Which cutting machine is the better investment in 2020: the
The Cricut Maker is Cricut's most powerful cutting machine to date. Its advanced cutting features paired with an intuitive interface make the Cricut Maker an excellent machine for beginner and experienced crafters alike.
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Cricut Maker vs. Silhouette Cameo 4 Comparison Chart
| Model | ||
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price at Amazon.com | Check Price at Walmart.com |
| Dimensions | 21.2 x 7 x 5.9 inches | 22.44 x 7.68 x 6.69 inches |
| Maximum Cutting Force | 4 kg | 5 kg |
| Max Media Thickness | 2.4 mm (through its Knife Blade sold separately) | 3 mm (through its Kraft Blade sold separately) |
| Maximum Cutting Size | 12″ x 24″ | 12 in. x 24 in. (mat) 12 in x 10 ft. (roll) the upcoming Pro and Plus versions will offer bigger cutting size |
| Software | Design Space® | Silhouette Studio® |
| Blade | Rotary Blade, Fine-Point Blade | AutoBlade |
| Double Cartridges | Yes | Yes |
| Colors | Blue, Lilac, Champagne, Mint, White, Rose | White, Black, Pink |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Cutting Mat | 12″ x 12″ FabricGrip™ and LightGrip machine mats | 12″ x 12″ cutting mat |
| Digital Sewing Patterns | 50 free ready-to-make projects, including 25 sewing patterns | 100 exclusive designs |
| Subscription | Free trial membership for Cricut Access | 1-month subscription to Silhouette Design Store |
| Compatible Tools | Rotary Blade Fine Point Blade Scoring Wheel Engraving Tip Debossing Tip Perforation Blade Deep Point Blade Wavy Blade | Auto Blade Rotary Blade Kraft Blade Punch Tool |
Downward Cutting Force & Speed
Both machines are fast, but the Cameo 4 applies 1kg more downward force
The
Software
Cricut’s software is more user-friendly and has a larger library of designs
The software used by your cutting machine can greatly affect your design and cutting experience. The
Cricut’s Design Space is more intuitive and user-friendly, while the learning curve for the Silhouette Studio can be a little higher. Cricut’s Design Space also has a bigger library of images, fonts, designs, and a wider array of sewing patterns.
The Silhouette Studio also has a wide selection of fonts and designs to choose from, but it is notable that it offers more flexibility when designing from scratch. If you like having more freedom in designing, the Cameo 4’s Silhouette Studio can offer that more than the
The Silhouette Cameo 4 offers similar features as the Cricut Maker at a lower cost. Apart from its wide range of cutting features, the Cameo 4 is also loved by advanced craft designers for its versatile design software.
Another major difference between their software is
For those with a poorer connection at home who use desktop computers, the Silhouette Studio is the better choice. However, since the Cameo 4 is still fairly new, users have experienced more bugs than the Design Space, which has been on the market for much longer.
Machine Tools
The
For years, the
Exterior Design
The
The overall look of the Cameo 4 pales in comparison to the
For crafters who want to maximize space, you will also like the smaller dimensions of the
Verdict
The
This is a difficult decision because each has its own unique strengths.
At a lower price point, the Silhouette Cameo 4 offers significant features similar to what the Cricut Maker has. Even when you are not looking at the price tag, its power and the bigger cutting size options that Silhouette is about to roll out this 2020 make it a better investment. The Silhouette Studio of the Cameo 4 is something advanced designers also prefer because it provides more freedom to customize your designs.
On the other hand, the Cricut Maker is easier to set up, its software is more intuitive, and has more compatible tools available. For those who like to sew and do 3D projects, the
FAQs
It depends on what you’re looking for. The
Yes. The Silhouette Cameo 4 is worth getting if you’re planning on working with thick materials such as leather and balsa wood often. That’s thanks to its high cutting force.
Yes. After all, the Cricut Maker has been longer in the market. That said, there are plenty of tutorials available to help you get started on small cutting jobs and work your way up toward bigger, more complicated projects.