Silhouette Cameo and Brother ScanNCut are similar that they don’t need to be connected to any computer in order to operate. They can load designs directly from USB flash drives. But there are notable differences regarding their features and capabilities. So, which cutting machine is better? Read the comparison between Silhouette Cameo vs Brother ScanNCut below for the answer!
Continue reading below to learn about:
– The design and dimensions of each cutting machine
– The connectivity options on each model
– The distinctive features of Silhouette Cameo vs Brother ScanNCut
– The maximum cutting dimensions of each model
– The comparison of the cutting power between the two models
– Which cutting machine that is more recommended for the money
Design
First of all, let’s compare the designs and dimensions of these cutting machines. Note that we are comparing the latest generations of these models here, which are Silhouette Cameo 3 and Brother ScanNCut 2. They certainly look very different. See also: Cricut Explore Air vs. Silhouette Cameo 2.
Silhouette Cameo 3 is generally better if you need a compact and portable cutting machine. It has a slim design, so it will not require much storage area when you are traveling with it. In addition, it is also quite light, so you can lift it without much effort.
Under the lid of Silhouette Cameo 3, you can find a rectangular touchscreen. By placing it under the lid, the touchscreen is shielded from dust and accidental scratches. When the unit is not connected to a computer or mobile device, this becomes the primary interface for you to operate the machine. The display quality is pretty good. It is intuitive to use.
On the other hand, Brother ScanNCut 2 is quite large. It has a bulky box-like shape. It takes plenty of room to place. It is also pretty heavy. As the effect, this cutting machine is not really portable. Nevertheless, the size and weight become less of an issue if you will only put the unit in your home.
Brother ScanNCut 2 is equipped with a large touchscreen on the top. The touchscreen is angled to allow easy reading and access. The display quality is very good. The colors are vibrant, and the resolution is very sharp. It is also easy to use.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, Silhouette Cameo vs Brother ScanNCut may seem similar. They both support USB and Bluetooth. However, there is a notable difference in their Bluetooth connectivity.
Silhouette Cameo 3 has a nice USB port, which you can use to connect a USB flash drive directly to load designs. It can also be connected to a computer using the included cable. Alternatively, you can use the Bluetooth for a wireless connection to a computer.
However, Silhouette Cameo 3 can’t connect to a mobile device directly. In order to work from a mobile device, you need to connect the cutting machine to a computer and set up a link between the computer and your mobile device using the Silhouette Link software. This is not straightforward, to say the least.
Brother ScanNCut 2 also has a USB port, through which you can load designs from a USB flash drive. It can also connect to a computer. However, one big advantage of Brother ScanNCut 2 is that it can connect via Bluetooth to mobile devices. It can work with iOS and Android devices. This is very convenient if you want to work from your smartphone or tablet.
Features
Silhouette Cameo 3 and Brother ScanNCut 2 have somewhat similar capabilities, but they are not identical. The biggest distinction between these two models is that Silhouette Cameo 3 doesn’t have an image scanner (the optic scanner is only for detecting cutting lines), whereas Brother ScanNCut 2 comes with a built-in image scanner.
Silhouette Cameo 3 has the Print And Cut function. With this feature, you can create a design on the Silhouette Studio software and then print it with your home printer. Afterwards, just feed the printed material into the cutting machine. The unit has an optic scanner to detect cutting lines and marks.
Although Silhouette Cameo 3 doesn’t have an image scanner, you can still cut from a snapped image by using the PixScan technology. Install the PixScan mobile app on your smartphone, and use it to snap a picture of a design that you want to cut. Then, you can send the image to Silhouette Studio to add cutting lines. Finally, you can cut the design. This feature is cool because it allows you to cut from a hand-drawn design.
Brother ScanNCut 2 does not have a feature that is similar to Print And Cut, but it has a built-in 300-DPI image scanner. It allows you to scan an hand-drawn design or printed material. Afterwards, you can add cutting lines to the digital image and finally cut the design.
Maximum Cutting Size
When choosing between Silhouette Cameo vs Brother ScanNCut, consider the size of the largest design that you want to cut. If you want to cut very large designs or work with vinyl rolls, you should choose Silhouette Cameo 3. Meanwhile, Brother ScanNCut 2 is fine if you only cut medium to large sized designs.
The maximum cutting size of Silhouette Cameo 3 with lined media is 12 inches x 10 feet.This allows you to handle long paper sheets and vinyl rolls with ease. There is a crosscutter for cutting excess material. If you use the mat, the maximum cutting size is 12 inches x 24 inches.
The maximum cutting size of Brother ScanNCut 2 is only 12 inches x 24 inches. This is fine if you only work with medium to large designs. But it is less suitable for handling vinyl rolls.
Cutting Power
Silhouette Cameo 3 is designed to cut only thin materials. It can cut all the common materials, such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, and fabric. However, it is not powerful enough to cut thick materials like leather, magnetic sheets, or metallic sheets.
Brother ScanNCut 2 has higher cutting power. It is certainly able to cut thin materials, including paper, vinyl, cardstock, and fabric. However, it also has the Deep Cut Blade, which enables it to work on thicker materials. With the Deep Cut Blade, this cutting machine can handle poster boards, felt, denim, magnetic sheets, and even thin metallic sheets like aluminum and tin.
Silhouette Cameo vs. Brother ScanNCut
| Silhouette Cameo | Brother ScanNCut | |
|---|---|---|
| Key Features | - 26 Sheets of Permanent Oracal 651 Vinyl - 12 Inch x 12 Inch Each (Many other sellers don't put the size and ship 9''x12"), 1 Roll 12 Inch x 6 Feet of Premium Transfer Tape, Assorted mix of 24 Sketch Pens (Double the Ink of Previous Silhouette Pens) | - LARGE COLOR TOUCHSCREEN: The Brother ScanNCut2 CM350 includes a 4.85” LCD touchscreen that allows users to easily select functions. |
| Price | ||
| Best Offer | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
Conclusion
In general, Brother ScanNCut 2 makes a much better value for the money. It has better features and capabilities. It has a nice touchscreen, Bluetooth for connecting to computers and mobile devices, and a built-in scanner. The cutting power is better with the Deep Cut Blade. It can cut thicker materials, including poster boards, felt, denim, magnetic sheets, aluminum, and tin.
