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Head-to-head · Diy Makers

Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit vs Silhouette Studio

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit #7 in Diy Makers 7.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit MakeCode
Silhouette Studio #8 in Diy Makers 7.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit site

Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit leads on 0 checks, Silhouette Studio on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMicrosoft MakeCode for micro:bit · 7.5/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMicrosoft MakeCode for micro:bit · 1 of 3

Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit scores higher on our rubric for diy makers: 7.5 against 7.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.

Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit is the better fit for making programs and projects with micro:bit. Silhouette Studio is the better fit for designing projects for Silhouette cutting machines.

  • Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit fits best

    Making programs and projects with micro:bit

  • Silhouette Studio fits best

    Designing projects for Silhouette cutting machines

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Side by side

Feature Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit 7.5/10 Visit ↗ Silhouette Studio 7.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.5 7.4
Ranking #7 in Diy Makers #8 in Diy Makers
Best for Making programs and projects with micro:bit Designing projects for Silhouette cutting machines
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows Windows, macOS
Support Docs Docs, Tickets
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit 1/3 · Silhouette Studio 0/3
Project templates ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Commercial use Not checked yet Not checked yet
Team collaboration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Customization depth Advanced Advanced
Export formats HEX SVG, PDF (Business Edition)
Platforms Web browser; Windows app Windows, macOS
Our review
Pros
  • Move between block-based code and JavaScript, or write in Python.
  • Simulate and compile programs in the browser before transferring them.
  • Send programs over WebUSB or download them as .hex files.
  • Basic Edition includes design and text tools at no charge.
  • Vector editing, layers, tracing and print-and-cut support varied projects.
  • Business Edition adds SVG workflows and multi-cutter support.
Cons
  • The editor is focused on micro:bit rather than broader hardware projects.
  • Direct WebUSB transfer requires a compatible browser and connection.
  • Offline work starts only after the editor has loaded.
  • Designed around Silhouette cutting machines rather than a broad machine ecosystem.
  • Advanced import, export and workflow tools require paid edition upgrades.
  • Available only as desktop software for Windows and macOS.
Our verdict

Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit is a free programming environment for making programs and interactive hardware projects with the BBC micro:bit. It suits learners and makers who want a guided place to start, with block-based programming,…

Read the review →

Silhouette Studio is desktop design software for makers preparing decals, stickers, T-shirts and paper crafts for Silhouette cutting machines. Its Basic Edition is free and includes design and text tools, with the ability to create…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bitDiy Makers 7.5Free plan
  2. Silhouette StudioDiy Makers 7.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit — where it wins

    • Move between block-based code and JavaScript, or write in Python.
    • Simulate and compile programs in the browser before transferring them.
    • Send programs over WebUSB or download them as .hex files.

    Where it doesn't

    • The editor is focused on micro:bit rather than broader hardware projects.
    • Direct WebUSB transfer requires a compatible browser and connection.
    • Offline work starts only after the editor has loaded.

  • Silhouette Studio — where it wins

    • Basic Edition includes design and text tools at no charge.
    • Vector editing, layers, tracing and print-and-cut support varied projects.
    • Business Edition adds SVG workflows and multi-cutter support.

    Where it doesn't

    • Designed around Silhouette cutting machines rather than a broad machine ecosystem.
    • Advanced import, export and workflow tools require paid edition upgrades.
    • Available only as desktop software for Windows and macOS.
  • Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit7.5/10 · Free plan

    A free, focused micro:bit editor with blocks, JavaScript, Python, and browser simulation.

    Visit MakeCodeFull verdict →
  • Silhouette Studio7.4/10 · Free plan

    Free desktop design tools for preparing craft projects for Silhouette cutters.

    Visit siteFull verdict →

More comparisons

All diy makers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update