With all the choices available, deciding which high-quality vinyl machine for decals to get can be a daunting process. You have to consider its speed, reliability, versatility, and specific features that suit your vinyl cutting needs. To make the process easier for you, we narrowed down the list of the best vinyl machines for decals to these three: the Cricut Explore Air 2, USCutter MH Series and the Silhouette Cameo 4. We hone in on their specs and features to guide you in choosing your next vinyl cutting machine.
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Best Vinyl Machines For Decals Comparison Chart
| Model | USCutter MH 34″ | Silhouette Cameo 4 | |
 |  |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Dimensions | 22.17″ x 7″ x 5.0″ | 42.6″ x 16.3″ x 13.2″ | 22.4″ x 7.68″ x 6.69″ |
| Weight | 21 lbs | 51 lbs | 10 lbs |
| Cutting Force | 400 gf | 350 gf | Up to 5,000 gf |
| Max Working Area | 12″ x 24″ | 30.63″ x 96″ | 12″ x 24″ |
| Stand | No | Yes | No |
| Built-In Roll Feeder | No | Yes | Yes |
| Contour Cutting | Yes | No | Yes |
| Included Tools | Fine Point Blade and Housing LightGrip Adhesive Cutting Mat Black Fine Point Pen | 45° Vinyl Cutting Blade (3 pcs) | AutoBlade, Cutting Mat |
| Software | Cricut Design Space | VinylMaster Cut | Silhouette Studio |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB | USB | Bluetooth, USB |
| Colors | Blue, Cherry Blossom, Matte Black, Twilight, Mint, Persimmon, Rose | Black | Black, Pink, White, Blue Pattern, Pink Pattern |
1. Cricut Explore Air 2 : Best Overall Vinyl Machine
The
Five years since its release in 2015, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is still one of the best-selling Cricut vinyl cutting machines for decals and other materials. What makes this machine a cut above the rest is it effectively combines powerful features, intuitive interface, aesthetics, and a budget-friendly price tag (it is on sale for only 179.99 at the time of writing).
Top Features of the Cricut Explore Air 2
If you’re after a vinyl cutting machine for decals that is versatile, intuitive and user-friendly, the
Another decal project-friendly feature of the
In addition, your purchase of the
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| • Can cut up to 100 types of materials, including vinyl for decals | • Its software is cloud-based so make sure you live in an area with stable internet connectivity |
| • Beginner-friendly, intuitive interface; can also be used with iPhones and iPads | • Design Space can be limiting for more advanced designers |
| • Perfect for projects that measure up to 12″ x 24″ | • Does not have a roll feeder |
| • Vibrant machine color options and well-built exterior |
Should You Get the Cricut Explore Air 2 ?
Cricut Explore Air 2
If you’re after a vinyl cutting machine that’s easy to set up and use that won’t break the bank, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is a solid option. Many Cricut owners also use this machine to start their small businesses such as selling decals, t-shirts, customizing products, and more. If you like designing while on the go, you can also use its software on your iPhone or iPad.
2. USCutter MH 34: Best Vinyl Machine For Large Decals
The USCutter MH 34″ boasts a 30.63″ x 96″ cutting area and comes with a feed roller
Blurring the line between home and commercial use is the USCutter MH 34″. It offers great value for your money as it can cut large vinyl decal projects despite having the price tag of smaller tabletop cutting machines such as the Cricut Maker and the Silhouette Cameo 4.
Top Features of the USCutter MH 34″
The USCutter MH 34″ can cut projects that are up to 30.63-inch wide and 96-inch long projects. This impressive cutting size, together with its roll feeder, makes designing and cutting large wall decals and signages a lot more convenient. If you want larger or smaller cutting areas, the USCutter MH Series also carries 14″, 28″, and 50″ vinyl cutters (the numbers correspond to their max media width).
Another feature that makes this vinyl cutter an excellent choice is its rolling system for feeding vinyl. You can directly load your vinyl roll on the USCutter and get it started. In addition, its onboard software, the VinylMaster Cut is specifically designed with vinyl cutting in mind. Getting the bundle offers significant savings. With the USCutter vinyl cutting machine, you will get extra blades, rolls of vinyl for decals, magnetic sign blanks, transfer rolls, squeegee, and more.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| • Can cut large vinyl for decals and more | • Not as user-friendly and intuitive as the Cricut vinyl cutting machines |
| • Has a roll feeder that lets you load your vinyl roll directly | • Bulky |
| • Amazing value for your money | • Does not have Bluetooth connectivity |
Should You Get the USCutter MH 34″?
The USCutter MH 34″ is a worthy investment if you intend to cut large vinyl decals such as signages, wall and window art, car decals, and more. While it can also cut card stocks, cutting vinyl is what it does best. Thus, if you require versatility in your vinyl cutting machine, the
3. Silhouette Cameo 4 : Best Versatile Vinyl Machine
The
Among our list of the best vinyl machines for decals, the Silhouette Cameo 4 has the best cutting power. With up to 5,000 gf cutting force, the Cameo 4 can cut a wider range of materials than the
Top Features of the Silhouette Cameo 4
With a 12″ x 24″ cutting area, you can cut vinyl for decals using the Cameo 4 without issues. It also houses a built-in roll feeder and the Silhouette Cameo 4 lets you cut up to 10-feet projects directly from your vinyl roll. It features an exclusive AutoBlade tool that can detect your material and adjust the cut and blade settings accordingly.
Another highlight of the Cameo 4 is its software, Silhouette Studio. More experienced designers who use advanced design software such as Adobe prefer the Silhouette Studio as it lets you create and import your own designs. The Silhouette Studio also offers a wide array of free designs you can use to design your decals. However, if you want to import SVG files, you need to pay an extra 50 USD to be able to do so.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| • Can be used with other design software | • Cutting SVG files comes at an extra cost |
| • Has a built-in roll feeder that lets you load your vinyl roll directly | • Not as intuitive and beginner-friendly as the Cricut vinyl machine |
| • Powerful cutting force and an option for automatic blade and cutting adjustment |
Should You Get the Silhouette Cameo 4 ?
If you want to be able to design and cut your vinyl decals using advanced design software, the Silhouette Cameo 4 is the best choice for you. In addition, should you want to cut materials that are denser than vinyl decals, you can do so without issues using the Cameo 4. However, keep in mind that your vinyl projects should not exceed the 12″ x 24″ cutting area of this machine. Also, if you want to cut directly from the vinyl roll, the design should not be more than 10 feet long.
Summary
These are the best vinyl machines for decals because of their functionality, cutting precision and attractive price points
If you only need to cut small to medium-sized decals, either the Cricut Explore Air 2 or the Silhouette Cameo 4 are solid options for your requirements. If you prefer designing on Adobe or similar software, get the Cameo 4. Meanwhile, if you need to design and cut big vinyl decals, the USCutter MH 34″ is a no-brainer. It’s a great vinyl cutting machine to start with if you’re looking to launch your decal business.
FAQs
Our top three vinyl machines for decals are the Cricut Explore Air 2, the USCutter MH Series and the Silhouette Cameo 4.
Five years since its release in 2015, the
If you only need to cut small to medium-sized decals, either the
The USCutter MH 34″ offers great value for your money as it can cut large vinyl decal projects despite having the price tag of smaller tabletop cutting machines.
Last update on 2020-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API