Looking for a new machine…

You definitely do NOT need any subsciption to use the Silhouette. I love my Cameo 4. Yes, I have griped about their design store website update a huge amount here lately, but mostly because the recent kind of incompetence has never happened on their end before, and it’s been shocking.

However, you absolutely do NOT need a subscription, or to buy any files from them. Their software has a bit of a learning curve, but there are a ton of video tutorials online that make it easy to learn what you want, and it is the most capable software. If you decide you want extra features, you can upgrade the software to Designer or Professional (one time fees), and you can find a sale on those upgrades if you are patient.

In my opinion, it’s the best machine out there, especially since the software is so good. Just FYI, I also have a Cricut Explore Air 2, and a Brother Scan-N-Cut. They are all excellent machines, but the software is what makes the difference between the Cricut and the Silhouette. The Scan-N-Cut is a great machine for stamp collectors who don’t have matching dies (or just got tired of the expense to buy matching dies). I can’t comment on their software, because I use it as a stand alone machine to cut out stamped image and don’t bother using their computer software. I’ve been a stamper far longer than a scrapbooker, and I started stamping years before matching dies were an option, which is why I bought the Scan-n-Cut.

I bought a Cricut for the Disney designs and because the Explore could cut soft leather. My son is into leather working and creates his own designs.

If you want more capability and freedom to create designs, the Silhouette software is the best and most capable IMO, especially if you don’t want to have to buy files but would like to convert free clip art and/or create your own designs. However, it is also a great machine for those who have zero interest in creating their own designs. It’s excellent for turning free clip art into cutting files.

If you want easier software and don’t care about creating your own cutting files, then I would recommend the Cricut. It’s also a great machine. The software, however, is geared toward those who are not as comfortable with graphics software, and who want simple and easy, or who have no interest in designing anything.

The Silhouette Design Store does offer subscriptions for those who want to buy files, and they have a huge number of designs. Unfortunately, they recently changed to a new server (in England) and the new site is extremely slow right now. They offer a free file about once per week.

Cricut files can be bought, or you can subscribe and use a large number of their files for the monthly subscription fee. However, if you end your subscription, those files are no longer available for you to use unless you buy them.

I personally prefer the Silhouette subscription and until recently, their designs. I am not as thrilled with their newer designers, but they have a lot of great older designs.

Cricut also offers Disney and other proprietary designs for sale. Silhouette doesn’t.

Both Cricut and Silhouette are excellent machines, and so is the Brother Scan-N-Cut. The difference is in the software and what designs they offer. You can download the softwares for free and try them out. You just won’t be able to cut anything.

I recommend you see which software you prefer before you spend the money for a machine. Let us know which you like best and decide to buy.

I have the Silhouette Portrait 3. It's an 8.5x11 cutter. As nana mentioned, if you want to cut something other than items from the Silhouette Store or create your own images you will need to purchase the Designer software. On recommendation of the Peas I purchased it from Swing Design for half the price. The Designer software is so easy to use and no internet connection needed. And it's BlueTooth compatible so you don't even need a cable.

Still loving my Cricut Maker and Joy machines. I also have a Portrait 2, and I like that for cutting out stamped images and using SCAL software. I don't use Silhouette Studio much. I'm not a fan of it.

I love my Cameo 5 and ES mat. I haven't experienced the problems others have with the recent update, but I don't have a subscription and credits etc.

It was expensive and I don't use it as much as I should, but I'm really glad I have it.

There's a learning curve, so prepare yourself for some frustration. There are some great FB groups if you need help.