Cameo vs Cricut

[glitzy07]

Hello!

I have some money to burn and I keep thinking that I might like to buy some kind of vinyl cutting machine, but I have absolutely no clue where to even start. To begin, I'm not a super crafty person. But I like the idea of being able to create my own custom labels (for the pantry, kid's storage boxes, etc), and maybe some fun t-shirts or hat designs, or stickers. 

Does anyone have a suggestion for which machine to consider? I don't anticipate wanting to do anything major beyond that, though I've seen some cute things that can be done with etching Christmas ornaments and the like.

Can I ask which machine experienced crafters would recommend? I always find myself leaning towards the best of the best, but I probably don't need the newest/most advanced machine for the things I'd like to do, right?

TIA!

[rubytue]

Piggy backing, as I’ve considering it also. Does everything require a computer? I would love an option that I could design on my iPad and send it to the cutter by Bluetooth. As I was looking a few weeks ago, some said they had Bluetooth, but does it work the way my head wants it to? I get annoyed that I have to boot up my slow laptop to talk to my embroidery machine.

[samanthamkm]

Sept 22, 2020 12:17:28 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Piggy backing, as I’ve considering it also. Does everything require a computer? I would love an option that I could design on my iPad and send it to the cutter by Bluetooth. As I was looking a few weeks ago, some said they had Bluetooth, but does it work the way my head wants it to? I get annoyed that I have to boot up my slow laptop to talk to my embroidery machine.

You can use an iPad with the cricut maker. It seems their design space has different features for different OS though.

[samanthamkm]

I have the Cricut maker. I have heard that Silhouette's design software is easier to use. I have never used one though.

I bought the maker 2+ years ago and don't use it often just because of personal issues. But if I was going to buy one today I'd still buy a maker over an air2. The air2 doesn't have has many blades as the maker and sooner or later they will stop supporting the air2. They have with all of their old machines. I don't buy their subscription thing because you can find a lot of free fonts/images online.

[mala]

Look at the brother scan and cut, too, that's what my mom uses.

[tiptoetulips]

The air2 is a great solid machine but it depends on what you want to make. The maker can cut a lot more materials than the air2 can and also has the capabilities to swap with more tools (sold separately). If you’re just doing vinyl and card stock the air2 is great. If you’re looking to do fabric and more heavy duty materials go for the maker. You can use your phone or iPad with the air2 or maker.

[shortcake2675]

I have a Cameo 3. It has been just fine, but I don't try to cut fabric with it. I liked the Silhouette Studio software much better when I was purchasing it, because it wasn't online. I am still happy with it.

[lilac05]

I have an Air2. I got it for Christmas last year. Considering what we paid for it, plus materials (you always have to buy WAY more than what you’ll use), and the frustration/learning curve, I wish I had just skipped it and paid someone to custom create something for me when I had something I wanted. I would be money WAY ahead...and the products would look better! To make good tshirts/hats, you need a press of some sort. You can use an iron, but it’s harder and less consistent.

It’s big and clunky and the machine plus supplies takes up more space than it’s worth in my house.

On the flip side, I have a friend who has made a nice little business with her Cricut. She has gotten really good at design and creation and is building something great (online/FB sales, not craft shows). She has mostly moved on to sublimation, though, which requires different materials.

If you’re going to spend the money, spend a little more for the maker.

[pooh8402]

I have the Cricut Air2 and I like it. I got it on super sale. Avoid the Joy. It is too limited even for my limited cutting needs. If all you're going to cut is vinyl and cardstock and "leather", stick with the Air2. If you think you'll want to branch out beyond basic cutting or writing, then get the Maker, especially if there is no budget. If you want to do iron-ons, get the Air2 and a heat press. I want a heat press because PP was right, an iron is doable but harder.

[msn06]

Ultimately it comes down to software as the maker and cameo 4 do all the same things. Software is free so download both and play. A girl and a glue gun has a video series on the Silhouette’s software.

Cricut’s design space is limited on what it can do in terms of design. Many will design their image in another program and then convert to an svg and import to design space. Silhouette’s software can usually do the design work in one place.

If you choose circuit get the maker. It is the model that they keep adding abilities too. The explore series is not getting any of the new tools and is limited on what it can cut. Cricut machines are also limited to 11.5” x 23.5” cutting size.

I have heard great things about the Cameo 4 that recently came out. The Cameos can also cut without a mat which means they can cut up to 10’ long.

[sandandsea]

I just bought the Cameo. I watched tons of 45+ minute you tube videos comparing them. The cameo can cut from the roll and has a wider print capacity so it can do much longer prints whereas the cricut maker is more limited in the length it can cut. That was our ultimate deciding factor.

The cricut maker looks nicer/sturdier and is a bit quieter and it looks easier to use and has more advertising and online tutorials, name recognition, etc. The Cameo seems to have more robust software, stronger cuts (thicker material), more force and is easier for print and cut designs. I have found lots of tutorials for it as well, just not quite as many. Also you can use any pen with the Cameo and can use most of the off or Cricut branded accessories since it seems they don’t make as many of their own products. Cricut makes everything under the sun (tools, materials, etc). The Cameo is also less expensive.

[sandandsea]

youtu.be/Ho2_MzU5gh0
This was a very helpful video.

As was this one.

youtu.be/6an3SK_XD-c

[egeiger]

If you know you only want smaller projects and an occasional use, I would look for a silhouette portrait on Facebook marketplace. I see them for $50 in my area. You can only go 8.5” wide instead of 12” but it seems like it fits your needs and is a low investment to try.


They both accomplish the same output so it really is about the software. You can download both and compare or just download the one you lean toward and start you tubing tutorials.

Enjoy! They are handy to have!