Note: this post is updated to reflect updates in both products as of 11/9/2015
There has been a deluge of biased information out lately comparing the Cricut Explore vs the Silhouette Cameo but the truth is the systems are very different, each with strengths and weaknesses and neither is a slam dunk for everyone. As the holiday rapidly approaches, which should be on your wish list? Let me try my best to give you some objective guidance.
First let me get the similarities out of the way. Both can cut vinyl or card stock to the level of precision and accuracy quite suitable for the typical to advanced crafter. (Cricut-commissioned tests do show the Explore with a slight lead in accuracy.) Both can cut the fonts on your computer or downloadable in TTF or OTF format as well as images in their own native formats. Both allow you to import and vectorize your own images from jpg or png format. Neither allows their proprietary digital content to be exported to another vector format.
It’s difficult to compare the digital subscriptions head to head because they are quite different. Keep in mind that with a Silhouette subscription you are *purchasing* image licenses, whereas with a Cricut subscription you are *renting* them. When your subscription ends (or if a company goes out of business), you walk away with nothing from Cricut, whereas the Silhouette image licenses are yours to keep.
It is also difficult to compare individual image purchases. You can purchase some image sets or individual images from Cricut, as well as purchasing/linking cartridges available at varying prices. The actual amount you pay for a Silhouette image varies widely depending on how much you pay for your subscription or download card, but is usually much less than advertised if you shop wisely.
As far as ease of use, I’m unimpressed with both companies’ current options. Cricut’s carefully designed user interface is marred by frequent errors, freezes and crashes brought about by their unfortunate choice to make Design Space browser based and built on Flash. You won’t have to learn many design options, but you will have to learn to install multiple browsers, to delve into their detailed settings, and to clear their caches, sometimes multiple times daily.
I thought Silhouette Studio v2 had a great balance of power and ease of use, but then came V3, and a lot of disappointment. It added meager new features but disproportionately more confusion, making it not so easy to use any more (V2 is still available but not fully compatible with the newest Cameos). Cricut Design Space and Silhouette Studio are free, so I encourage you to load them both and try your hand at some design and printing tasks representative of your needs before you make a machine purchase.
Now, below I’ve listed some key differences you want to be aware of in light of your own specific needs…
Things you can do with a Cameo that you can’t do with an Explore
-Design or cut without an active internet and server connection
-Cut (vinyl or other backed materials) or draw/write without a mat
-Create your own designs from scratch using built in shape tools, freehand tools, line styles, alignment, replication, etc.
-Add a fully adjustable offset (shadow) to any text or image for cutting, for print and cut or for draw/write and cut.
-Cut larger images or designs without tiling (see size chart below)
-Print and cut larger images (see size chart below)
-Cut images out of preprinted media such as fabric, giftwrap, stamped media or commercial greeting cards (requires optional PixScan mat $14.95 MSRP, street price $12.00)
-Print purchased or original designs in high resolution (for print and cut or to create printables, Silhouette default 600 dpi, Cricut estimated max 150 dpi)
-Backup all of your designs (purchased or created) to your own hard drive or other local media and/or to the cloud service of your choice
-Cut without a computer (previously saved files via SD card in the Cameo 1 or USB stick in the Cameo 2)
-Cut/draw complex paths of over 3000 nodes
-Import SVG sets at their correct relative size (requires software upgrade MSRP $49.99, street price $30) Update: Cricut Design Space 2.0 seems to be importing SVGs from Adobe Illustrator at the correct size, but not others.
-Cut directly from 3rd party software such as Make the Cut, Sure Cuts a Lot, Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw (3rd party software must be purchased, AI and CD require the Silhouette Connect module as well MSRP $49.99, street price $30)
-Roll feed vinyl (optional feeder MSRP $39.95, street price $35)
-Precisely place cuts with respect to the page or mat
-Fill shapes with a seamless pattern without the seams showing, or with a gradient.
-Cut or write on media that is up to 15 inches wide
-Combine elements from existing files via copy and paste
-Easily draw, cut or score the same file with different settings for each layer or pass
-Retain the proper spacing between letters in text you type or paste in
-Perform updates at your convenience
-Trust the system requirements on the box
Things you can do with an Explore that you can’t do with a Cameo
-Write and cut without pausing to exchange pen with blade (except for the Explore One)
-Adjust all material settings including blade depth with a single dial (Update: in several months of using my machine, I find the presets do not work, and it is cumbersome to find an alternative, not sure that this is really an advantage)
-Cut thick/dense/tough media like shrink plastic, craft foam and aluminum (may require optional deep cut blade/housing MSRP $29.99, street price $18 and strong grip mat MSRP $14.99 street price $9)
-Cut wirelessly (requires Explore Air or optional bluetooth adapter MSRP $49.99, street price $30 and Bluetooth compatible computer, iPad or iPhone)
-Cut and score without pausing to exchange blade with scoring tool (optional scoring tool MSRP $8.99, street price $5.40) or to adjust blade depth. (I list this reluctantly, because the score pressure can not be controlled independently of the cut and you can not set up a separate file of just the score lines to work around this. Cut and score is somewhat disappointing as it stands now).
-Legally cut Disney images for personal use (purchase of cartridge/image set or individual images required, price varies)
-Cut SVG files out of the box (I list this reluctantly, as Design Space’s SVG support is spotty at best. I’ve been unable to use many of the SVGs I had hoped to)
-Use non-licensed content on items you sell without purchasing an additional license (all items in the Cricut subscription are included in Cricut’s generous angel policy)
-Cut ready-made projects with just a few clicks (some projects are free, most must be purchased)
-Cut from an iPad 2 or later, or iPhone (requires Explore Air or optional bluetooth adapter MSRP $49.99, street price $30).
-Automatically add a bleed zone to a print and cut image
-Quickly turn a layered OEM cut file into a print then cut
-Design with all library images from any internet connected computer without having to purchase the images first
-Edit an existing file of yours from any internet connected computer
There are few cases where the choice is obvious
For instance…
If you prefer to cut ready-made designs with as little effort as possible, then the Explore is for you
If you want to be able to cut metal, shrink plastic or other heavy materials, the Explore has the higher pressure you will need. (However, if pressure is your main consideration and you can afford to pay more, there are other options, such as the Pazzles Vue, that have even more pressure as well as better software and cutting size options)
If you have a ton of Cricut cartridges, you will probably want to stick with Cricut. Likewise, if you own a lot of Silhouette store files, you will likely want to stick with Silhouette
If you want a machine for print and cut invitations, the Cameo is the clear choice because of the size and resolution limitations of Explore’s print then cut
If you do primarily vinyl projects, the Cameo is better suited for vinyl work for a number reasons. (ability to cut without a mat, cutting length up to ten feet, optional roll feeder, ability to more easily add weed lines, better typographic support including text wrap, etc.)
If noise is a concern, the Explore is a significantly quieter machine.
If you rely on your cutter for a business, the Explore simply can not be your only machine because internet or server interruptions will bring you to a halt. I would also consider the lack of content control to be a major concern for business owners.
If you already have one, ask for the other. Then you will have the best of both worlds. 🙂
What a great comparison! Wouldn’t it be nice if there were fewer functions performed by one OR the other machine?! Thanks for sharing your hard work in preparing this valuable, easy to read post!
I needed this easy to understand comparison. Very unbiased. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Thanks for the post. I haven’t updated to the new silhouette version yet, but hoping for a version 4 that’s worth updating. You are my go to person when trying to figure out if I can do something on the Sil. I’m still trying to master the cuts from stamped images–always just a little off. This has saved my sanity and my pocketbook since I don’t have to purchase companion dies. Thankful for YOU!
Just wanted to say thanks for a great evaluation and taking so much of your precious time to tell us.
I appreciate your thorough, detailed, knowledgeable, and well-written comparison of the products. You are incredibly generous to share it all with us. Thank you!
Now, if you would just tell me which version of SSDE Ver. 3.xxx you recommend to add to my computer (with the fewest bugs) and that will handle PixScan for my Sil. Portrait, for someone who is still a novice at using cutting machines and software–I might be able to stop pulling out my hair…
I was warming up to 3.1.417 and would recommend that for people who want to use PixScan.
Thanks, Kay. I trust your judgement, which is why I asked you. You are such a treasure.
Wow, thank you for this detailed post. I am a newbie and do own a Cameo. I did the comparison of the 2 before buying and even though I loved the easy dial for the Explore and other features I decided the Cameo was the best fit for me at the time (graphic design background pre kid). However saying that I was still intrigued with Explore and with their forward thinking CEO so I joined the Cricut dinner in Toronto and learnt so much. I’m still happy with my Cameo and look forward to using it a lot more in the new year but I’ll be keeping my eye on Cricut and in a year or 2 I’ll be ready to have both. :-). Thank you for your information.
Vicky if you are ever interested in a swap let me know, love my explore but i would love to try the cameo and the software that goes along with it!
The best and most accurate review I have read.
Great analysis. I have both and use them both. I don’t want to own expensive cartridges and prefer to have more design options. I love using the Cameo software for non cut projects– great printing design tool. I make silkscreen and use the SSDE to trace complicated images –that might not work for cutting but create crisp images for printing onto a acetate before making a silkscreen.
Thank you so much for your help in this “cutting craziness,” you are much appreciated!!!
Catty you have both im a newbie in cutting machine if i design in adobe illustration wich machin do you suggest to me ?
Either machine can use DXF files exported from Adobe Illustrator. So decide based on the other factors I list.
Kay,
Thank you for your time and effort. Your video series, Tracing Without Tears, has saved me a lot of time and effort. (So that is what those little red dots are for.) And by following your instructions I know why my designs did not fill.
My wife and I work mostly in vinyl, and we just used Amazon points to upsize from the Portrait to the Cameo.
John in Philly
Kay this was a great review. I don’t own circuits and have only purchased one and sold it before I ever took it out of the box. I do have the vue and cameo. So to me the best of both worlds. Thank you so much for all you do.
The best review, hands down, I’ve seen yet! Thank you, Kay, for your in-depth analysis. I’ve had ALL the Cricuts and switched to a Cameo two years ago. I love it! I did buy the Explore and it does make accurate cuts, albeit slowly, but it gets frustrating to not be able to draw a simple line, square or any shape for that matter. Provo Craft can advertise their paid for comparison as much as they want, but for my money, other diecutters offer far more versatility and better software.. I have hundreds of Cricut cartridges and that is the main reason I got the Explore, but I know the cameo will still get the most use even though I refuse to upgrade to V3. I truly value your opinions and have learned so much from your expertise.
Thanks again!
Kris
Thanks for your great comparison review. I have both the Cameo and the Explore. I much prefer the Cameo. I have V3 and have found it easy to work with after the initial learning curve. I like the fact that I can do my own designing easily and quickly with the Cameo, I can organize and save my files on my own device in any way that makes sense to me, I can have multiple mats open at the same time and move objects between those mats, I can arrange the objects on one mat in various colors for ease of cutting, I can easily add shadows to objects, and when I subscribed to the Silhouette files I actually now own those those files to use whenever I choose. I only got the Explore because I own so many Cricut cartridges. Admittedly I haven’t used it much just yet, but so far I’m not at all impressed. I find it difficult to quickly find images I’m looking for…it just takes way to long and only loads a few images at a time and you have to keep scrolling to find images. I don’t like only being able to have one mat open at a time, and I absolutely hate that I can’t put all my images on one mat in different colors for ease of cutting. You can’t add shadows and you can’t alter images easily like you can with the Silhouette software. Hopefully ProvoCraft will get with the program soon and make improvements to their software, otherwise I’m afraid that I once again have an expensive Cricut paperweight sitting in my craft room.
Fantastic review and as usual, very thorough! I’m trying to warm up to Sil ver 3….but…. SSDE Version 2.9x is just so perfect for me. But I bought a Pixscan mat, so I guess I should eventually try to convert.
As for Explore vs. Cameo, your points are right on. The Cricut/Explore will be the choice for some folks and the Cameo will be a choice for others. Thanks, again, for the helpful information.
nice review…I had an SD, then a Cameo, and now I after debating a while I just got myself the new Cameo and the Portrait 😉 I did think about getting the Explore, but at the end it is not a the machine for me…
You said that one of the thigns that you can only do with the Explore is to “-Cut and score without pausing to exchange blade with scoring tool”, and you are correct, but I would like to add that if anyone is like me and hate those dotted score lines that are default with Silhouette designs, you can edit them to make them solid lines, then make them a different color and tell the Silhouette to do a kiss cut. No need to pause ox exchange the blade either 😉
Junia,
I do my score lines in Silh Studio just like you are recommending, but I still have to take the blade out and change the depth to get the “kiss cut”. V3 makes it simple by pausing for that change.
Thanks, Kay…your the BEST!!
Great comparison. Cricut is marketing HARD against the Cameo. Unfortunately, Silhouette America is not responding in kind.
One item of comparison you left out: noise. The Explore is much quieter than the Cameo. Important if your crafting space is near bedrooms or TV rooms.
I’m very excited about Cricut’s new vitality and the effort they’re making – especially the iPad app. They are moving and improving. Sil America seems to be fading in comparison.
Also, many of these points are subtle and not very clear to someone buying their first electronic cutter. And let’s not forget the Sizzix eclips. Also a worthy consumer level machine – with cartridges, and an online store, and software similar to Sil. Studio.
I do want to include the noise issue, Jasen, just wasn’t sure how to fit it into this format. Think I’ll add it in the bottom section. Thanks for the reminder.
You did not mention cutting fabric for applique use in quilting. Any thoughts on this use? Silhouette has been marketed at quilt shows.
I do not have any experience with this on either machine. My sense is that it is probably pretty even.
This comparison review is spot on. I have both and love the way the Explore cuts, the writing feature, and the perfect Print then Cuts, but Design Space cannot compete with Silhouette Studio DE. V3 or 2, the one I prefer. Kudos to Cricut for reaching out and listening to their customers and making a great cutting machine, but if you
can only have one, choose the Cameo hands down!
Wonderful information, Kay. I chose to boycott Provo Craft in early 2011 when they sued MTC. I haven’t regretted my decision and donated all of my Provo Craft items to a local charity.
I am happy with my Cameo and all that it does. Also it seems the customer service via Silhouette is a lot better, which is something I personally value.
thankyou for this thoughtful comparison.
Thank you for the comparison. I decided (after owning a Cameo for a year) to ask for the Explore for Christmas. With deals around Black Friday if you are going to try the Explore now is the time. I have not used my Cameo to its full potential by any means. I love the software, but even that I am still extremely new. I thought the Explore might be easier to use for – may I call them ‘straight’ designs/cuts. Things that are straight forward (maybe layered, but no messing with). We’ll see!
I would ask though, that in your posts – especially when there might be new to the subject folk – like me) that you would use less initials – or at least explain what those initials are. Thank you – Julie
Thank you for providing your insights on both machines, Kay. I’m very happy with my Cameo and DE v. 2. I purchased the Explore on Black Friday, but I haven’t opened it and I’m not sure I’m keeping it, so this review is very helpful to me. The restrictions PC has put on an otherwise promising machine are turnoffs for me.
Frankly I don’t own either one and the comments I read on some of the blogs I am a part of really turn me off. Especially the Explore. People just seem to have so many problems with Design Space I am just not sure it is worth it. I do not want to become a computer/internet expert I just want to cut vinyl and sometimes paper. I have almost decided to wait a while and buy a Silver Bullet.
Thank you for your objective comments. I was a Provo Craft supporter for years, owning an Expression and I always enjoyed working with this machine. After years of researching and comparing I purchased a Silhouette Cameo a year ago and have not regretted my decision. I still own my Expression and will not part with it, they both offer great options for me. The big thing for me was buying carts all the time and only utilizing specific designs rather than the entire cart. I have made many projects over the past year and have spent very little in comparison to the number of carts I purchased in a year.
Thanks again for putting this information together for us!