Head-to-head · Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Joy 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 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Compact crafting on the go — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Cricut Joy

4.4

8 sources2 derived

The Cricut Joy is a compact, portable cutting machine designed for crafters with limited space. Reviewers praised its ease of use, smartphone operation, and Smart Materials feature that eliminates cutting mats for compatible materials. However, the limited 5.5-inch cutting width restricts larger projects. While the mobile app is functional, it's less intuitive than the laptop version. The device is ideal for hobbyists and small-scale creators but may not suit those needing large-format cutting capabilities. Users recommend it for its precision and versatility in handling various materials.

Strengths

— Compact and portable design, easy to pack up and move between locations
— Operates entirely via smartphone app or laptop, with no physical buttons required
— Smart Materials feature eliminates need for cutting mats with compatible materials

Watch-outs

— Limited cutting width of only 5.5 inches, restricting large project capabilities
— Mobile app interface is cumbersome and less functional than laptop version

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Ranked #6 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

Silhouette Cameo 5

4.2

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 Amazon Full 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

The Cricut Joy is more portable and smartphone-controlled than the Maker 4 and Maker 3, but it has a much smaller cutting area. Unlike the Explore 5, it lacks the dual-clamp system and doesn't support scoring or engraving, making it less versatile for complex 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

Spec	Cricut Joy	Silhouette Cameo 5
Materials	Smart Materials compatible	Metal, Plastic
Cutting Width	5.5 inches	12 inches
Connectivity	Bluetooth	Bluetooth connectivity
Software	Cricut Design Space	Silhouette Studio
Dimensions	12.5 in x 6 in x 5.5 in	22.5 x 6.7 x 7.7 inches
Max Speed	5.65 inches per second	Fastest machine in Silhouette's lineup

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