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Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Maker 4 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 Maker 4 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Advanced crafters seeking maximum versatility — read the strengths below before deciding.

Cricut Maker 4
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Maker 4
8 sources3 derived$417.57as of Sep 15

The Cricut Maker 4 is a smart cutting machine designed for crafters of all skill levels, capable of handling over 300 materials including paper, fabric, wood, and leather. TechRadar praised its speed improvements and versatility, while YouTube reviewers noted its size and weight as drawbacks for portability. The machine connects via Bluetooth or USB and uses the Cricut Design Space app for design customization. It's suitable for both basic projects like stickers and homemade t-shirts, as well as advanced crafts such as 3D folded designs and engraved metal or leather. The device comes with a crafting mat, phone storage rail, and storage compartments, making it a comprehensive tool for home crafting enthusiasts.

Strengths
  • — Cuts, engraves, scores, and debosses over 300 materials including paper, fabric, wood, and leather
  • — Up to two times faster than the previous model
  • — Works with the Cricut Design Space app for design and customization
Watch-outs
  • — Machine is fairly large and heavy, similar to a home office printer
  • — Requires a learning curve for new users to get started
$417.57 · 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 Maker 4

The Cricut Maker 4 stands out from the Cricut Maker and Maker 3 with its significant speed improvements and expanded material capabilities, though it's heavier and less portable than the Cricut Joy 2. Unlike the Explore series, it offers more advanced features like debossing and engraving, but lacks the beginner-friendly simplicity of the Explore 5.

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 Maker 4Silhouette Cameo 5
MaterialsOver 300 including paper, fabric, wood, leatherMetal, Plastic
Max SpeedUp to two times faster than previous modelFastest machine in Silhouette's lineup
ConnectivityBluetooth, USB cableBluetooth connectivity
SoftwareCricut Design SpaceSilhouette Studio
Cutting Width11.5 inches12 inches
Dimensions22.1 x 7.1 x 6.2 inches22.5 x 6.7 x 7.7 inches
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