The Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Silhouette are two of the most popular cutting machines on the market today. Both machines offer a variety of features that make them ideal for crafters and small businesses alike. But, what’s the difference between a Cricut Explore Air 2 and a Silhouette?
Design Software
The biggest difference between the two machines is their design software. The Silhouette uses its own Silhouette Studio software which is free to download and use. The Cricut Explore Air 2, however, uses Design Space which is an online software that requires a monthly subscription for access to all features.
Cutting Materials
When it comes to what each machine can cut, there’s some overlap but also some differences. Both machines can cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, and heat transfer vinyl.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 has an additional advantage in that it can also cut thin wood sheets (up to 1/32 inch thick). The Silhouette cannot do this so if you’re looking to cut thicker materials like balsa wood or chipboard then the Cricut is your best bet.
Price
The price of each machine varies depending on where you purchase it from but generally speaking the Cricut Explore Air 2 has a price tag of around $250 while the Silhouette ranges from $200-$300 depending on model.
Ease Of Use
Both machines are relatively easy to set up and use but there are some differences in terms of user-friendliness. The Cricut Explore Air 2 features an LCD touchscreen which makes it easier to select designs and adjust settings without having to connect your machine to your computer or smartphone like you would need with the Silhouette. Additionally, because Design Space is cloud-based it means you can access your projects from any device with an internet connection which makes designing on-the-go much more convenient than with the Silhouette Studio software which requires you to be connected to your computer via USB cable in order to access your designs and projects.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while both machines have their advantages they both offer different features that will appeal to different types of crafters and small businesses owners alike. The Cricut Explore Air 2 offers easy setup with its LCD touchscreen display as well as access to Design Space’s extensive library of images and projects while the Silhouette offers free design software as well as wider range of cutting materials including thin wood sheets up to 1/32 inch thick. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when deciding between these two cutting machines so make sure that you do research into both before making your decision!