Compare the Cricut Maker vs Silhouette Cameo 3 in this head-to-head showdown between the two top-of-the-line cutting machines #cricutmaker #silhouettecameo

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Wondering how the Cricut Maker compares to the Silhouette Cameo 3? I put these cutting machines head to head to compare features!

 


I am the proud of owner of both a Cricut Maker and a Silhouette Cameo, which I purchased myself and are the top-of-the-line machines from these two craft brands. Given that I love to share designs with free SVG cut files on my blog, I get many questions asking which machine is best to get. To put this question to rest and help you decide, let’s compare each of these amazing little cutting machines to see how they stack up. Get ready for the showdown between Cricut Maker vs. Silhouette Cameo 3!

Compare the Cricut Maker vs Silhouette Cameo 3 in this head-to-head showdown between the two top-of-the-line cutting machines #cricutmaker #silhouettecameo

Compare the Cricut Maker vs Silhouette Cameo 3 in this head-to-head showdown between the two top-of-the-line cutting machines #cricutmaker #silhouettecameo

But before we get into the nitty gritty, let me introduce the idea of a cutting machine to those who may be unfamiliar with one. Modern cutting machines are really just very smart computer-guided cutting machines. Both the Cricut and Silhouette cut precisely and FAST, as they are actually smaller-scale CNC machines. They are truly one of the best tools that are available for crafters these days, and that is no exaggeration. Getting a cutting machine literally changed my life (you can read my story here).

Chances are good you know you want a cutting machine, but aren’t sure which one to get. So let’s compare the Cricut Maker to the Silhouette Cameo 3, both very popular machines right now. In fact, I’d hazard to guess these ARE the two most popular ones, based on my experience with crafters in my large Craft Room Organization group on Facebook.

First, let’s do a visual comparison of these two cutting machines. Watch this video where I introduce both the Cricut Maker and Silhouette Cameo 3 and show you the physical differences with the machines themselves. (NOTE: In this video I forgot that the Cameo 3 has a nearly hidden, albeit small, center pull-out storage compartment. But it is there!)

Cricut Maker vs. Silhouette Cameo 3: How Do They Stack Up?

Cricut Maker Silhouette Cameo 3
List price $399 $299
Free and paid designs available
Rotary Cutting Blade (This is what cuts fabric, felt, and crepe paper without the need for any backing)
Knife Blade (This is what cuts leather and wood)
Scoring Stylus or Tool (You can use both the stylus and the tool, which produces a better score) (can only score with a knife tool, not a separate scoring tool)
Maximum project size 11.5″ x 23.5″ (if using a 24" mat) 12" x 10 feet long
Machine colors Champagne/grey (standard color), rose, and blue Lots of colors to chose from, including white, black, mint, pink, teal, and lavender)
Speed Faster (1:50 minutes for a test project) Slower (5:00 minutes for the same test project)
Design Sofware (And VERY easy to use) (Harder to use, and cannot upload SVG files without purchasing an upgrade)
Materials that can be cut (according to manufacturer) Vinyl, paper, specialty patterned papers, cardstock, vellum, iron-on heat transfer material, fabric, felt, acetate, adhesive foil, cereal boxes, craft foam, EVA foam, extra heavy weight fabrics, leather, faux leather, suede, foil paper, freezer paper, habutai, Kraft board, chip board, corrugated paper, moleskin, metal (40 gauge thin copper), plastic packaging, poster board, suede, velvet upholstery, window cling, and wool felt (see the full list here) Vinyl, paper, specialty patterned papers, cardstock, vellum, iron-on heat transfer material, fabric (when using their Interfacing products), some felts, wax paper, fun foam
Cutting force 4000 gf (4k gf) 210 gf

Setting up the Cricut Maker vs Silhouette Cameo 3

Right out of the box, there’s some huge setup differences between the Cricut Maker and the Silhouette Cameo 3. I had the Maker out of the box and set up within probably 10 minutes. The Cricut Maker comes with a simple little starter project and all the materials you need for it so you can hit the ground running. Setup is simple, fun, and gets you making things immediately.

Setting up a Cricut Maker is so easy!

The Silhouette Cameo 3, on the other hand, was cumbersome to setup. It asks for WAY more information than we really need to be providing just to get the machine up and running. For example, you need to locate and enter a serial number. I didn’t have to do anything like that with my Maker. And the Silhouette Cameo 3 comes with no starter project, nor did it even have one to suggest. If I were new to cutting machines, I would have been feeling a little lost and unsure of how to use my machine. I was frankly frustrated with the Silhouette Cameo 3 setup experience.

I did an unboxing video of my Silhouette and here’s a still from that video — it shows you exactly how I felt when trying to setup my Silhouette Cameo 3 for the first time!

Setting up a Silhouette Cameo 3 for the first time

So for setup, the Cricut Maker wins hands down. It’s super easy to get started and you can have your first project done within 15 minutes.

Is Anything Else Different?

Yes, indeed! Here are some more differences between the Cricut Maker and the Silhouette Cameo 3:

  • The Cricut Maker has a nifty built-in shelf for your iPad, iPhone, or other smart device, which the Silhouette Cameo 3 does not.
  • The Cricut Maker has a hefty 3 Amp. power cord that lets you charge your iPad, iPhone or other mobile device with the port on the right side while the Maker is powered on. The Silhouette Cameo 3 machines are lacking this helpful feature (they have an output of 1.25 Amps).
  • The Cricut Maker CAN use physical cartridges if you purchase and install the cartridge adapter, whereas the Silhouette Cameo 3 does not use physical cartridges at all. (I personally never use physical cartridges, but this might matter to some people.)
  • The tools storage area has a larger capacity on Cricut Maker (there are two compartments instead of just one on the Silhouette Cameo 3). The Cricut Maker has an additional large lift-up lid tool tray while the Cameo 3 has a smaller pull-out tray in the front.
  • The Cricut Maker is about 30 lbs, while the Silhouette Cameo is half the weight at 14 lbs.
  • The Cricut Maker operate with physical buttons, whereas the Cameo uses a small touch-screen built-in to the machine for its controls.
  • The mats for the Cricut Maker are thicker and feel more substantial, whereas the mats for the Silhouette Cameo 3 are thinner and feel flimsier.

Comparing cutting mats for the Cricut Maker vs SIlhouette Cameo 3

What’s the Same?

  • Both cutting machines let you upload your own files, meaning you can use my cut files. (Note, however, that while the free Cricut Design Space allows uploading of SVG cut files, the free Silhouette Studio does not — you’ll have to either upload DXF files or purchase an upgraded version of Silhouette Studio).
  • Both the Cricut Maker and the Silhouette Cameo 3 have wireless bluetooth technology (and both can also use USB if you don’t have Bluetooth)
  • Both the Cricut Maker and the Silhouette Cameo 3 can cut paper and vinyl! 
  • Both of these cutting machines come in a variety of colors.
  • Both use blades, cutting mats, and pens, though it should be noted they are not interchangeable between the two machines.

Which Cutting Machine is Best for Me?

In the battle of Cricut Maker vs. Silhouette Cameo 3, which is best? This will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me, but the Cricut Maker wins hands down. It does more, cuts deeper, uses more materials, is easier to setup, easier to purchase and use designs with, faster by a LOT, and it’s just sexier looking. (I know that last one shouldn’t really matter, but who doesn’t like something cute to look at it in their craft room?) Here’s a photo of my Cricut Maker where it lives in my room:

My Cricut Maker in front of my giant pegboard in my craft room

The real game changer for me is the ease of use. What’s the point of having a machine like this if its hard to learn and use on a regular basis? The Cricut Maker is easiest to use and — bonus — does more and does it faster!

I wanted to love the Silhouette, and I know there are many fans of it. I just wasn’t overly impressed. Perhaps if I’d found the Silhouette first, but I didn’t. The Cricut was my first cutting machine, and a big part of that has to do with how readily available it is (it was available for sale in my local Joanns whereas the Silhouette was not), and that is another point in Cricut’s favor.

I hope this helps you decide whether or not you need the Cricut Maker or the Silhouette Cameo 3. If you have questions, let me know!

Love,

JenniferMaker.com

Jennifer Maker and her Cricut Maker

P.S. If you DO decide to get a Cricut Maker, check out these helpful posts I have to get you started making things in no time!

And here are some Cricut Maker projects and tutorials I think you’ll love!

Make a Paper Snowflake Christmas Tree with this free pattern and tutorial #papercraft #svgcutfile #cricut #cricutmaker #christmas #holidaydecor 3D Family Tree from Wood or Paper | #cricutmaker #basswood #rainbow #diy Easy Leather Wallet Pattern and Tutorial - Makes a Great Gift Card Holder! | Cricut Maker SVG Cut File | #leather Easy Felt Sachet Coasters How to Make Felt Succulents That Are Easy! | Felt Plants | Free Cricut SVG Cut File DIY Leather Journal with Cutwork made on a Cricut | Heart Rose SVG Cut File | how to cut leather on a cricut

Want to remember this? Save the Cricut Maker vs Silhouette Cameo 3 Comparison to Your Favorite DIY Pinterest Board!

Compare the Cricut Maker vs Silhouette Cameo 3 in this head-to-head showdown between the two top-of-the-line cutting machines #cricutmaker #silhouettecameo

I am comparing the  the Cricut Maker vs. Silhouette Cameo 3 in a head-to-head showdown to see how they match up in speed, materials, setup, and user friendliness! This will help you make the best buying decision.  #cricut #silhouettecameo #cricutmaker #papercrafts #papercrafting

 

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

 

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12 Comments

  1. I have owned a Silhouette for many years and have thought about switching to the Cricut. Of course, I’ve accumulated hundreds of Silhouette cutting files. Can I use these with the Cricut?

    1. Hi, Rhonda! If you buy the SVG along with the image in the Silhouette Store you can upload that SVG file in Cricut Design Space. If there is no SVG along with the image in the Silhouette store, you can’t use it in Cricut Design Space. Note that once you purchase an SVG file from the Silhouette store you will need to download the SVG so you can then upload it to Cricut Design space. Hope that helps!

  2. JM I just want to thank you for a wonderful blog! You are truly a beautiful person . I have loved all your tutorials and adore your projects. I have come to you for so much help and you have given of your time freely. I love my playbook and have learned my Cricut is THE machine to have!! I don’t Facebook and I’m not on Instagram , but I refer to your videos constantly!! I feel you are my friend and that I can truly come to you for the extra that I require at the moment for whatever project I’m on. I have made several of your projects, they were easy and fun! So, just thank you , you’re amazing!!!

  3. I to started with a Cricut, I also have the fancy Cricut maker. ❤️
    Recently I jumped into purchasing the silhouette cameo 3 as well. I totally agree with every word of example you mentioned. I’m still not quite convinced I can get used to it.

  4. I purchased a cameo in July to try rhinestones , and can’t figure it out to save my life. When I got my cricut last December, I was using it the same day. I’m not giving up on my rhinestones though.

  5. Hi Jennifer – I just stumbled across your blog from a link in Pinterest. I’m amazed by all the information you cover on your blog. My husband purchased a Cricuit Maker for me right before Thanksgiving and I have been feeling a little nervous about how to even get started. I’ve read your blog post, “So You’ve Got a New Cricuit Now What” and am so grateful for all the useful information you’ve provided, even where to locate your Cricuit and how much space you should allow around it! We’ve just moved into our new home a few months ago and my craft room has been the last room on the list to set-up. Now I can’t wait to get the boxes unpacked and my craft room setup so I can get started on my Cricuit projects! I’ve already downloaded your Cricuit tips sheets, signed up for your newsletters and blog and am going to head over and purchase your Cricuit Coach Playbook. I’m so thankful for all you have laid out and can’t wait to get started! I am a huge fan already! Thanks so much!

  6. Jennifer, I just want to say thank you for doing these reviews. I love your you tube tutorials, as well! I am new to the vinyl world, and have been going back and forth about which machine to get. I had my mind set on a Cricut, but then saw posts for the silhouette and got confused about which was better for me. I started a small business and want to get some labels and things printed for my products. The time and effort that goes into your videos make my life easier, thank you!! I especially loved the coaster video you did recently! Best, Danielle

  7. Jennifer, will you be doing a comparison between the Cricut Maker and the new Silhouette Cameo 4? I have a Silhouette Cameo, which I love, but am looking forward to upgrading to a machine with a rotary blade. The new Silhouette Cameo is due to come out in the Fall 2019 and I would really like to know if that is the machine for me — or if I should switch to the Cricut Maker. Thanks.

  8. THANK YOU for this amazing rundown! I have a Silhouette and can’t stand the software! It’s impossible to use and I also refuse to upgrade so I’m constantly having to make PNGs rather than SVGs. I’ve been contemplating whether or not to switch to the Cricut and I’d say, it seems pretty obvious now!

  9. Hi Jennifer. My first machine was the Cameo 3. I bought the Maker on a whim, and because I am used to my Cameo, I find the Maker impossible to use. Am I missing something? It sounds like the Maker is a more versatile machine, but I don’t see it. Most of what I do is cut vinyls and faux leather. I do have a very rough time with figuring out the best combo for cutting small letters- that is the most frustrating thing I deal with. Any tips for that? Thanks so much!!

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