Cricut Explore or Silhouette Cameo...which is better for a beginner?

I've never owned a cutting machine before but would love to get one for Christmas. Up until now, all the projects I have made have been cut by hand or with punches. I have no experience with photoshop or any other design software, and I'm wondering if the Silhouette software is difficult to learn. Any opinions are welcomed. TIA!

Cricut Explore or Silhouette Cameo...which is better for a beginner?

I love my cricut. I have an expression and hope to one day get the explore.

I've heard great things about the silhouette too. I am sure that with YouTube, you can learn the software easily.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Re: Cricut Explore or Silhouette Cameo...which is better for a beginner?

I've seen some of the projects made from the Silhouette Cameo on Instagram and it's pretty impressive. Not sure about the Cricut bc in my industry they use the Accuquilt or Sizzix . Try following or check both companies out on Instagram and connect with some people there.

Re: Cricut Explore or Silhouette Cameo...which is better for a beginner?

I have a Cricut Expression and a Silhouette Cameo. I do not own the Explore.

This is what I can tell you.

To operate the Explore you MUST have a computer WITH an internet connection. You cannot share your Cricut cartridges, or use another person's cartridge in your machine, as the machine only operates using their software. From what I have seen of Cricut craft room, I am not a fan. The images you "purchase" for use are really only rented, not owned, and Cricut maintains some kind of license over everything you design in their software. So nothing is truly yours.

To operate the Cameo, you use the software that comes with the machine. You can upgrade to Designer Edition for @ $25. You only need an internet connection to go into the Silhouette store, or any other place you want to buy designs. You can free draw any image in the software. The upgrade to designer edition is necessary to import .svg files directly to cut without having to use another free program (Inkspace) to convert before importing.

I've had my Cameo for a year and I'm still learning the intricacies of the software, BUT, I only get maybe one day a month to actually sit down and take time to watch a video or whatnot. The very basics I learned to do about 15 minutes.

Now, that said, I think either machine will definitely have a learning curve. It's really a question of what you want to do with the machine, as they have very different capabilities. Personally, I have a problem with Cricut's business practices, and generally once I have issues, I tend to take my money elsewhere.

Message edited 2/28/2015 11:19:28 AM.

Cricut Explore or Silhouette Cameo...which is better for a beginner?

Cricut explore is easier to use out of the box. There is a big learning curve with the silhouette. Check out youtube videos by Kens Kreations he sold me on the cricut over the silhouette. BUT I primarily wanted it for the print then cut feature which is basically 3 easy steps using the explore. I do a lot of digital scrapbooking so I use the digital scrapbook embellishments to make my own stickers and die cuts. You do need a decent photo quality printer though for high quality print then cutting. I think each machine has a lot of pros and cons though so it will depend on what you want it for and how quick a learner you are with new software. In the long run I think if you can master the software then silhouette is better than cricut. If you just want it for print then cut then the explore beats the silhouette for accuracy and also for the wider variety of materials it can cut.

Message edited 1/17/2015 11:43:00 AM.