Before I get started, I want to mention that I am not sponsored by either Silhouette or Cricut. So, in the spirit of full disclosure, I’m telling you 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.
One year ago almost exactly I wrote a post explaining the pros and cons between the Cricut Explore and the Silhouette CAMEO. I think its important to revisit opinions like these because let’s be honest, time matters, and after a year has gone by, I have definitely changed my mind. AND, instead of pretending that I’m a perfect person who never makes a mistake, I decided I would announce it to the world. I’m crazy like that apparently.
Guys, here’s the honest to goodness truth: I never use my Cricut Explore. I feel guilty because I said it cut better than the Silhouette in my last discussion. But, honestly I never use it. I haven’t used it in over 6 months. In fact, the last time I got it out to use it, I promptly put it back in the closet and got out my Silhouette.
So, I must not think it is THAT much of a difference because I find myself using my Silhouette ALL THE TIME, and I never us my Cricut Explore.
You must be wondering why I wouldn’t use a machine that I told you cut so well in a previous post. Well, it comes down to three main reasons:
1. You can cut longer than 24 inches with a Silhouette.
2. The Silhouette software is easier for me.
and
3. You don’t have to be connected to the Internet to design with the Silhouette Software and you do with Cricut’s.
Over the last year, I have gotten a new Silhouette CAMEO, and it cuts like a dream. I’ve used it a ton lately, and I just can’t bring myself to use the Cricut when the Silhouette does everything that I want and need it to do with ease.
I came to this conclusion the other day because my friend from my kids’ elementary school said to me, “I bought a Cricut to use in the Library. I’m going to cut a quote for the wall!” She was so excited. We had talked about the wall a few times in the past, and I knew exactly what she was talking about. The wall is about 8 feet long. The Cricut can only cut 24 inches at a time. My heart fell. I knew she had bought the Cricut because I had told her to, and I knew I had led her astray. I promptly told her that for cutting long quotes in vinyl, a Silhouette would be a better tool and that I would be happy to cut the quote for her.
Guys. I am sorry. I know there may be more of you out there that bought the Cricut and could be disappointed in this post. But, I need to be honest. I do not use it. I use my Silhouette all the time.
My latest two projects that I used the Silhouette for:
and my Guest Room Plant Holder:
I hope you will forgive me, and please know that I will always be honest about products when I talk about them here on All Things Thrifty. I try hard to prevent work for you. That’s why I blog. I try things. I do things. If they don’t work out, I blog about it. If I don’t like it, I blog about it. I want to save you time and heartache! So hopefully you will appreciate my honesty.
Happy Monday
xoxo,
Brooke
For great prices on CAMEO Amazon Bundles check out THIS, or for GREAT prices on a Silhouette Portrait {a slightly smaller version}, click HERE.
I love my silhouette and once you get the learning curve of the program it’s so easy. I can whip things up super fast.
The software on my Silhouette has been so hard for me to learn… Do you have any tips or know anyone who teaches a class??? How do you cut longer than 24 inches???
Hi Chelsea, you can specify the size of your project in the software. The main thing that I cut that is over 24 inches is vinyl. When I first started, I used youtube for tutorials. Hopefully that will help. It gets easier and easier. I promise.
I realize these are old posts, but i’m looking at buying my first silhouette cameo. I really don’t want to spend the money on a cameo 3, but it the changes are that good, I will. Which version do you like the best?I have no experience with these machines.
I do like the Cameo 3, but honestly the Cameo 2 is great too!
Just what I was looking for, thanks!! Wasn’t sure what to get and now I know. And my daughter’s name is Brooke:)
YAY! Tell your daughter she has a super cool name!
One more question. If I bought the Cameo starter pack are there other items I would need to operate at a basic level for making cards?
That is perfect. NOPE! Just paper! 🙂
I am looking to buy either a cricut or a silhouette for Christmas! In all honesty I will probably only be cutting monograms with either vinyl or using iron on material. I will also use it for children’s clothing and small home projects as well. Which would you recommend?!
Kenzie! You should buy a Silhouette! They go on sale tomorrow for a great price. I’ve never seen them this cheap! If you use the code THRIFTY at http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/bf to get a fantastic price!
SO……, the code does respond with your blog name with makes me think you are getting discounts, kickbacks… etc from Silhouette. ????
That is a fair statement. In 2015 when I wrote this post, I had no affiliation with either Silhouette or Cricut {and I hadn’t for several years}. But, after I came to my own firm conclusion that Silhouette was by faaaaaaar superior, I have done a few collaborations with Silhouette.
Brooke,
I’m glad I found your review – and that I continued on to Take Two! I had the first generation Silhouette, but it has pretty much died. I am now looking for a new e-cutter.
I have been looking at the Cricut Expression Air and the Silhouette Cameo. My hesitation with the Cricut has been the internet connection. Sometimes the internet at crops isn’t so great. However, I have switched primarily to a Chromebook, which has stopped my design capabilities. My Mac is about six years old, which gives me issues with newer software.
Your reviews were helpful, but I am still undecided.
Tricia
So if the Cricut Explore cut larger than 24″ do you think you would use it? I hear they are working on software that will allow you to work offline as well as working on make it possible to have a larger cut size. I am new to the world of cutting machines and want something easy to use. I think I will mostly print and cut, but would like to eventually do other projects like vinyl lettering for wall art. I had seen many good reviews on the Cricut Explore, and ordered one, but now am seeing more negative reviews!
They’ve been “working on” that software for years. So I’ll believe it when I see it.
Thank you so much for both take 1 and take 2. My mom and I are wanting to start vinyl crafting and we have been debating between the two machines.
I saw a bunch of cartridges at Hobby Lobby for the Cricut, do you have to buy these on the Cameo too?
No, in fact, with the new Cricut explore you don’t need cartridges either. You can buy images as you go for 99 cents. The CAMEO is my favorite cutting machine by far.
Hi Brooke,
I am torn, don’t know which machine to get. Several post i have read say Cricut is much easier to work with . I am not a crafter but like to make quick and easy projects. Any comments on the New Cricut Air?
I’m still going to stick with Silhouette here. I just do not like Cricut’s design software AT ALL.
Thank you so much for this!!!!
You have a new follower:)
I KNow seriously!!! I NEVER use the Cricuit either, I love how easy the Silhouette Studio is, and all the possibilities!
how did you get to try the machines for free?
Yes, if you read the first post {Cricut VS Silhouette take 1} I discuss this.
Thanks, for your reviews, I’m on the verge of purchasing a machine. Still undecided, I want to cut stencils, felt, not really much paper. But your review helps.
Brooke, I am looking into buying a machine very soon and I am so happy that I came across your honest review. I operate on a mac and I will be cutting stencils and vinyl lettering. I have specific fonts that I have purchased that I use frequently…would you say the silhouette is my best option?
-Nikki
YES! For sure a Silhouette. Good luck! you will love it.
Brooke I am looking to do wedding invitation and was wondering if the Silhouette would be a good machine to use for this?
YES! I love mine!!
Hello, I just bought a Sillouhette Cameo after reading both of your reviews. I was looking and researching for a month. At first I wanted the Cameo then thought I wanted he explore air and then back to he cameo. I finally seen the cameo starter bundle on sale for $179 so bought it instantly. Question, I bought mainly for vinyl. At first I was using a very small, thin font and my my font was ripping while cutting. I then learned to offset the font which helped a lot! But during this time I also have my blade on the recommended settings for vinyl (blade 1) and Let Silouhette prefill the thickness and speed. On the recommended setting the silouhette was cutting all the way through my vinyl! After a couple days of playing with it (my husband and I) just received my cameo last week. We got it to cut just he vinyl and not the backing
by having the blade set on 0 with a double cut (thickness 1 and speed 5) is this normal or is there a problem with out blade? I always assumed that the blade shouldn’t cut on 0? It’s the only way we can get our blade to cut vinyl without cutting all the way through and have rondo a double cut so it’s cut right. Don’t know if it’s my blade or the machine itself. Thank you for your reviews and hopefully I can get some help with this!
I wonder if your Silhouette thinks that you have a cutting mat under it. Make sure that your cutting mat box is unchecked.
You say you are not sponsored by either Silhouette or Cricut, but the machines were sent to you at no cost.
This therefore means you are sponsored. Receiving goods or services for free is sponsorship in the amount of free goods received.
What I am saying is that neither of the companies have paid me a penny to endorse their product. I fully disclosed they were given to me for free.
Brooke,
I understood exactly what you meant! I think most people did. But you always have ONE in the bunch to focus on the negative and nit pick!
Thank you for your honest review. I was torn between the two machines. After reading your review…..I will definitely be purchasing a Silhouette.
Thanks again! And Boo to the nit pickers!\
Kerri
Brooke, these are such helpful reviews. I just stumbled upon these cutting machines when I was looking on Etsy for monogram decals for Yeti cups. When I saw these, I realized I could also do wine glass etchings, t-shirts, and vinyl decals for my in-laws using their (our) family ranch brand. I have three questions.
You said you might need two blades for one project with the silhouette cameo. That sounds like it could get expensive fast.
• Could you estimate how much a particular project would cost?
• How many projects before I would see a return on my investment?
Secondly, why is the Silhouette Cameo out of stock on their website? Because there’s a Cameo II? Then why don’t they have it listed there?
Finally, is it sturdy enough for commercial use, like, to make my own sales on Etsy?
Thanks so much for your thoughts!
The CAMEO II replaced the original CAMEO, so I’m guessing that is why it’s out of stock. The CAMEO II is a better machine anyway. 🙂 The new blades are waaaaay better too. I don’t switch them out near as much as I used to. They also have a “premium” blade available now too. As for your other questions. I would set an hourly rate for yourself and use that to calculate your project costs. If you do a lot of projects, it could pay for itself very quickly. Yes, it’s sturdy enough for commercial use. I use mine all the time.
I read on the website that the business plan software allows you to hook several cameos together for mass production of items.
I have been on the fence looking at both for quite sometime. I appreciate your honesty and opinion. I think I am now ready to buy. I do have one question…I am a graphic designer and use Adobe Illustrator CS. Can I use those files on either machine?
You can use them with Silhouette!
Hey Brooke, I am just getting into the cutting machine world as well… and was wondering, you have mentioned several times that you like the software better on sihouette… I am a graphic designer who will use mostly illustrator… based on that, which do you suggest specifically for me… these will be home and office DIY fun projects but nothing for sale or anything like that… TIA!
I would still get a Silhouette. It cuts longer than the Cricut! That’s the kicker for me.
Thanks so much!
Hi Brooke,
Found your review on both at the prefect time Bc I’m considering getting rid of my cricut expressions for a cameo. Just a couple of questions for you.
1. I’m confused about the software. Is this free with the initial purchase or do you have to buy a subscription for additional fees?
2. I’m unsure if the cameo 2 is out yet, should I wait to purchase this model if it is not? Are the differences that great between the cameo and cameo 2?
The software is free with purchase.
And CAMEO 2 is out and wonderful, but CAMEO 3 is coming out very soon. It will be WIRELESS! I’m so so excited!
I’ve had a Cricut for many years and my main complaint was not having access to more fonts. My hubs is wanting to buy me a new machine for my birthday next week and asked me to pick Cricut Air or Silhouette. I have a ton of cartridges and several are linked to craft room. I will never cut anything longer than 24″. Would you still say I should get a Silhouette?? Thanks for your honest review too.
I still say Silhouette every day of the week. You can easily download probably every font + image you have plus more! And a lot are free! I am a huge fan! 😉 Hope this helps! xo
I’ve heard of the Cricket for years. I’ve been looking and drooling on Amazon, just need to “put it in the cart” already. Then today as I’m reading more reviews, I heard about this Silhouette! NOOOOOO! Now back to square one, now I hear you talk of a Cameo 3. At this point I might as well wait for black friday. I’ve never even seen one of these dye cutters, but have a friends who has a professional one (sells thngs on etsy) and I can just picture all the thngs I could do with it! I have two questions.
1. Can you use an Ipad with the Cameo or do you need an actual computer?
2. Can I create and make my own images or just upload them off the internet OR do I have to use whatever they provide?
Thank you!
No iPads. Just your laptop! As for the images, you can totally create your own, buy them from the silhouette store OR use pretty much whatever you can find online! And you can wait for Black Friday or keep an eye on Amazon! They always seem to have great deals especially with bundles. And just so you know, I use my Cameo All. The. Time!! I love it! xo
Hi Brooke,
Thank you for your honest feedback.
I would like to start making wooden signs. Do you have any tips or know of any blogs that have tips for this process?
-Jakey
You are going to LOVE it! Make sure that your vinyl is pushed down really well on the edges when you are making the signs, otherwise the paint will bleed. I’ve had good luck sealing the edge of the vinyl with the bottom color of paint and letting it dry before painting the second color. Good luck! If you are painting only one color on wood, seal the edge with clear glaze. That will help it not to bleed too.
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!
Thank you so much for both of your reviews. I originally knew about the Cricut and I was going to buy that until I saw the Silhouette in a craft store. I read a few reviews about it and I started leaning towards the Silhouette. I read your first review and then started to change my mind back toward the Cricut. Thankfully I read your second review.
I have been on the fence for so long going between Silhouette vs Cricut. I am now seriously leaning towards the Silhouette thanks to your reviews!
Question, does the Silhouette allow you to design your own designs and cut them? Or from a Picture? Can you cut things created on Photoshop? Does it let you cut different types of materials including leather?
I also found several different ‘starter’ bundles on Amazon, any recommendations? (https://www.amazon.com/Silhouette-Cameo—-Starter-Bundle/dp/B00NAX7H78/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1472202615&sr=1-1&keywords=silhouette)
Thank you for any information you can help me with! =)
Yes, you can design in photoshop and cut! You can also cut lots of different materials, as for leather though, I have never done that personally but I know that is an option when selecting your material. As for the bundles, you really can’t go wrong with any of them! I like this Cameo Bundle or I would just look for things incluced that you might have an immediate need for! I hope this helps!! And best of luck with all your fun projects! xo
I have been waiting for the Cameo 3 to come out for 3 months now. I am new to cutters. I stopped in my tracks when I went to purchase the cameo 3 because I started to read a bunch of people had problems using a Mac. Do you have any thoughts on that? I only have MacBook Pros so this is what I am working with. I am a teacher and am looking to use it for my classroom and bulletinboards. Thanks
I use mine with a Mac every single time. I haven’t had any problems.
I’m totally new to this type craft. I was wondering… I want to apply vinyl to coffee mugs for some gifts. I have a couple of questions, hope you can answer.
1) How does the vinyl stick to the cups?
2) Is it dishwasher safe?
3) Do I have to purchase the specific vinyl for this type of use?
4) can I purchase iron on transfer material to go on some bags?
Thanks for help!!
Hi!
1. Yes it will. Cups are tricky though! 😉
2. I would wash them by hand.
3. Nope. I always use just regular vinyl.
4. Yes, you sure can! Silhouette carries a ton of colors! <---- Direct link here!
Brooke,
We are considering purchasing a Cricut Explore machine for the staff at my kids’ school to use for bulletin boards, projects, etc. I think the learning curve to jump in and use a Silhouette and its software may be too steep. We want to offer a variety of fonts and images and the ability to resize, which is quite a step up from the rolling die cut machines they use now. Do you think we’re on the right track with this recommendation? Eventually the savvy ones can use the online software to create projects…
I would buy a Silhouette instead.
I was going back and forth and read BOTH reviews. I’m curious how you learned how to get past those hour long phone calls and tutorials with the silhouette. If you didn’t already KNOW the software… And we’re learning for the first time… Which would you choose? I’m a out to make this purchase and have NEVER before used a cutting machine… I would LOVE for it to be a breeze…. What are your thoughts & or advice for me?!?
Hi,
I see that the silhouette III is now out. Just curious if you have one yet and what you thin?. Im trying to decide if its as good or better than the II. If you have it then what is your favorite new feature?
Yes I have it and I LOVE IT! It’s bluetooth so my computer doesn’t have to be so close. That’s my favorite part!
So can I have the cricut? Haha! I’m just now wanting to get a machine and explore with this! I’ve never done it in the past
So, what are your thoughts on the Cricut now that they have the 3 out? Still for the Silhouette?
I think I am going to stick to my final answer of Silhouette. HOWEVER I have not used the new Cricut yet so just keep that in mind! I do have lots of friends that have used it though! 🙂
I just happened onto your blog….so very glad I did. I am about to purchase cutting machine and have been struggling at which one to get. I am relatively computer savvy, but I am hoping that with whatever I get, I really don’t want to have to struggle with it to get it to do what I want. I have a full time job (8-10 hours every day), but I LOVE to craft, so any help you can give me would be very much appreciated!!
Silhouette Cameo 3 is the best one for you! It’s amazing.
I happened to just come across this and realized that this was published about a year ago. Are your thoughts still the same about them? What would you recommend?
Yep! Still the same! I love my Silhouette and use it all the time!
I’m debating between the two machines. Will likely not print larger than 24″ but want a crisp cut for felt and leather. Still Silhouette?
Hi Brooke, I love my original Silhouette Quickutz over a cricut any day. The only problem I have is it doesn’t cut 12 x 12. Not a deal breaker though. As I am not financially able to purchase an updated machine, I wonder if you would share how it is you came to be “given” your machine that you reviewed initially?
Hi, thanks for your review. I have bought a Cricut Explore Air 2 but I’m very disappointed about the software and I’m planning to give it back and take a Silhouette Cameo 3. But i read in many posts it’s more imprecise in small cuts… Is it true? Thanks
Honestly the new CAMEO is so great. You won’t have any problems with it. I LOVE mine.
I am thrilled I found your blog! I know have the Cameo but do you know anything about the other two Silhouette machines (Curio and Portrait)? I can’t figure out the difference. Thanks!
Hi,
I have a Cricut Expressions 2 Machine. I am thinking of upgrading to the newest Cricut Explore Air or a Shilouette machine. I have a lot of Cricut Cartridges. Would it be wise for me to stick with Cricut or to get a Shilouette machine? What all can the Shilouette do that a Cricut can’t besides cutting bigger vinyl?
That and print and cut a larger area. Those two things are big game changers for me.
How I wish I had found your site 2 months ago! I bought a Cricut Air in mid-November, and although I found their software a bit frustrating, I loved the possibilities of the machine and quickly invested quite a bit of money in loads of accessories (mats, vinyl, iron on, tools, etc) with the intention of making lots of Christmas presents. Fast forward one month and my machine stops working properly. The blade only goes down to cut about half the time. Cricut customer service is no help! I send the old machine back as defective and try to get a new machine on the 18th of December but they say they maybe can get me the machine by the 24th, blowing any chance of making Christmas presents. I don’t want anything else to do with Cricut, but I am stuck with a bunch of their product, so my question for you is, can any of this stuff be used with the Silhouette machine? Thanks in advance!
You can use a Cricut cutting mat with a Silhouette, the vinyl, and the tools. 🙂
OK WOW I’m so glad I found your reviews – I literally just started looking into getting a Silhouette or Cricut – you’ve certainly helped me decide. I mostly want to use it to make stencils (for my own wood designs) but will likely branch out from there! Thanks for all the help – having so many people on here with a variety of questions is a true blessing.
So interesting to read through all the comments and of course your great review. Amazing to see just how relevant this discussion is a year and a bit down the line. I’m very new to this world (electric cutting) and really want to make the right choice as it is a huge investment. Advice is so conflicting depending on which side of the brand you favour so it is hard to find someone who has tried both. I’m now leaning towards the Cameo 3 over the Cricut. I want to be able to purchase SVG files as some of them look incredible.
My concern is the quality and precision of the cut now with the cameo. A lot of people say Cricut is better for that. My aim is to be able to produce those gorgeous intricate scenes and filigree wedding invites, would the cameo 3 be up to the challenge without tears/breaking etc? Also, if I was to attempt to design myself I have to make the extra purchase for the software?
Thanks
xx
Yes, Cameo 3 would do great for you. And, no the design software is free. You can upgrade your software for a fee, but you get the basic software for free upon purchase.
You helped me finally decide which machine I’ll be going with when I take the plunge. How much of a difference is there between the Basic Software (free upon purchase), and the upgraded software? TIA
I love my silhouette and had purchased the first cameo after trying the small cricut. I just could not get used to the cricut. Recently I bought the second silhouette and I completely agree that it cuts much better. I also know that the software for the silhouette fits better for me. I think for some the cricut software might be easier to use. It would be nice if people could try both before buying. Most people I know have cricuts and want me to help them with it. I usually end up cutting things out for them because I can’t figure out the cricut.!
Hi Brooke,
Do I have to use the proprietary brand vinyl, felt etc with the Silhouette (or Cricut, for that matter)? or can I use whatever, as long as it fits the correct specifications? Thanks
You can use any brand of vinyl. In fact I order all of my from the Sign Warehouse! Hope this helps!