browser issues:
Chrome: 5.5″ x 8″
Firefox: 6″ x 8.5″
Safari: 6″ x 8.5″
Internet Explorer: 6″ x 8.5″
This being said, can you change that on the browser and software for cricut or would I be stuck to abide by these restrictions? I get this message every time: “The printable image is too large for the 8.5 x 11 material. Please reduce image size.”
Did you ever figure out a solution to this?
I can’t get past these size restrictions.
If I’m not able to print and cut anything bigger, what is the point of having a 12″ mat?
Is CriCut’s support team useful?
Nope, that’s why I wrote part 2, and have used my Silhouette more than my Cricut BY FAR.
Also, if you have any insight on the new Silhouette 2, that would be appreciated. Also, after further review, I noticed neither machine prints/cuts farther than 12″ wide. Are there any other cost effective machines/software that can do a larger width?
Thanks for the wonderful article! Would you consider updating it now that the Cricut Explore offers a Print then Cut feature? http://us.cricut.com/home/learn/software/print-then-cut
Hello! I just learned of these machines and appreciate your opinions. I googled ‘Cricut vs. Silhouette’ and found you … glad I did!
Thanks!
So you are saying with the cricut to even use fonts you have downloaded already it requires the internet to even cut them? I could see if you were using the online software but if i bought the software program and installed it on my computer I would still have to have the internet to use it? I live in rural and dont have the internet at home. So is my best option the cameo?
Yes, and yes, I would definitely go with the Cameo in your situation. It’s a great machine too.
AND! If you hurry, you can use my code “Thrifty” and get a big discount. I think it ends today.
I am a Cricut Expression 2 owner and have been looking into getting the Silhouette. When I got my Cricut Expression 2 machine as a gift, it truly served its purpose. I was a beginner/novice when it came to crafting on my own, not being patient in the process I often got discouraged and often frustrated with the machine . I am also a teacher and only used it once or twice to make things for my classroom. As I really wanted to learn and be able do more with the machine, I signed up for a Cricut scrapbook/craft class. My teacher was amazing and as I continued to take the class I started finding new and more challenging projects on pinterest and other sites that I could learn how to do and make. I quickly learned that as I wanted to step up to the next level in my ability to create and do more with Cricut Expression 2 machine that I would be paying and buying more too. Most of the Cricut tools, images/fonts and or materials that you will need and use are expensive even on sale. You also can’t use any craft/art supply discount coupon when buying any Cricut items. It seems like I am always finding one of two specific images or fonts that I have to spend at least 20 dollars to use.
Kim, This review is about the Cricut Explore, you no longer need cartridges with this machine. Plus, you can use the fonts on your computer and each image is only around 50 cents to a $1.
My husband gave me ez2 for Christmas and am realy having trouble undrstanding how to operate. I can”t figure out how to make stencils, among other things. Need desperatlyto have a class on this machine. Any help would be appreciated.
To sum it all up is this correct? Cricut does NOT have the option to cut and print like Silhouette does? Silhouette offers so much more to down load from the internet? You MUST be connected to the internet to use Cricut? Does Silhouette have to have cartridges?
Thank you so much for all the info from everyone above. I am just being introduced to these machines and my husband is buying me one for Christmas. However, I am trying to make the decision as to which one to buy.
I have had Cricut Expression for several yrs, but they say I need to upgrade to use the Design Studio so I decided to try the Silhouette Cameo. I have had it for a week and have yet to successfully cut anything. It reminds me of using Photoshop which I find confusing. I will probably be taking it back for a refund. I want to have fun with these things and find the Cameo to be struggle.
I have a Cameo and have been using it for almost 3 years. It is the cornerstone of my Etsy business. reinventing ordinary.etsy.com.
It’s worked pretty well so far … but in the last two months the software has been freezing up all the time. It will work for a few minutes and then nothing will move. Cannot enlarge fonts or transfer designs from my library without waiting up to 5 minutes. I have a Mac …. and I don’t know what the problem is.
I have to have this for my business … but as thinking maybe I should change. Have you heard of any problems with freezing of the Silhouette software. There seems to be quite of few complaints on line as I Googled my problem.
Suggestions? Is there an easy change over software wise between the two? Thanks
Becky
Thanks SO very much!!! I have an older Cricut that is barely used….I have one friend with the new Cricut and another with a Cameo and I’ve heard great things about both, Your review helped tremendously, thanks again!!
Can you tell me why the .svg files doesn’t import in it’s native size? Is there anyway to correct that. I am saving the .svg file from my embroidery program to cut out fabric appliqué. If the size isn’t correct then the appliqué doesn’t fit properly to cut out. I know I can adjust the size but have found after doing all of that, I save the file in the canvas, when I bring it up again, it is not the size I saved it in. It imports it a lot smaller and then the whole process has to be done again. Do you know any way to correct this? Thanks.
Thank you for the comparison! I’m contemplating purchasing one of these machines and your article was great! One question that I cannot seem to find the answer to is and that is am I able to design my own .svg image or am I limited only to what they offer? I am familiar with Adobe Illustrator and was hoping that I could design my own images with it.
Thanks!
You can definitely design your own images with both the Cricut and the Silhouette. 🙂 I have the Silhouette design edition of the software, and I think you need that to do it. But, I am not 100% sure, to be honest. I know for a fact that you can with the Cricut. I’ve done it myself with their software. Good luck with your choice! xoxo
As a craft store employee who sells these machines (and can’t afford either) this is really helpful, People are always asking which one does what, which is better.
now I have an answer. Thanks!
So not happy with Cricut Design Space software. I can do ANYTHING with my Cameo Studio Software but the limitations of the Cricut software, having to download one item at a time, and purchase items constantly from Cricut is irritating. Why can’t I have a library for my purchased items?
Thanks for the comparison. Is this review based on the original cameo or cameo 2? Do you know of cameo 2 has resolved most of the hiccups you mentioned?
Thanks
Does the circuit do rhinestones templates I am having a very hard time
I don’t know. I know that Silhouette does!
Have you seen the Cricut Explore Air? How does it compare?
Thank you for this comparison. I want a new machine that can do scripts on both fabrics such as shirts and scripts onto glass. Which do you think would better suit these projects? I’m actually looking and buying today. I have a cricut and debated on selling it but can I upgrade to do all of this myself?
I looking for a cutter that will primarily be used for cutting fabric. Is one machine better than the other for fabric cutting?? Also, have you tried the Janome Cutting machine? I am very curious about it.
Thank you so much for this post! I am a 100% beginner, becoming inspired by Pinterest and all the crafts in Round Top.
I have been searching on google for days for information on how to begin, what tools I would need, etc. I was surprised at how difficult it was to find a post where someone actually said what equipment they were using! I am looking for a software / piece of equipment that will allow me to print and cut stencils so that I can paint onto wood, etc. I do believe you have finally given me a starting point – THANK YOU!!! I think I will purchase the Cricut machine and start from there. **Fingers Crossed** 🙂
Hi! I have just purchased a new Silhouette Cameo. I have two Cricut cartridges that I absolutely LOVE and want to be able to use with my Silhouette Cameo. Do you know if this is possible? Can I saw the cartridge to my computer and then use with Silhouette? I’m very new to all this, so please excuse my ignorance. 🙂
I have an older model Cricut and it’s never had a cartridge in it. When I purchased it I purchased software that I could transfer fonts and images off the internet and use them. I moved 4 years ago and haven’t used it since then, this makes me want to pull it out of storage!
I really enjoyed your review. I’ve been battling between the two for some time now. I’ll be using it mainly for iron on for shirts, vinyl, cards, and planner stickers.
Thanks this really helped I have been having trouble deciding
Im still not sure. I want to purchase on of this to make intricate and 1?inch dia and under airbrush stencils ( which may be cool to have access or purchase fun shapes and sizes for to make small enough prints to airbrush on chocolate bonbons) which ive seen videos that the cricut can handle with more precison
My second use is for custom candy boxes / packaging templates ive designed which I may use Mylar or metallic films/vinyls for as well as regular packaging paper for. For these two purposes what would you find to be best? Also does Cricut sell these small patterns to be used offline as well? Ugh, cant make my mind up. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated 🙂
Both machines can cut well with precision. I have found myself using my silhouette more than my Cricut these days. I think it’s just because the software is easier for me. As far as I know, the Cricut needs internet to work. I know that Silhouette will have a great Black Friday sale too {just an FYI}.
With your knowledge of the Silhouette Cameo…could you please email me and help me with some troubleshooting? Their customer support is basically non-existant. I have had my Cameo for less than a week. I set it up correctly and understand it. However, my software seems corrupt or something…everytime I close the program (manually) it tells me it is shutting down due to a problem!? And my machine itself will sometimes cut correctly and other times will cut images crooked (the mat isn’t slipping nor is the paper) or it will totally cut the right images but will miss the edges of the pictures…I am having *such* trouble and have wasted so much time and sticker paper that I am about ready to scream. Could you please help me??? I would sooo appreciate it!
WOAH! It sounds like there is definitely a problem. I have had problems when my software isn’t up to date. Do you have all the newest versions of the software?
THANK YOU for this information! I have and Expression and a Create. I was debating on the Cameo and the Explore Air. You have helped make my decision easy. We are moving soon and I want to DIY our new home! Your site is perfect and will look frequently for ideas and such!
Thank you again!
Denise
Hello, I have never owned either and would like to purchase one! I have just started my research and am curious, u said u have to buy the images and the have to be in am SVG file?? Do u kno if u can turn a PNG or JPEG into am SVG file on photoshop? … the only cutting machine I have ever seen and used a couple of times was my sisters old cricut that u had to buy the different cartridges for fonts and images… so ow u are able to use your own fonts and images and create what u want to cut on the computer right?? Thanks for your review! I can’t wait to get a cricut now and start a bunch of vinyl and other peojects… also I heard u can cut fabric is that true??
You can cut fabric with either the Silhouette or the Cricut. I have found that over the past year I have used my Silhouette more than my Cricut actually. But that might be because I know the Silhouette software better. Yes. You can use your own fonts and images. With both the Cricut Explore and the Silhouette Cameo.
Hi, thanks for sharing your opinion!
I’ve been trying to decide for days which of these two machine to buy, and it has been really difficult because I’ve heard so many different reviews and opinions. I’ve even downloaded the software for both to see which I prefer. I’m glad you mentioned the quality of the machines because most other reviews only compare features.
Now that you’ve mentioned that, I am leaning toward the Cricut but my question for you is this: as someone who wants to use the machine primarily for scrapbooking (maximum 12″x12″ paper in that case) do you believe the Cricut is sufficient? I know you said that you had difficulty with larger projects, but if I don’t intend to use it for larger projects it should work well, I would hope.
Thanks again!
Randi
Randi! Did you read my second post that I linked to at the bottom of the page? You might want to read that post too. I just barely wrote it last week! It might answer your questions. 🙂
Hi Brooke I have never ever left a comment on something like this before. But I also never read anything so helpful when looking to buy a machine. Wow Thank you! I still have many questions though. I don’t even know if you will get this message lol. If you get this and have a minute please email me k_lol909@msn.Com
Check your email. 🙂
Thank you for this comparison , it was very helpful ?
Hope you can try he silhouette curio and tell us your opinion =D
I am seriously considering a purchase of either Cricut or Silhouette. The investment is significant for a person who crafts on a limited basis. Primarily I would use the machine for Scrapbooking, maybe learn about card making. In the future I guess I could cut fabric for applique. I have read tons of reviews of both products and am now very, very confused. I am not interested in cartridges which are costly. I don’t have huge computer skills either but with good instruction could learn. Some reviews about brand talk about frequent replacement of cutting pads and blades even with limited use. Some talk about poor support from Cricut. My older computer turns out to not have enough memory and it would be costly to update it, so now the only option is our primary computer. I have not asked if I can use it remotely or have to dedicate space in that office vs my craft room. I just don’t know what to purchase now and really wanted to be prepared for any Black Friday opportunities that arise. If there are any comparisons or comments that you can provide I would be very appreciative. THANKS!!
Hi- So glad to have found your blog because it is really hard to find the objective reviews.
I am new to crafting and primarily want something to help with cutting sentiments for cards and pallet signs. I am pretty technically savvy, I have internet accessibility. I am considering so I don’t have to buy these individual dies for geometric and basic shapes like circles, flowers, or stars…. I don’t want to be constrained with fonts, etc.
From everything I read, it sounds to me like the Circut would be my best choice since it seems to be a better cutting machine.
Since the last post was just barely over 2 months ago, I am curious if your opinion has changed or not. I am considering purchasing one of the Circut Air configurations from HSN… which one of those is another equally difficult decision…. they have the Circut Explore Air Gold, the Cricut Explore Air with Anna Griffin Digital Content & Washi Sheets, and I think one or two others….
Thanks in advance-
Jaci
Jaci, I have a cricut and love it. The gold edition is just for those who want that color, Anna griffins content is basically all christmas stuff. It just comes down to what edition or bundle you’d rather get. The cricut I haven’t had issues cutting with and I’ve had it for 6 months or so. I am looking to get a silhouette soon though just because that machine has the capabilities of making rhinestone templates so I can add those to my business. 🙂
Brooke,
Thank you so much for posting about the cricut vs silhouette. I have been having a hard time trying to figure out which was the best machine to get along with the most cost effective. I recently gave up my career to be a stay at home mom for my special needs son and I am looking for ways to help supplement my lost income with crafts I can sell. I am looking to be able to do things like vinyal for cups, windows, maybe transfer for shirts. Is the silhouette this best for all of these options?
Thank you!
Yep!! I use mine for all of those things! The possibilities are endless! Best of luck! xo
I’m do glad I found this. I need a machine for my business and I have been torn between the two but your article just helped me so much!
Can you upload your own JPEG files for cutting?
YES! I like Silhouette’s tracing tool the best.
Thank you so much for your input! I’m looking to purchase one of these machines, but no one has really been able to give me much info. Your’s has been very helpful!
Which machine would you recommend to get I will be mostly cutting felt and other heavy matters
Silhouette FOR SURE.
There are so many different starter bundles for the Cameo III, which one would be best just for the novice who wants to do DIY projects with vinyl, monograms and quotes? Thanks!
I would get this CAMEO 3 bundle. You are going to LOVE it! I’m so excited for you!
Brooke – I’m looking for a machine that will cut stencil material. Do you know if either of these machines will cut something this thick? Thank you!
Yes, I know Silhouette does. I made a stencil with mine. If you search those terms on All Things Thrifty you will find my tutorial. But, I know Silhouette now sells their own stencil material too!
I am looking at both machines. I want a machine that I will be able to use an image online without paying for it. Also would you have to buy software for either machine. Please give me a break down of the cameo and circuit.
Thank You so very much!!!! You answered every question I could think of, but where do I buy the best quality vinyl? Thank You! Rose Vassar
I buy mine at Sign Warehouse!