Cricut vs Silhouette: which is best for you?

Cricut vs Silhouette; two craft machines
(Image credit: Cricut / Silhouette)

Digital cutting machines are more popular than ever, and Cricut vs Silhouette puts two of the best brands against one another, to answer the question, which is right for you? It's a question everyone asks when looking for a craft machine, both have heritage, great tech and a similar approach to digital cuttings.

While the best Cricut machines are dominant, that's not to say the brand lacks a rival. Silhouette has a real legacy behind it and leads the best Cricut alternatives with four model lines to choose from: Cameo, Portrait, Mint, and Alta. Cricut, on the other hand, has three main lines of cutting machines: Maker, Joy, and Explore. 

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Cricut vs Silhouette brand comparison
Header Cell - Column 0 CricutSilhouette
Premium machineMaker 3Cameo 4
Entry machineJoyPortrait
Additional machinesEasyPress 2, Mug Press, Explore 3Mint, Alta
Number of blades135
Materials supported300+ (fabric, felt, wood, etc)100 (fabric, felt, wood, etc)
Matless cuttingYesYes
Standard cutting size12″ x 24′12″ x 24′
ScoringYesNo
Cutting machine pricing$179.99 - $399.99 / £179.99 - £399.99$199.99 - $499.99 / £225 - £570

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Editor, Digital Arts & 3D

Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.

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