Many users have this question: is Silhouette 4 better than Cricut Maker 3 or vice versa? Well, it is a little tricky to find the best machine for you between the top choices. However, both machines have their pros and cons, but one is better than the other. Before we compare them, let me tell you that both machines are high-quality cutting machines that lead the market. The main thing people compare is the difference in their performance.
Also, users want a versatile machine that can meet their requirements. Which machine of these can do it? We will find all the answers in this Silhouette Cameo 4 Vs Cricut Maker 3 review. First, let’s see what these machines are.
Silhouette Cameo 4
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is the latest, advanced series of Silhouette machines. Also, it has a lightweight and sleek design, good features, wide cutting area, and it combines with an LCD touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, LED work light, dual voltage power adapter, etc. This machine lets you prepare projects from designs.
Advantages
- Easy-to-use features
- Touch screen
- Software lets you create designs
- Cheaper than Cricut Maker 3
- Good support and community
Disadvantages
- A lot of designs need payment.
- Some users have observed software bugs
Cricut Maker 3
Cricut Maker 3 is a top-notch cutting machine that works with cartridge-based and digital files. This machine has an 8.5″ X 11″ cutting mat that can hold various materials such as cardstock, paper, vinyl, fabric, etc. Plus, this machine has a stylus that lets you cut designs drawn on the touch screen.
Advantages
- Beginners can use it
- It lets you cut paper, vinyl, fabric, etc.
- Cutting mat not required
- Swap and store tools easily
- Good support
Disadvantages
- Sometimes Design Space gets freeze
- Low print resolution
- Expensive
- Limited cutting space
Silhouette Cameo 4 Vs Cricut Maker 3
After learning about both machines, let’s compare them.
Cutting Power
Both machines are powerful and speedy and allow you to cut various materials compared to other machines. Usually, the Cameo 4 has a 5kg of downward cutting force, and the Maker 3 has 4 kg of downward pressure. It won’t matter much if you are required to cut fabric or paper, but if you usually cut leather, balsa wood, and vinyl, you will observe the difference.
Hence, we can say that Silhouette Cameo 4 comes out as the best choice for those who want a more powerful machine for their crafts.
Cutting Speed
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is three times faster than Cameo 3. Cricut Maker 3 also has fast speed while cutting standard materials. We took a test of both machines. We cut fabric and chipboard and observed that Cricut Maker 3 cut faster than Cameo 4.
Cutting Space
This is also an important feature that crafters prefer when choosing a cutting machine. Cutting space is the area your machine can cut the designs. Comparing these two machines, we found that Maker offers a cutting space of 12 X 24 inches while the Cameo 4 cuts on a maximum of 12 inches wide area. Plus, it can hold designs up to 10 ft long.
Therefore, the Silhouette Cameo 4 wins with a broader cutting space of 10 ft. It is good for those who work on specific projects, while the Cricut Maker is good for seasonal crafters.
Software
Both machines have smart software. In Cricut Maker, you get Cricut Design Space which is compatible with all devices, such as computers, laptops, and smartphones. Silhouette has Silhouette Studio for computers and Silhouette Go for mobile. Both apps can be used offline with the machine. The Cricut Design Space and Silhouette Studio are free to download, which is a plus point. You can try out both software to decide which you want.
The software also carries a huge library of templates and designs. However, there are some fonts and designs that need a subscription. But it is good to use the free templates when you are just starting the basic software.
Therefore, if you are just starting out, the Cricut Maker is good for you with its excellent interface. But if you are using an advanced tool with little more complex designs to experiment, Silhouette Cameo 4 will be more suited.
Flexibility
The ability to work with different materials and handle different tools counts in flexibility. The Silhouette Cameo 4 has a rotary blade, kraft blade, auto blade, and punch tool. While the Cricut Maker 3 supports more blades. Plus, it offers you various accessories such as a perforation blade, wavy blade, scoring wheel, and engraving tip. Overall, both machines can cut a huge variety of materials. Hence, Cricut Maker 3 is the final winner in flexibility and versatility.
FAQs
Which Is Better Cricut Or Silhouette?
If you prefer a good cutting force, cutting size, flexibility, and affordable price, Silhouette Cameo 4 is better. But if you consider cutting speed software for your cutting machine, Cricut will be a good option.
Does Silhouette Cameo 4 Print?
Yes, the Cameo 4 print. You can easily transfer your design to the Silhouette machine. The Print & Cut feature in the Silhouette Studio software lets you create a design or take it from the Design store.
Should I Have A Printer For Silhouette Cameo 3?
Yes, it will be good if you have a printer for your Cameo 3. There is not any particular printer for Cameo 3. Hence, you can use any printer you have.
