Silhouette America makes two consumer-grade craft cutting machines: the Cameo series and the Portrait series. Both cut vinyl, paper, cardstock, fabric, and more — but they’re built for different use cases.
## TL;DR
– **Cameo 4** ($299): Full 12-inch width, dual tool carriages, autoblade, faster, 10-foot max cut length. For serious hobbyists and small businesses.
– **Portrait 3** ($179): 8-inch width, single tool carriage, more compact. For beginners and occasional crafters.
## Cameo 4 vs. Portrait 3: Spec Comparison
| Feature | Silhouette Cameo 4 | Silhouette Portrait 3 |
|—|—|—|
| **Price** | $299 | $179 |
| **Max Cut Width** | 12 inches | 8 inches |
| **Max Cut Length** | 10 feet | 6 feet |
| **Tool Carriages** | 2 | 1 |
| **Autoblade Included** | Yes | No (~$35 separate) |
| **Max Force** | 5,000 gf | 210 gf |
| **Bluetooth** | Built-in | Built-in |
## When to Choose the Cameo 4
– You make t-shirt decals regularly (12-inch width = full designs in one pass)
– You want dual-tool capability (blade + pen simultaneously)
– You use thick materials (leather, thick chipboard, balsa wood)
– You want the autoblade convenience
– You cut long banners or signs
## When to Choose the Portrait 3
– You’re brand new to craft cutting
– Your projects fit in 8 inches (cards, stickers, labels)
– Space is a constraint (7 lbs vs. 12 lbs)
– You want Silhouette Studio’s power without a large upfront investment
## Software: Silhouette Studio
Both machines run the same Silhouette Studio. Free basic tier is fully functional. One-time $75 Designer Edition upgrade gives lifetime access to advanced features. **No subscription required at any tier.**
## The Verdict
**Buy the Cameo 4** if: You plan to do t-shirt decal work, need to cut thicker materials, or are starting a small craft business.
**Buy the Portrait 3** if: You’re new to craft cutting, primarily make cards and stickers, or want to start without a large investment.
Both are excellent machines built on the same software platform.
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