I considered getting a Pazzles, but decided on a Gazelle instead. It used similar or possibly the same software, and eventually the software stopped communicating with my computer. Even my computer savvy DH couldn’t solve the issue. I ended up getting a Silhouette Cameo 3. The Cameo 3 has since been discontinued, but the Cameo 4 has a lot of capability. It can even cut balsa wood, which my Cameo 3 cannot.
The machine that is right for you depends on how you want to use it and what you expect from the software. I like designing my own cutting files, so I love the Silhouette software. I do a lot of stamping, though, so I also have the Brother Scan n Cut. I didn’t like the stamp and cut method for the Silhouette. I don’t remember if the Brother software is a free download. If so, you may want to check it out, too, especially if you are a stamper. I only use my Scan n Cut to cut out my stamped images, so I haven’t bothered to use their software and can’t comment on it.
Overall, I think a lot depends on what you want from the software, almost more than the machine capability. Do you want something easy? Cricut has super easy software, but I hate it because it is so extremely limited. Since you have been using the Pazzles, you are presumably used to more capable software, so the Silhouette Cameo 4 would probably be a better choice for you. The Cameo 4 is similar in capability to the Cricut Maker, but with their far superior Silhouette software. You can download the software free from Silhouette, and the Cricut software is also a free download. Silhouette does have upgrades you can purchase, if you need additional capabilities. I got a deal on the Designer software, then later on the Professional software (one time expenses). I can do pretty much anything I want with the Silhouette software.
Another thing to consider is if you want to purchase designs. Look at what each company offers for sale. Cricut and Brother both offer Disney designs. Silhouette software, though, can easily turn clip art into cutting files. When our family went to Disney World in December of 2017, I designed and made custom t-shirts for our family, and I only used a few Cricut Disney designs. Most were very unique custom designs that my kids or I came up with. DH and I are planning to go back to WDW later this year, only we’ll be there for the Halloween season, so I am designing new Disney shirts, plus shoes, and a few other things.
Silhouette also offers the ability to buy many of their designs in svg format, for using on other machines.
Silhouette has managed to remain competitive because their software is so good, even though they don’t offer licensed designs. Cricut software is too basic for me.
I suggest you download the free software for Silhouette as well as for Cricut. Play with both. Look at the designs from both companies if you think you’ll buy designs.
If you’re used to the Pazzles software, I think you’ll probably be happier with the more capable Silhouette software, but you should try them out yourself before you buy a machine. Oh, and no dongle is required for either Silhouette or Cricut software. I hated the dongle that my Gazelle used. I sometimes wonder if the dongle was at least part of the reason my Gazelle software stopped working.
