Last Updated on May 25, 2023 by Ellie Macadam
Cricut Maker vs Silhouette Cameo 3: Silhouette and Cricut are two of the biggest, dominating names in the cutting machine industry. Cricut excelled with the Cricut Maker, its newest invention. Silhouette introduced the best-selling Silhouette Cameo 3. This review should help you choose between these two popular cutters.
Best Pick
Cricut Maker
- Adaptive tool system
- 12 x 24 inches
- Cutting Force 4 kg and very powerful
Budget Pick
Silhouette Cameo
- Bluetooth support
- Longer cuts, up to 10 feet
- Responsive, easy-to-use touchscreen
Cricut Maker
It is a great cutting machine that lets you cut different types of materials with better agility and precision. Moreover, this product is portable and compact, and you can use it even in a small, tight work space. You don’t need to pile up more materials on the table because this tool will let you work with ease by using the Bluetooth connection.
Cricut Maker allows you to create any designs by using your smartphone or tablet. Also, you can upload your favorite fonts or images by using the Cricut Design Space Software which is compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac.
This cutting machine is ideal for several materials including:
- Acrylic Felt
- Acetate
- Adhesive foil
- Aluminum foil
- Burlap
- Bamboo fabric
- Canvas
- Calico
- Cambric
- Basic cardstock
- Chiffon
- Cashmere
- Chintz
- Burn-out Velvet
- Crepe-back Satin
- Leather
- Jute
Silhouette Cameo 3
It is your best DIY machine that can help you cut various materials like fabrics, vinyl, paper, cardstock, and many more. With this, you can create certain things like signage. The machine comes with Silhouette Studio design software and Bluetooth technology which you can connect to your mobile device.
You can use Cameo 3 for these materials:
- Tissue paper
- Craft foam
- Vinyl
- Paper
- Cardstock
- Rhinestone template materials
- Iron-on transfer
- Super light fabric
Cameo 3 is a food-safe cutting machine. You can use it for cutting food-related crafts. But Cricut can take care of more material types. Unless you want a food-friendly and lightweight cutting machine, you may go for Cricut maker instead of a Silhouette Cameo 3.
Comparing Cricut Maker vs. Silhouette Cameo 3
These two products may be similar in some ways but differ in many ways. Let’s check their user experience, performance, and portability.
User Experience:
Cricut looks well-presented and well-designed. The device is fully computer-generated, and the user interface is somewhat friendly and interactive. Similar to other Cricut models, Cricut Maker uses the web-based Design Space software.
On the flip side, Silhouette Cameo 3 appears to capitalize on the weaknesses of Cricut Maker by giving quick, hassle-free access to its main features. It operates under the manufacturer’s software. The product received positive reviews, especially about its user-friendly interface.
In other words, Silhouette Cameo 3 has a full-color interactive touchscreen. To scan the photos, zoom in and out, and rearrange the images, just press the buttons. Thus, when it comes to the user interface, Cameo 3 stands out.
Access to External Resources:
There can be times when you need to meet some tight due dates in which ready-made designs can help a lot. Both Cricut Maker and Cameo 3 provide a range of free designs. Cricut has fifty free templates. 25 of these are your sewing projects. Also, you can upload your ready-made designs and even your handwriting to use it as a personalized font. Thus, Cricut seems to encourage you to be unique while giving you some excellent choices in case you can’t create your own design.
Silhouette Cameo 3, on the flip side, provides limited access to fifty designs. You need to pay a small charge to get access to other premade designs. Cameo 3 comes with a web-based store loaded with almost unlimited templates. Thus, Cricut Maker stands out when it comes to giving access to external resources.
Performance:
Cricut Maker has a superb performance which may benefit someone who must manage an overwhelming workflow. Cameo 3 is a fabulous choice, but you can’t call it a workhorse. To put it into perspective, think of the reality that Cricut can give 4KGs of cutting power while Cameo 3 can provide only 250 grams.
Therefore, if you want a machine that provides great variance when it comes to cutting pressure, your best choice can be Cricut Maker. Besides, Cricut is quick, precise, and powerful enough to keep your business going.
But it does not mean Cameo 3 is a loser. When your projects involve paper cutting, your right option might be this one. Cameo 3 is a cartridge-free tool which is a nice choice if your budget is tight.
Portability:
Portability is a crucial feature in die-cutting, but people often disregard it. This matter is more vital to consider in those times you plan to leave your desk for outdoor activity. Your cutter should be portable as well. Cricut Maker may disappoint you in this matter because it is quite bulky. The device weighs almost 24 pounds, which means it’s heavy and is not suitable for outdoor use.
However, Cameo 3 is a much better option because it weighs only 9 pounds. You can even reduce its weight if you don’t bring cables and other extra accessories. Cameo 3 has a Bluetooth connection, so it can work even without the cables.
Unfortunately, Cameo 3 does not have a handle. You need a special bag to carry it outdoors. That means you’ll pay an extra cost to have one.
Cricut Maker vs Silhouette Cameo 3 Which is the Best?
If accuracy, convenience, and improved performance are more important to you, then you may go for Cricut Maker. But when you are more interested in creating bigger designs by using the auto blade technology, your better choice will be Silhouette Cameo 3.
The decision is up to you. Consider your needs. Also, look at both the good and bad sides of these two products. Whatever you choose, rest assured that your project will be more successful. These two cutting machines are both imperfect as shown by their minor flaws, but both can help you save time and money.
If you want to read about best vinyl cutting machine, Click here.
Other Comparison
• Cricut Explore Air 2 vs. Silhouette Cameo 3 – Which Cutting Machine Is The Best?
• Cricut Maker vs. Explore Air 2: Everything You Need to Know
• Cricut Maker VS Silhouette Cameo 4 – Which Machine is the Best?
