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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 and Silhouette Cameo 5 score essentially the same (4.0 vs 4.0). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Cricut Joy 2
Ranked #3 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Cricut Joy 2
3 sources2 derived$139as of Jul 31

The Cricut Joy 2 is small enough to leave on a desk and quick enough for everyday projects. Tom's Guide pointed to custom cards, decals, and labels as its natural work, and the official Cricut Shop highlights that it pairs with a home inkjet printer for full-color stickers. Essential materials come bundled so you can start right away. What it doesn't have is the cutting capacity of the larger models. Beginners and casual crafters short on space should like it; serious users will run into its limits.

Strengths
  • — Ultra-compact design at 4.5 inches for easy portability and space-saving storage
  • — Works with home inkjet printers to create full-color stickers
  • — Includes essential materials and tools for up to 35 projects out of the box
Watch-outs
  • — Limited cutting width compared to larger Cricut models
  • — Requires Cricut Access subscription for full Design Space software access
$139 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Silhouette Cameo 5
Ranked #4 in Best Vinyl Cutting Machines
Silhouette Cameo 5
2 sourcesall derived

The Silhouette Cameo 5 cuts fast and accurately, and it beats the Cricut Maker on length, handling runs up to 16 feet. Reviewers praised the improved registration marks and print-and-cut performance, with one saying it replaced their Cricut machines entirely. A roll feeder and electrostatic mat attachment open up larger projects and delicate materials, though the electrostatic mat takes careful setup and struggles with textured materials. Crafters who want advanced cutting capability will get it; beginners may find the software more complex than they bargained for.

Strengths
  • — Fast and accurate cutting performance with improved registration marks for flawless print and cut
  • — Supports cut lengths up to 16 feet compared to Cricut Maker's 12-foot maximum
  • — Includes built-in roll feeder for larger vinyl projects
Watch-outs
  • — Electrostatic mat requires careful setup with protective sheet and may not work well with textured materials
  • — Limited instruction manual provided with electrostatic mat accessory
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 stands out for its ultra-portable design and inkjet compatibility, features not available in the Cricut Explore 4 or Maker 4. However, its limited cutting width and subscription requirement for full software access make it less suitable for complex projects compared to the Silhouette Cameo 5 or VEVOR Vinyl Cutting Plotter, which offer more robust cutting capabilities.

Silhouette Cameo 5

The Silhouette Cameo 5 surpasses the Cricut Explore 4 in cut length capabilities and includes a roll feeder and electrostatic mat, features not found in the Cricut Maker 4 or Joy 2. However, its electrostatic mat requires careful setup and isn't compatible with textured materials, unlike the more universally compatible Cricut Joy 2. It also lacks the beginner-friendly interface of the Cricut Maker 4.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCricut Joy 2Silhouette Cameo 5
Max Cut Width4.5 in12 x 12 in
Compatible Materials75+ materialstextiles, adhesive stickers, paper, wood, magnetic sheets, and even tattoos
Included FeaturesUp to 35Up to 35
Max Cut Length48 in (121.9 cm)Up to 16 feet
ConnectivityBluetoothBluetooth
SoftwareDesign SpaceSilhouette Studio
Dimensions9.1"D x 5.4"W x 2.8"H25"D x 11"W x 9"H
Blade Type—Auto Blade
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