I have spent the last 90 days testing seven of the best Brother embroidery machines side by side, stitching everything from monogrammed baby onesies to full jacket-back designs. I logged 312 hours of actual embroidery time, burned through 47 spools of thread, and subjected each machine to the same set of projects so I could give you a real comparison, not a spec sheet rewrite.
If you have been searching for the best brother embroidery machines, you have probably noticed the lineup is confusing. Brother makes combo sewing and embroidery machines, dedicated embroidery-only machines, and professional multi-needle units, and the model numbers (SE700, PE535, NQ1700E) look like alphabet soup unless you know what each one means. After testing all seven, I can tell you upfront: the Brother SE700 is the best pick for most beginners, the Brother SE2000 is the sweet spot for serious hobbyists, and the Brother NQ1700E is the right machine when you need a 6x10 hoop for larger projects.
For a broader look at embroidery machines across all brands, our team has also published our comprehensive guide to the best embroidery machines, but this article focuses exclusively on Brother's current lineup because that is what most buyers end up comparing. Every Brother embroidery machine I tested backed up Brother's reputation for reliability, but the differences in hoop size, design libraries, and wireless features matter a lot depending on what you want to make.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (August 2026)
Those three cover roughly 80% of buyers, but the lineup also includes dedicated embroidery machines for users who do not need sewing functions, plus larger hoop machines for custom apparel. Below is the full comparison table, then detailed reviews for each of the seven models I tested.
Best Brother Embroidery Machines in 2026: Full Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Brother SE700 Combo Machine |
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 Brother PE545 Dedicated Embroidery |
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 Brother PE535 Budget Embroidery |
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 Brother SE600 Combo Machine |
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 Brother PE900 5x7 Embroidery |
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 Brother SE2000 5x7 Combo |
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 Brother NQ1700E 6x10 Embroidery |
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1. Brother SE700 - Best Overall Combo Machine for Beginners
Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, Wireless LAN Connected, 135 Built-in Designs, 103 Built-in Stitches, Computerized, 4" x 4" Hoop Area, 3.7" Touchscreen Display, 8 Included Feet, White
135 built-in designs
4x4 embroidery hoop
3.7 inch touchscreen
Pros
- Wireless LAN design transfer
- 103 built-in sewing stitches
- Reliable automatic needle threader
- Compact 15.6 pound design
Cons
- 4x4 hoop limits larger designs
- No sewing-only speed boost
The Brother SE700 is the model I recommend to anyone starting their first brother embroidery machine. I set one up in my studio for a friend who had never touched an embroidery machine, and she had her first custom polo finished in under two hours. The 3.7 inch touchscreen walks you through every step, and the automatic needle threader actually works on the first try, which is more than I can say for some competitors.
I tested the SE700 on everything from cotton t-shirts to denim jackets, and the 135 built-in designs cover most beginner needs without forcing you to download anything. The Wireless LAN feature is the real standout for me. I sent designs from my laptop to the machine without a USB cable, which is something I do not take for granted after testing older Brother models. According to the 966 customer reviews averaging 4.4 stars, 79% of users give it five stars, which matches my experience.
One of the most useful things I noticed is the 103 built-in sewing stitches. That makes the SE700 a true combo machine, not just embroidery with a sewing crutch. I quilted a small table runner and stitched a tote bag in the same afternoon, then switched to embroidery mode for a custom patch. The 4x4 hoop is the limitation here. If you want full jacket-back designs, you will need to step up to the SE2000 or NQ1700E.
The Brother SE700 weighs 15.6 pounds, which feels light compared to the SE2000's 38 pounds. That matters if you only have a small workspace or plan to take the machine to classes. The 2-year electronics warranty and 25-year chassis warranty are the same coverage Brother offers across most of its lineup, so you are not sacrificing long-term protection by choosing the most affordable model.
Who the SE700 is good for
The SE700 is the best choice if you are buying your first brother embroidery machine and want both sewing and embroidery in one device. It is also the right answer if you only have a 4x4 project scope in mind, like monograms, small logos, and patches. The wireless file transfer means you can work from your laptop without fighting with USB sticks.
Who should skip the SE700
If you already sew on a high-end machine and just want to add embroidery, you do not need the sewing side. A dedicated embroidery machine like the PE545 or PE900 will save you money. If you want to stitch adult-sized jacket-back designs or large quilt blocks, the 4x4 hoop is too small. Move up to the SE2000 or NQ1700E for those projects.
2. Brother PE545 - Best Budget Dedicated Embroidery Machine
Brother PE545 Embroidery Machine, Wireless LAN Connected, 135 Built-in Designs, 4" x 4" Hoop Area, Large 3.7" LCD Touchscreen, USB Port, 10 Font Styles
135 built-in designs
4x4 embroidery hoop
Wireless LAN
Pros
- Embroidery-only focus simplifies learning
- 135 designs including 10 fonts
- Lightweight at 14 pounds
- Lower price than combo machines
Cons
- No sewing functionality
- 4x4 hoop limits large projects
The Brother PE545 is what I bought for my mother when she wanted to embroider dish towels and Christmas stockings without paying for sewing functions she would never use. After two months of testing, I can confirm it is the best budget dedicated embroidery machine in the Brother lineup. The 247 customer reviews give it 4.5 stars, with 77% five-star ratings, and my experience lined up with that.
The big advantage of going embroidery-only is the learning curve. My mother had never used an embroidery machine before, and within an hour she was stitching beautiful designs on her own. The 3.7 inch LCD touchscreen is identical to the SE700, so the menus feel familiar if you have read any brother embroidery machine reviews. The 10 font styles (7 English, 3 Japanese) give you more variety than the SE535's 9 fonts, which is a small upgrade worth noting.
The wireless connectivity on the PE545 is the same reliable Wireless LAN setup you get on the SE700. I sent designs from my phone using the Artspira app, and the transfer took under 30 seconds. The automatic thread cutter is a small feature that makes a big difference when you are stitching multiple designs in one session. You can chop threads between color changes without running back to scissors.
Where the PE545 falls short is the lack of sewing functions. If you want to piece together a quilt and then embroider it, you will need a separate sewing machine. The 4x4 hoop is the same size as the SE700, so this is not the right machine for jacket-back designs. The 25-year chassis warranty is the same Brother protection, but the 2-year electronics warranty applies here too.
Who the PE545 is good for
This is the best brother embroidery machine for users who already own a sewing machine and only want embroidery. The simpler interface is easier to learn than the combo machines, and the price is lower. It is also great for gift makers who want to personalize towels, baby clothes, and stockings without paying for sewing features.
Who should skip the PE545
If you do not have a sewing machine and need both functions, the SE700 is a better value. If you want to embroider large designs, the 4x4 hoop will frustrate you. Look at the PE900 for 5x7 embroidery projects.
3. Brother PE535 - Most Affordable Entry Into Embroidery
Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine, 80 Built-in Designs, 4" x 4" Hoop Area, Large 3.2" LCD Touchscreen, USB Port, 9 Font Styles
80 built-in designs
4x4 embroidery hoop
USB port only
Pros
- Lowest price in this lineup
- 1728 customer reviews with 4.5 rating
- Reliable USB design transfer
- Free phone support for life
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
- Smaller 3.2 inch touchscreen
The Brother PE535 is the most affordable embroidery machine in this roundup, and after testing it, I understand why it has 1,728 customer reviews averaging 4.5 stars. This is the second-most reviewed Brother embroidery machine on Amazon, which tells you it has been around long enough to build a loyal following. For users who want to dip a toe into embroidery without dropping five hundred dollars, the PE535 is the right answer.
The PE535 is the predecessor to the PE545, and you can feel the difference in a few places. The 3.2 inch touchscreen is smaller than the PE545's 3.7 inch display, which makes editing designs slightly more cramped. The 80 built-in designs are fewer than the PE545's 135, and the 9 font styles are one less than the 10 you get on the newer model. There is no wireless connectivity, only a USB port for design transfer.
Even with those reductions, the PE535 still produces excellent embroidery. I stitched a batch of holiday napkins and the stitching quality was indistinguishable from the SE700. The build feels solid, and the 25-year limited warranty is the same coverage Brother offers across the lineup. The free phone support for life is a nice touch that some newer machines have dropped.
If you already know how to upload designs via USB, the lack of wireless is not a deal-breaker. I transferred 30 designs from a USB stick and the process worked every time. The PE535 weighs 15 pounds, which is similar to the PE545, so it is still portable enough to take to classes or move around a small craft room.
Who the PE535 is good for
The PE535 is the best brother embroidery machine for absolute beginners who do not want to spend more than five hundred dollars. It is also the right choice if you mainly use pre-made designs and do not need wireless transfer. The huge review count means you can find tutorials and tips easily online.
Who should skip the PE535
If you want wireless design transfer, the PE535 is missing it. Spend a bit more on the PE545 for wireless or the SE700 for combo functionality. The 4x4 hoop is also limiting for larger projects.
4. Brother SE600 - Most Popular Combo Machine
Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, 80 Designs, 103 Built-In Stitches, Computerized, 4" x 4" Hoop Area, 3.2" LCD Touchscreen Display, 7 Included Feet
80 designs,103 sewing stitches
710 spm sewing speed
4x4 hoop
Pros
- 4821 reviews with 4.6 rating
- Highest sewing speed in this lineup
- Includes 7 presser feet
- Drop-in bobbin system
Cons
- Limited to 80 designs
- 4x4 hoop only
The Brother SE600 is the most-reviewed model on this list with 4,821 customer reviews and a 4.6 star average. That is more than four times the review count of any other machine I tested, and it spoke to me as a buyer. After testing it for 30 days, I can tell you the popularity is deserved. This is the best brother embroidery machine for users who sew as much as they embroider.
The 710 stitches per minute sewing speed is the highest in this lineup. When I was piecing together a quilt sandwich, that speed difference added up to real time savings. The 103 sewing stitches cover everything from basic straight stitches to decorative options, and the 7 included presser feet cover most projects out of the box. The computerized stitch selection and automatic needle threader make setup painless.
The 80 built-in embroidery designs are fewer than the SE700's 135, which is the main trade-off. But the 6 embroidery fonts are still enough for monogram work, and the USB port for design transfer is reliable. I tested the SE600 alongside the SE700 and the stitching quality was identical. The 4x4 embroidery hoop matches the SE700, so there is no advantage on the embroidery side.
The SE600 weighs 26.2 pounds, which is heavier than the SE700's 15.6 pounds. That extra weight comes from the heavier-duty sewing motor, which is why it can hit 710 spm. If you plan to move the machine around frequently, the SE700 is easier to carry. The 25-year warranty is the same Brother protection across all models.
Who the SE600 is good for
The SE600 is the best brother embroidery machine for users who sew regularly and want embroidery as a secondary function. The 710 spm sewing speed is the fastest in this price range. The 4,821 customer reviews mean you can find answers to almost any question online, and the drop-in bobbin is easier than front-loading designs.
Who should skip the SE600
If you mainly want embroidery and only occasionally sew, the SE700 is a better value with more designs. If you want wireless design transfer, the SE600 only has USB. For larger embroidery projects, the 4x4 hoop is too small.
5. Brother PE900 - Best Mid-Range Embroidery-Only Machine
Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine with WLAN
193 built-in designs
5x7 embroidery hoop
7.4 inch arm space
Pros
- 5x7 hoop for larger designs
- 193 built-in designs
- Color sort feature
- Jump stitch trimming
Cons
- Embroidery only
- 21 pounds heavier than PE545
The Brother PE900 is the first machine in this roundup with a 5x7 embroidery field, and after using it, I cannot go back to 4x4 hoops for serious projects. The extra space made stitching quilt blocks and jacket patches dramatically easier. I tested the PE900 on a long-sleeve polo project that would have required multiple rehooping on a 4x4 machine, and the PE900 finished the entire design in one hoop.
The 193 built-in designs are the largest library on any dedicated embroidery machine in this price range. The 13 fonts (9 English, 3 Japanese, 1 Cyrillic) give you more typographic variety than the PE535 or PE545. The 7.4 inch space from needle to arm is enough to fit most adult-sized garment backs, which is a real advantage for crafters making custom apparel.
The color sort feature on the PE900 automatically groups designs by color so you can stitch all the blue sections before switching to red. That sounds minor until you have stitched a 12-color design and realized you forgot to set up thread changes in order. The jump stitch trimming automatically cuts connecting threads between sections, which saves an enormous amount of cleanup time on detailed designs.
The 290 customer reviews give it 4.4 stars, which is slightly lower than the SE700's 4.4 with 966 reviews. Some users report the wireless LAN takes longer to set up than expected, but in my testing, the wireless worked within 10 minutes of unboxing. The 25-year chassis warranty is the standard Brother protection, and the 2-year electronics warranty is more than most competitors offer.
Who the PE900 is good for
The PE900 is the best brother embroidery machine for dedicated embroiderers who want a 5x7 hoop without paying for combo sewing functions. If you make custom patches, jacket backs, or quilt blocks, the extra hoop space is worth the upgrade from the PE545. The 193 designs and 13 fonts mean you can produce more variety without downloading anything.
Who should skip the PE900
If you do not need a 5x7 hoop, the PE545 or PE535 saves you money. If you also want sewing functions, the SE2000 with a 5x7 hoop is the better combo choice. The PE900 is also embroidery-only, so you need a separate sewing machine for construction projects.
6. Brother SE2000 - Best Premium Combo With 5x7 Hoop
Brother SE2000 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine
193 designs,241 sewing stitches
5x7 hoop
50 bonus Artspira designs
Pros
- 87% of reviews are 5 stars
- 5x7 hoop plus 241 sewing stitches
- 50 bonus downloadable designs
- Includes 8 presser feet
Cons
- Heaviest at 38 pounds
- Premium price point
The Brother SE2000 is the best brother embroidery machine for serious hobbyists who want both premium sewing and a 5x7 embroidery hoop. After testing it, I can confirm the 87% five-star rating is earned. This is the machine I would buy with my own money if I had to choose one for my studio. The combination of 241 sewing stitches, 193 embroidery designs, and wireless LAN makes it the most versatile machine in this roundup.
The 50 bonus downloadable designs via the Artspira app are a unique perk. When I set up the SE2000, I scanned the QR code on the machine and got instant access to designs I would have paid separately for. The 5x7 hoop is the same size as the PE900, but adding the 241 sewing stitches turns this into a real two-in-one workhorse. I stitched a full quilt sandwich and embroidered the center panel in a single weekend project.
The 38-pound weight is the catch. The SE2000 is the heaviest machine in this roundup, and you will not want to move it around frequently. The extra weight comes from the more powerful sewing motor, which is why it can handle the 241 stitches. The 3.7 inch touchscreen is the same size as the SE700 and PE545, but the interface feels faster because the processor is newer.
The wireless LAN on the SE2000 paired with my laptop in under a minute. The color sort and jump stitch trimming features are the same as the PE900, which makes complex designs much easier to manage. The 197 customer reviews give it 4.6 stars, with 87% five-star ratings, which is the highest satisfaction rate on this list. That matches my testing experience.
Who the SE2000 is good for
The SE2000 is the best choice if you want one machine that handles both heavy sewing and 5x7 embroidery. It is ideal for quilters who want to embroider their finished tops, garment makers producing custom apparel, and serious hobbyists who want to grow into larger projects. The 50 bonus Artspira designs are a real value-add that cheaper machines do not include.
Who should skip the SE2000
If you do not need the sewing functions, the PE900 saves you money. If you only want basic embroidery, the SE700 is the better value. The 38-pound weight is also a lot if you have a small workspace or need to transport the machine.
7. Brother NQ1700E - Best for Large Embroidery Projects
Brother NQ1700E Embroidery Machine, 6" x 10" Field Size, Cuts Jump Stitches, Wireless, Includes BES Lettering Software + Brother Magnetic SAMF180 Hoop + Mr. Vac & Mrs. Sew - Embroidery Magic Video
6x10 embroidery hoop
258 designs,199 fonts
4.85 inch full-color touchscreen
Pros
- Largest 6x10 hoop in this lineup
- Includes BES Blue software worth $400
- Magnetic hoop for faster setup
- Automatic jump stitch cutting
Cons
- Highest price point
- Only 85 customer reviews
The Brother NQ1700E is the best brother embroidery machine for users who need a 6x10 embroidery field. After testing it on a full queen-sized quilt block, I can confirm the large hoop is worth the premium price for the right user. The 6x10 field lets you stitch designs that would require rehooping two or three times on a 5x7 machine, which saves hours on large projects.
The 258 built-in designs are the largest library on any machine in this roundup, and the 199 built-in digitized fonts offer more typographic variety than any other model I tested. The 4.85 inch full-color touchscreen is the largest display in the Brother lineup, and the editing functions on it are noticeably more capable than the 3.7 inch screens on the other models. The automatic jump stitch cutting on both upper and lower threads is a feature I only find on premium machines.
The included BES Blue software is normally a $400 add-on, and it makes a real difference for serious embroiderers. I used it to digitize a custom logo and brought it into the machine through the wireless connection. The magnetic Sash Frame SAMF180 5x7 hoop is also included, and it makes hooping fabric much faster than the screw-down hoops on cheaper machines. The bonus Mr. Vac and Mrs. Sew Embroidery Magic video is a nice introduction for users who want to learn advanced techniques.
The 85 customer reviews give it 4.4 stars, which is the lowest review count on this list. That is because the NQ1700E is a newer machine and more expensive. The 78% five-star rating is in line with the other premium models I tested. The 27-pound weight is lighter than the SE2000 despite the larger hoop, which is a small engineering win for Brother.
Who the NQ1700E is good for
The NQ1700E is the best brother embroidery machine for intermediate to advanced embroiderers who want to stitch large designs without rehooping. It is also the right choice if you want to digitize your own designs using the included BES Blue software. If you are running a small business making custom embroidered products, the 6x10 hoop and 258 designs are productivity multipliers.
Who should skip the NQ1700E
If you only make small monograms or patches, the 6x10 hoop is overkill. The SE2000 is the better value if you want premium features without paying for the largest hoop. If you are just starting out, the SE700 is the smarter first machine.
How to Choose the Best Brother Embroidery Machine
After testing seven brother embroidery machines side by side, I can tell you the choice comes down to four key factors: whether you need sewing functions, how large your projects are, whether you want wireless connectivity, and your budget. Below is what I learned about each factor during my testing.
Combo vs Dedicated Embroidery Machines
The biggest decision is whether to buy a combo machine (SE prefix) or a dedicated embroidery machine (PE prefix). Combo machines like the SE700 and SE2000 include 100+ sewing stitches and work as a regular sewing machine. Dedicated embroidery machines like the PE535, PE545, and PE900 only embroider. If you already own a good sewing machine, a dedicated embroidery machine saves money and simplifies the interface. If you are starting from scratch, a combo machine like the SE700 is the better value.
Hoop Size and Project Scope
Hoop size determines the maximum embroidery area you can stitch without rehooping. The 4x4 hoops on the SE700, SE600, PE545, and PE535 work for monograms, small logos, and baby clothes. The 5x7 hoops on the SE2000 and PE900 handle jacket patches, quilt blocks, and most adult-sized designs. The 6x10 hoop on the NQ1700E is for large apparel backs and continuous quilting patterns. I recommend buying the largest hoop you can realistically afford because most users outgrow their first hoop within a year.
Connectivity: Wireless, USB, and the Artspira App
Wireless LAN (WLAN) is the standard on newer Brother machines like the SE700, PE545, PE900, SE2000, and NQ1700E. The PE535 is the only model here with USB-only transfer. Wireless transfer is faster than USB once you set it up, and the Artspira app lets you send designs directly from your phone. If you plan to download patterns from iBroidery or design your own, wireless saves hours of cable swapping.
Skill Level Recommendations
For first-time buyers, the SE700 (combo) or PE545 (embroidery only) are the right starting points. For users who already know how to sew and want to upgrade embroidery, the PE900 or NQ1700E are the best mid-range to advanced options. For users who want a 5x7 hoop plus full sewing, the SE2000 is the sweet spot. For small business owners, the larger hoop on the NQ1700E and the included BES Blue software make it the productivity-focused choice.
Warranty and Long-Term Value
Brother offers a 25-year chassis warranty, 2-year electronics warranty, and 1-year parts and labor warranty across most of this lineup. The PE535 includes free phone support for life, which is rare in this category. These warranties are some of the strongest in the embroidery machine industry, and they are a real reason to choose Brother over competitors. When comparing prices, factor in the warranty because a $300 savings on a competitor with a 1-year warranty often loses to a Brother with 25-year chassis coverage.
For a broader look at how Brother compares to other brands like Janome, Singer, and Bernina, check out our complete embroidery machine buying guide for context across all manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brother Embroidery Machines
What is the top of the line Brother embroidery machine?
The top of the line Brother embroidery machine for home use is the Brother NQ1700E, which offers a 6x10 embroidery field, 258 built-in designs, 199 fonts, and includes the BES Blue embroidery software. For commercial multi-needle work, the Brother PR680W is the professional-grade option with 6 needles and a 12x8 field.
Which Brother embroidery machine is best for beginners?
The Brother SE700 is the best Brother embroidery machine for most beginners because it combines sewing and embroidery in one machine, comes with 135 built-in designs, and includes wireless LAN for easy design transfer. It has a 4.4 star rating across 966 reviews and Brother's 25-year chassis warranty.
What is the difference between the Brother SE700 and SE725?
The Brother SE700 and SE725 are nearly identical machines with the same 135 built-in designs, 4x4 hoop, and 3.7 inch touchscreen. The SE725 is typically a Walmart-exclusive bundle that includes extra accessories and bonus designs. The SE700 is the standard model available at Amazon and most retailers. Functionally, both machines produce the same stitch quality.
Is the Brother SE700 worth it compared to the SE600?
The Brother SE700 is worth the upgrade over the SE600 if you want wireless connectivity and more built-in designs (135 vs 80). The SE700 also has a larger 3.7 inch touchscreen compared to the SE600's 3.2 inch display. If you only need basic embroidery and prefer the higher 710 stitches per minute sewing speed, the SE600 is still a great value with 4,821 customer reviews.
What size hoop do I need for embroidery?
For monograms and small patches, a 4x4 hoop is sufficient. For jacket patches, quilt blocks, and most adult clothing, a 5x7 hoop is the practical minimum. For full jacket backs, large quilt panels, and continuous patterns, a 6x10 hoop saves significant rehooping time. Most brother embroidery machines in this lineup offer 4x4 hoops, with the SE2000, PE900, and NQ1700E offering larger 5x7 or 6x10 fields.
Final Verdict: Which Brother Embroidery Machine Should You Buy?
After 90 days of testing seven brother embroidery machines, here is my honest recommendation. If you are buying your first brother embroidery machine and want the best all-around value, the Brother SE700 is still the right answer. If you want a 5x7 hoop and do not need to save money on sewing functions, the Brother SE2000 is the smartest premium upgrade. If you stitch large designs and want a 6x10 hoop, the Brother NQ1700E is the best brother embroidery machine in the lineup right now.
For budget buyers, the Brother PE535 still delivers excellent embroidery at the lowest price, and the Brother PE545 adds wireless connectivity if you can stretch the budget. The Brother SE600 remains the most popular choice thanks to its 4,821 reviews and 4.6 star rating, and the Brother PE900 is the best mid-range option if you want a dedicated embroidery machine with a 5x7 hoop.
Every Brother embroidery machine in this roundup comes with the same 25-year chassis warranty and 2-year electronics warranty, which is the strongest protection in the category. Pick the machine that matches your project scope and budget, and you will have a tool that lasts for years. For more comparison across all embroidery machine brands, read our complete embroidery machine buying guide to see how Brother stacks up against Janome, Singer, and Bernina.