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Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Joy 2 vs Silhouette Cameo 5

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Cricut Joy 2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Mobile crafters with limited space — read the strengths below before deciding.

Cricut Joy 2
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Joy 2
8 sources2 derived$139as of Sep 15

The Cricut Joy 2 is a compact, portable crafting machine designed for DIY enthusiasts who need flexibility in their workspace. Tom's Guide noted its lightweight build and ease of setup, while a YouTube reviewer highlighted the included Essentials Bundle which provides a good starting kit for beginners. The machine lacks a door and on/off button, which some users may find limiting. It's well-suited for users who want a simple, mobile crafting solution but may not be ideal for those seeking advanced features or frequent blade replacements.

Strengths
  • — Lightweight and portable design suitable for on-the-go crafting
  • — Includes Essentials Bundle with useful tools and materials
  • — Simple setup process with intuitive machine controls
Watch-outs
  • — No on/off button or door for blade access
  • — Blade housing must be replaced as a whole unit rather than just the blade
$139 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Silhouette Cameo 5
Ranked #6 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Silhouette Cameo 5
4 sourcesall derived$299as of Sep 15

The Silhouette Cameo 5 stands out as a powerful cutting machine with a 12-inch or expandable 15-inch cutting area, built-in roll feeder for long material projects, and improved auto blade technology that handles materials up to 3 mm thick. Reviewers praised its fast sketch mode, powered carriage for foiling, and enhanced print-and-cut accuracy with four-point registration. However, some users noted the lack of a physical start guide in the box and the requirement to use Silhouette Studio software for full capabilities. It's ideal for crafters seeking advanced precision and versatility but may require more technical setup than beginner-friendly alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Features a 12-inch cutting area with expandable 15-inch option for larger vinyl cuts
  • — Includes a built-in roll feeder for continuous material handling up to 16 feet in length
  • — Equipped with auto blade that handles diverse materials including thicker options up to 3 mm high
Watch-outs
  • — No included start guide or QR codes for setup in the box
  • — Requires Silhouette Studio software (either free or Business version) for full functionality
$299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Cricut Joy 2

The Cricut Joy 2 is more portable and lightweight than the Maker 4 and Maker 3, but lacks advanced features like engraving and debossing. Unlike the Explore 5, it has a smaller cutting area and doesn't support dual-clamp systems, making it less suitable for complex multi-step projects.

Silhouette Cameo 5

The Silhouette Cameo 5 offers a built-in roll feeder and auto blade system that the Cricut Explore 4 lacks, but it requires separate software and has no included setup guide. Compared to the Cricut Maker 4, it's more focused on vinyl cutting and lacks the Maker's advanced engraving capabilities.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCricut Joy 2Silhouette Cameo 5
Materials75+ materialsMetal, Plastic
Cutting Width4.5 inches12 inches
SoftwareCricut Design SpaceSilhouette Studio
Dimensions9.1 x 5.4 x 2.8 in22.5 x 6.7 x 7.7 inches
Max Speed5.3 IPSFastest machine in Silhouette's lineup
ConnectivityBluetoothBluetooth connectivity
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