Last Updated on May 25, 2023 by Ellie Macadam
Best Pick
Cricut Explore Air 2
- Bluetooth & wireless cutting
- Beautiful, vintage-inspired design
- Accurate cuts on vinyl and cardstock
Budget Pick
Silhouette Cameo 3
- Bluetooth support
- Longer cuts, up to 10 feet
- Responsive, easy-to-use touchscreen
- Different colors availble
Two of the most popular vinyl trimmers are ready to help you with your DIY projects at home or for your business. The Cricut Explore Air 2 with its double tool holder and app-friendly Cricut Design App are challenging the Silhouette Cameo 3, one of the most efficient cutting tools with wider material capacity and the powerful Silhouette Studio Design software. Find out which vinyl cutting machines fits your DIY needs with this Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Silhouette Cameo 3 review.
| Vinyl Cutters | Description |
|---|---|
| Cricut Explore Air 2 | Bluetooth-capable, with auto-adjusting blade |
| Silhouette Cameo 3 Bluetooth Vinyl Trimmer | Bluetooth-capable, with an auto-adjusting blade |
Cutting performance
The most important factor in considering the best cutting machine is performance. The Cricut Explore Air 2 can create perfect cuts every time using its dual tool holder so the machine can cut and write on materials in one step.
The Explore Air 2 has German-precision carbide blades so every cut is worth it.
Meanwhile, the Silhouette Cameo 3 does not fall behind. It also has a dual carriage to use two tools in one go. But the AutoBlade that comes with the Cameo 3 is smaller, therefore, it may not cut deeper. So when it comes to cutting performance across all materials, the Cricut wins with its sharp and precise blades.
Materials you can use
Both vinyl-cutting machines guarantee that they can cut more than 100 types of materials. The Cricut has a Smart Set Dial that makes sure that it can cut at the correct pressure and depth on any kind of material. This machine can cut through basic and specialty vinyl colors, specialty paper, cardstock, poster board, adhesive foils, faux leather, and other thicker materials. The double tool holder will make scoring, writing or cutting through these different materials easy and with excellent precision.
When it comes to the Silhouette Cameo 3, the size of the material counts. This can cut more than 100 kinds of materials including vinyl, cardstock, fabric, and paper AND it can take materials up to 12 inches wide. It is capable of cutting and scoring materials just like its older siblings but this time with more precision. So despite its small blade, it makes up for the size or the width of the material it can cut.
Connectivity and app features
Both vinyl cutters are capable of wired and wireless connectivity. The Cricut Explore Air 2 lets you connect your mobile device or your laptop/PC via Bluetooth or using USB. As long as you have the Cricut Design App for Android or iOS, you can work on a variety of projects anywhere. The app lets you upload your own unique designs and use Explore Air 2 to score or cut your designs on different materials.
The Silhouette Cameo 3 can connect via Bluetooth and USB as well and with the Silhouette Studio Design software, you can upload your own designs or use hundreds of different designs available from the app. The Silhouette wins hands down because it is also compatible with other software including the Print & Scan and PixScan technologies.
Cool features
When it comes to special features, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is the only one with a Smart Set Dial. This lets you have full control over your projects by setting the correct depth and pressure to be used on different types of materials. This dial also ensures that cuts are made appropriately and every project looks perfect.
The Silhouette Cameo 3 has the popular AutoBlade, a cutting tool that can make excellent cuts on any material. It is fully automated and therefore will never need any adjustments. You can cut through different materials with ease but not too thick materials because this blade is smaller than the blade that comes with the Cricut Explore Air 2.
Complete accessories
The Cricut Explore Air 2 comes with all the accessories you need including a blade, a scoring tool, a USB cable, and a cutting mat. The Silhouette Cameo 3 comes with the AutoBlade cutting blade, cutting mat, USB cable, and Silhouette Studio Software.
When it comes to additional accessories, both the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Silhouette Cameo 3 accessories and parts are available online through their respective pages. These are also available from accredited sellers online and offline. Make sure to use only genuine accessories on both machines to ensure good quality results and top performance.
Which cutting machine to buy
When you are looking for more control over your cutting and scoring projects, you need the Cricut Explore Air 2. Aside from its dual blade assembly, the Smart Set Dial definitely makes a huge difference. This can improve the outcomes of projects made from different materials because you can fine-tune your work accordingly. It may take a little trial and error to use the dial on different materials but it’s a guarantee that you will be able to work this feature with ease soon.
But if you are looking for a machine cutter that can cut wider materials, the Silhouette Cameo 3 is for you. It is capable of cutting materials with a width of 12 inches and lengths of up to 10 feet. It is a wise choice among people who want to cut larger single materials like cardstock and vinyl.
Conclusion
When it comes to cutting different kinds of materials to make homemade projects or for professional use, you must choose a cutting machine that can efficiently handle your type of work. There are hundreds of materials to cut too so make sure that you pick the right cutting machine that will work for the material you need to cut.
So choose the Cricut Explore Air 2 if you want more precise cuts on different materials. It has the Smart Set Dial to help you create perfect projects each time. If you want a larger capacity cutting machine with a precise blade then the Silhouette Cameo 3 with the AutoBlade is the right choice for you.
Let us know which one you for your choice in the competition of Circut Explore Air 2 vs Silhouette Cameo 3.
Other Comparison:
• Cricut Maker vs Silhouette Cameo 3 – Which One is the Best?
• Cricut Maker vs. Explore Air 2: Everything You Need to Know
