Cricut vs Cameo vs Siser vs Brother vs LokLik: Which Cutting Machine is the Best?

If you're in the market for a cutting machine but unsure of which brand to choose, we compared all the top brands including Cricut, Silhouette, Siser, LOKLiK, Brother, and xTool to help you decide which one is best for your needs. We explored the features, capabilities, and user-friendliness of each brand and rated each with a comprehensive score. This comparison will help you avoid wasting money on a cutting machine that doesn't live up to your expectations. Find out which brand comes out on top!
#cuttingmachine #craft #diycraft
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
04:41 Categories Tested
06:23 Testing in Action
11:28 Machine Rankings
MATERIALS IN THIS VIDEO
- Cricut Maker 3 - amzn.to/3vC3NMO
- Silhouette Cameo 4 - amzn.to/3PMp6Cg
- Siser Juliet - amzn.to/3J24thC
- LOKLiK Crafter - amzn.to/3U2kcn8
- Brother ScanNCut SDX230Di - amzn.to/3vz2uON
- xTool M1 - xtool.pxf.io/rQPq3y
- Marietta Magnetics 8.5 x 11 Plain Magnet Sheets - amzn.to/4apbuFh
- Teckwrap Red HTV - amzn.to/3VJwnX5
- Cardstock - amzn.to/4aDGxgq
DISCLOSURE
Links included in this description may include affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that we provide we may receive a small commission that helps us pay our bills. Don’t worry - there is no additional charge to you. Thank you for supporting our channel so we can continue to provide you with free content!
All content on this channel is for informational/entertainment purposes only. The owner of this channel makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information in these videos, descriptions, or from any external links, and will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information, nor for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

[@FamilyUnit]

Prefer reading? www.freshandfelicia.com/the-best-crafting-cutting-machine/ Please consider using our affiliate links below to help support our channel (THANK YOU!): -Cricut Maker 3 - amzn.to/3vC3NMO -Silhouette Cameo 4 - amzn.to/3PMp6Cg -Siser Juliet - amzn.to/3J24thC -LOKLiK Crafter - amzn.to/3U2kcn8 -Brother ScanNCut SDX230Di - amzn.to/3vz2uON -xTool M1 - www.xtool.com/?ref=UGCz6D7smUafd7&

[@FreshandFelicia]

So this is why we haven’t seen Felicia for an entire week! Thanks 🙏 for all your hard work. Fresh misses you.

[@FamilyUnit]

Thank you! The thanks goes to Fresh for putting up with Felicia during that week! LOL

[@LouRao]

Wow! What an amazingly comprehensive comparison you've done for each of the machines that were demonstrated. I have the same Brother Scan N Cut, Cricut Maker 3, and the Singer Momento, the newest cutter that just came out. I had the Cricut Venture 24” and the Siser Romeo 24”. I sent back the Cricut Venture because it was a ripoff. You have to use their special vinyl, allowing you to cut without a mat. Any 3rd party vinyl must use Cricut’s mat. It does not use a rotary blade, and it is very limited in what it can cut. The Cricut Venture is the same as the Cricut Explorer 3, with the exception that the Venture is 24”, but both are identical machines. So, the price tag for the Venture is anywhere from $799 to $999 depending on the sale. It's overpriced for a non-upgraded 24” cutter in 2024. I returned the Siser Romeo for the same reason you had trouble cutting card stock. Plus, I had to exchange it twice due to defective hardware. As for the software, it is one of the best and outranks Cricut Design Space in so many ways. For anyone who may not know you can create your designs in Siser Leonardo Design Studio export and import into Cricut as long as it is a subscription. The other drawbacks with Siser Romeo or Juliet are that they don’t have a pen holder and no rotary blade. Also, most of the KZbin Content Creators were sponsored by Siser, and they didn’t show card stock. You're the only channel that demonstrates card stock as a non-sponsored and gives thumbs up. I haven’t tested the new Singer Momento cutter. As soon as I do, I will have a review completed. For me, the Cricut Maker 3 is still the best for all materials. Correct, lately Cricut’s software has been having major issues since the last few updates. Instead of getting better, it is getting worse. Either way, the Maker 3 does a damn good job with any materials. Although it is a small machine and not good for large products. The Cricut Venture was meant to replace the Maker 3 but instead went back in years making it the same as the Cricut Explorer. The Brother Scan N Cut is more designed for fabric like doing appliqué. Brothers' way overpriced ($22,000) sewing and embroidery machines have been designed around the Scan N Cut, and that is what their focus is based on, not so much for card stocks. I won’t even give my opinion for the rest of the brands you demonstrated, not worth sharing about (Junk.) I had them all with the exception of XTools M1, something looking into getting now. Even though you didn’t demonstrate the WeCreat I still like to share my experience. I also have the WeCreat laser cutter, but it is going back. The day I received the WeCreat, it was damaged. WiFi keeps dropping. Power cord connection keeps coming off the back of the unit if I slightly move it. The connection is very loose and barely stays in the unit. The Autofocus within the software at times throws the project out of alignment. Mind you, this is day one with all these problems. I contacted support, and it’s been a challenge for replacement or fixing the problems. Note: there is only one support employee, no others that are available to go through to get help. Button line, support blamed me for all of the issues. He claimed I moved the laser too often, which is why the power cord is loose. Mind you, I unboxed the unit and placed it in two locations and no more. I was told I don’t have the laser near my computers and routers. The laser is 4 ft away from the computer, less than 5 feet away from the router with no wall blocking signal. I have three printers, two computers, and Alexa devices all in the same craft room with the laser, and the other devices don't drop from my network. As an IT professional for over 22 years, I have the knowledge and experience to know about home and business networks. But, it is my fault why the WiFi is not working on the laser. Support has no answer for the autofocus alignment. I can’t say if my issues are isolated or not. Most WeCreat reviews coming from KZbin or other social media are sponsored. And neither of the reviews they are using the WiFi to demonstrate the laser, USB cable is what you see connected to their computer. And let's say I didn’t have these issues; I still wouldn’t recommend WeCreat Vision products only because their warranty isn’t what it states. In fact, the warranty isn’t clear. And as I was told by that one individual, the only support person to contact any problems with the laser must be proven, and it is still up to him to make a judgment if he will send parts or request you send the unit back for refunds. He made it very clear, no exchanges. I too have a KZbin channel, and never in all the years as I demonstrated product reviews and contacted companies at times needed help, have I ever been put through this ordeal as I had with WeCreat Vision. In fact, it was my fault not researching and contacting them before making a purchase. I always made it clear with my audience to research before buying, and this was my first mistake by not doing what I was preaching. So, would I recommend the WeCreat? Absolutely not. No matter how good the laser may be, it's the negative support and warranty that is why I will not recommend them. I will be doing a review soon for all that I have been through, in the hopes that anyone watching can make a clear decision to invest or not to invest in WeCreat Vision. Again, you guys are awesome, and I can’t wait to see what is next. Thanks so much for this demonstration. I know the hard work that it takes to do multiple product reviews all at once, and this turned out excellent. If there were anything to add in any of your reviews, it is for product support and warranty. I believe it is one of the most important things to talk about when doing any product reviews. Otherwise, Great Job! 😎

[@lock.robster]

What a thorough summary! Wow! I subbed to your channel. Sounds like you have a lot of useful insight in this space. Can’t wait to see the Singer review also.

[@FamilyUnit]

Lou! We too were incredibly disappointed with Cricut Venture, and are trying to sell it on Facebook. Huge disappointment. Really surprised to hear about your WeCreat experience! Ours has been perfect. No problem with the power cord or the Wi-Fi. As a matter fact, it’s Wi-Fi is so strong I can pick it up down the street! Sounds like you got a bum unit. We forwarded your comment to our contact at the company. Hopefully they will do something about this. Definitely do an honest WeCreat review video on KZbin and that will help your case. They told us they want to see the good and bad. Thank you so much for your comment! We can’t wait to see your review of the Singer cutter. We had never heard about it and are intrigued. Subscribed to your channel!

[@LouRao]

@@FamilyUnitThank you for the awesome comments and support; it’s really appreciated 👍. Yeah, I have Venture up for sale at half retail price, and no bits, with the exception of a few buyers who want it for nothing - lolol. As for the WeCreat, it’s a done deal. The company is preparing to send me the shipping material for a full refund unless the right contact has a change of heart. I hope my comments forwarding to your contact aren’t for Patrick; he is the reason why I couldn’t get a replacement and is blaming me for all the issues. Either way, your awesome thoughts and actions will always be appreciated - can’t thank you enough. I will update you about the WeCreat and when I posted Singer Momento. Again, thanks for subscribing. ❤😎

[@LouRao]

​@@lock.robster Thank you.

[@cindygraham7405]

Wow, thanks for the review on the wectreate, I've been saving up for one but also trying to watch reviews which have been confusingly mixed....

[@zeldafitzgerald437]

This is a great video, thank you so much for taking the time and effort to get this information to us. My mind is now made up, I’m buying the Cricut Maker 3 tomorrow!!

[@FamilyUnit]

I think that is the right decision. We wanted to make sure that there was nothing better out there, and verified Cricut is still the best cutting machine in the industry - regardless of its software problems. You will love it! Happy crafting.

[@wendymasters367]

I was waiting for someone to finally do this! Thank you and AMAZING work. I think many beginner crafters will find this incredibly helpful. I wish this was around before I made my first purchase!

[@FamilyUnit]

Thanks so much for your kind words Wendy!

[@admtim]

This is a THESIS! I think we may have to refer to Felicia as “Dr. Felicia” from this point forward. I can hear Felicia’s frustration from here 😂 Nice work guys.

[@FamilyUnit]

I don't know about all that but I do know that this was along and trying project LOL Hopefully it will help some.

[@admtim]

I just heard Fresh is the voice on that Anthony Bourdain “No Reservations” show S10 E2! Saw his name in the credits ❤

[@FamilyUnit]

Fresh ROCKS! Best voiceover artist on earth!

[@tmcmommy3345]

Wow! I'm glad I have the Cricut Maker 3, not that I really know how to use it, but this video is going to be SO helpful for those trying to decide on a machine! I've been researching the xTool and Glowforge, thinking I want to do laser cutting, but I haven't been able to ascertain which is best for me yet.

[@FreshandFelicia]

We don’t own the Glowforge but have spoken with several who think xTool software is better and more flexible. Seeing a lot of Glowforge for sale on Facebook.

[@FamilyUnit]

Turns out Cricut Maker was the right choice! We were steered away from Glowforge! A few friends told us there are some software and subscription limitations, and we didn't want to be tied down. We're finding the xTool and WeCreat both very powerful and easy to use, and no subscriptions needed to use them right out of the box. Check out our laser cutter videos on our channel. Thanks!

[@jharper74]

Thank you for this comparison. Your hard work is very much appreciated.

[@FamilyUnit]

Thank you for that feedback and compliment. We appreciate it. 🙂

[@ESLTeacher]

This comparison was very well done. Reminds me of something you might see on Consumer Reports or Wirecutter. Shocking result! Heard Siser was the best, thought Xtool might be a great substitute, but now I am completely convinced Cricut is still the best choice. Thanks for your advice.

[@FamilyUnit]

We were a bit surprised as well.

[@realsnacky]

VERY surprised the Silhouette Cameo 5 didn’t do better. Heard good things about that cutting machine. But the women I spoke with were “embroidery snobs” so they’re probably not the best judges of character 😊

[@FamilyUnit]

We were suprised as well and spent way too much time trying to figure out how to get better results.

[@wendymasters367]

I think a lot of women bought these machines and experienced buyers remorse and are embarrassed to admit it so they defend their purchase.

[@FamilyUnit]

@wendymasters367 Possible. Do you think there are actually Siser Snobs? 😂

[@Just-a-girl]

I own the silhouette cameo 5 and Cricut maker, brother scan n cut and did own the loklik crafter. I actually love the Silhouette especially with the electrostatic mat. I was sad to see it rate on par with the loklik. In my humble opinion there’s absolutely no comparison.

[@wendymasters367]

@@Just-a-girl do you have any secrets or suggestions for better card stock cutting?

[@webereal]

The Xtool blade function seems useless. Nice marketing gimmick.

[@FamilyUnit]

It actually works well cutting more common large shapes, but not on super thin fonts or detailed card stock. It's cool that you have the ability to cut and engrave wood and can do vinyl and cardstock all in one machine. We’re hoping they add some blade adjustment options in future software upgrades.

[@stargazerr3474]

Cricut 3 is the ultimate winner! I will never buy anything but a Cricut and thank you for the comparison because I was thinking to buy a brother or Siser to see if they will do a better job, but your video proved Cricut is the winner. I had only used Cricut for years since expressions, cuttle bug , and the gypsy.

[@FamilyUnit]

I totally agree! You were completely right to go with Cricut. Great work! Keep on crafting!

[@tomgrantham9992]

Great explanation and good reviews.

[@dat1gi]

Thanks for the video. I've been looking for something for intricate cardstock cuts and was pretty impressed xTool M1. I also saw your video recommending a Laser to cut cardstock as well. For what I want, I'm getting ready to get laser cutter.

[@FamilyUnit]

Lasers is where it's at these days. You can't get that level of precision with a cutter. The butterflies we cut in this video were so intricate.

[@cheryltracy3553]

Brilliant comparison! Seemed fair and objective. Cricut for the win 🎉

[@FamilyUnit]

Thanks. Working on a follow on video focused just on print and cut stickers with all the machines including each one’s software. Should be interesting.

[@brendajordan6246]

I have to agree about this not being an accurate test. You should go to the website for each and see what the recommended mat, tool, and settings are for each material being cut. I do appreciate that you included the X-tool also, though most people that can afford an X-tool also already have a cutting machine to do cardstock and stuff.

[@enlovegyjourney]

I was so stressed out on which one I need to buy...... Thank you so much for helping me... lol I can't choose between 2, so I'm thinking about buying all both of them 😊

[@FamilyUnit]

LOL! I know exactly what you mean!

[@afanofosc]

May I ask what blade you used for cutting cardstock on the Loklik? It wasn't clear from the video whether you switched from the 45 degree blade to the 60 degree blade which is the blade recommended for cardstock on the loklik website.

[@FamilyUnit]

60 degree but I did another test using 45 degree and various force settings with no success.

[@ronaldopascua8221]

I wish you could have used Brother SDX1200 ScanN'Cut. That Butterfly would be easy.

[@FamilyUnit]

Hmmmm - I haven't looked into the SDZ1200. I'll have to check it out.

[@realsnacky]

Cricut is so snacky ❤

[@FamilyUnit]

Cricut is a solid machine. You can feel the quality in it when you pick the machine up.

[@webereal]

Wow, this comparison of vinyl cutting machines is exactly what I needed! I have the original Cricut Maker but thinking about an upgrade. Torn between the Cricut Maker 3 and the Silhouette Cameo 5. The Cricut's simplicity and cutting speed and precision are impressive, but the Cameo's software features seem amazingly versatile. 🤔 Which one do you all think is better for material versatility and ease of use? #CraftingCommunity would love to hear some user experiences!

[@FamilyUnit]

Personally, I feel like Cricut is much easier to use for someone just getting this space.

[@lorettalock]

Will any of these machines cut fabric? Will you do a fabric cutting machine review?

[@FamilyUnit]

These machines will fabric and a comparison between them all is a good idea. I’ll put it on the list. 🙂

[@flawlessbeautythefashiondesign]

Hi Could you do a Comparison like this but using infusible ink ? I know Cricut is good for infusible ink. I just wanna see how good it would be with the other Cutting Machines.

[@FamilyUnit]

Great idea. We will add that to our list. Thanks. 😊

[@flawlessbeautythefashiondesign]

@@FamilyUnit Thank you and you’re welcome

[@valeriadebernardi9949]

Great comparison! But you haven't tried on fabric.. and what do you think about not being able to export files created on the Cricut software?

[@FamilyUnit]

You're right, we didn't try fabric and we will make a separate video just for that. I like Cricut's software but that fact that you can't export designs out is frustrating. I use Sure Cuts A Lot or Silhouette Studio for that when I need.

[@valeriadebernardi9949]

I can't wait: in addition to the paper, I would also like to cut the fabric for appliques and other things. So I'm waiting for your precious opinions on this too before deciding which one to buy! Grazie mille ❤

[@lynnettepham9826]

Not really a true and fair comparison. It was clear in the video that your mats were dirty and had lost their stickyness to the point where you had to tape your materials to the mat. In my experience, anytime the materials don't stick to the mat or there are bubbles, the cutter will chew up the material. The only way to have had a fair and accurate assessment of the cutting ability of each cutter would have been to have a NEW mat for each cutter when you started the demo. I have a lot of experience using a Cricut Maker and the only time I have a problem with the materials getting chewed up is when the product no longer has a tight seal to the mat.

[@michellebustamante3507]

Your video is bias and not as you say, it is biased. In less than 3 minutes I could see it. Brother Scan N Cut SDX 325 should be the Brother you would use.

[@FamilyUnit]

Think what you want but the results tell the tale.

[@BethBujak]

What mat did you use with the scanNcut for the cardstock cutting. You should be using the low tack mat. A standard mat will not work and could cause the results you got. It's just as important to pick the right blade as well.

[@FamilyUnit]

I used an old not so sticky standard tack mat. I just tried low tack - same results.

[@webereal]

AAAAAND that's why Brother scores so low, sports fans! Brother seems like an overly conceited Japanese company that expects everyone to bow to their procedures. The result? A machine that has great potential, but remains too complicated. Cricut makes things easy. If Brother didn't make cheap sewing machines and printers, they'd probably be out of business.

[@janesfavsvideos]

This was a great video, but I think you were a little bias and knew the Cricut well to get it to function the way that you wanted it to. My personal thoughts that's all. I have seen Silhouette and the Juliet do the projects very similar and perform better than they did here, because the user knew the machine well. But, again great video love that you compare so many machines. I have the M1 and the Silhouette. It would have been great if you had also did a software compassion of each too.

[@FamilyUnit]

Thanks for the feedback. I am slightly biased towards Cricut, but I think anyone would be naturally biased towards the machine you know the best. I wanted to LOVE Siser and Juliet, and maybe I will with a little more experimenting, but I couldn't honestly recommend them at this point. Fresh still prefers Brother and LokLik because of their capabilities, and especially LokLik's price! We spent hours planning attempting to structure this test to be as unbiased as possible considering the tasks we tested and materials we used. With that said, the variables were more complicated than we expected. Cricut has the most material setting presets in the software, so I didn't have to figure out what settings to use for the intricate butterflies or 30 mil magnet cut. Others cutters require you to manually set your own force, pressure and/or speed. New users, including me, may have no idea where to start with that! Good idea about comparing the software. We thought of that but we were already 40 hours into this project and the video was already longer than expected. We may do a follow-up focused on the software. I will say, of all the software programs used for these machines, to me, Cricut Design Space is easiest for a new crafter, but Silhouette Studio is the most robust and powerful. Again, thanks for the feedback.🙂

[@webereal]

I did not detect any perceivable bias in this video. Seemed like a fair and honest comparison.

[@BethBujak]

I'm disappointed you rated Cricut the highest. I own the Cricut, Xtool, Brother, and Silhouette, and I go to the Cricut last... every time. I hate it. I hate that you have to fuss around when using non-Cricut materials. None of the others give me that issue.

[@FamilyUnit]

Interesting. I don’t have any issues with any brand of materials I use on Cricut machines. I do have issues with the software periodically which is a sore point. Otherwise, it passed all our tests with flying colors.

[@webereal]

Absolutely ZERO fuss using Siser, Hobby Lobby, and even cheap knockoff vinyl we bought at a dollar store using my Cricut Maker. You may have a jacked-up machine, Beth.

[@BethBujak]

@@webereal@webereal The problem is that you have to figure out the settings and then set them every time. Or you have to figure out which Cricut material is equivalent. No, my machine is not jacked up. It's just that Cricut is limited and always has been. With my Brother machine it is just right every time. I never have to figure out which material to choose. I never have to figure out the settings. It's just always right, which is why in my home, my Cricut collects dust, and my Brother machines are used regularly. Additionally, it appears that some of the issues you had ith the Brother and other machines are because you may not be using the right mat.