Cricut or Silhouette — which is better for scrapbooking?

Cricut is better for beginners and those who want a large library of ready-made designs with minimal learning curve. Silhouette is better for experienced crafters who want powerful offline software and full design control without subscriptions. Both cut with similar quality. The real difference is the software ecosystem: Cricut Design Space is simpler but requires internet and benefits from a subscription; Silhouette Studio is more powerful but has a steeper learning curve.

How much does it cost to get started with die cut scrapbooking?

Manual die cutting: Sizzix Big Shot ($80-100) plus 5-10 starter dies ($30-80) totals $110-180. Electronic die cutting: Cricut Explore 3 or Maker 3 ($250-400) plus starter materials ($30-50) totals $280-450. Add Cricut Access subscription at $10/month for design access. Budget $30-50/month for ongoing materials (cardstock, vinyl, specialty papers). The initial investment is front-loaded — once you have the machine, ongoing material costs are modest.

Best Scrapbooking Die Cut Machines 2026