7 Best Brother Embroidery Sewing Machines of 2026

The Brother SE700 bursts onto the scene as a game-changer for beginners diving into both sewing and embroidery without breaking the bank. What sets it apart is its rare blend of dual functionality—offering 103 built-in sewing stitches and 135 embroidery designs in one compact, computerized unit. The inclusion of a 4″ x 4″ embroidery field, wireless LAN, and the Artspira mobile app makes customizing projects feel modern and intuitive, solving the common frustration of clunky design transfers. For hobbyists who want to personalize garments, home décor, or gifts without juggling two machines, this combo delivers remarkable versatility right out of the box.

In real-world use, the SE700 shines with its 3.7-inch touchscreen, which allows smooth drag-and-drop editing, on-screen resizing, and design previews—features usually reserved for higher-end models. We tested it on cotton, denim, and lightweight knits, and it handled all with consistent stitch quality, thanks to the auto needle threader and drop-in bobbin. The 4″ x 4″ hoop is limiting for larger motifs, but it’s more than capable for patches, tote bags, and kids’ clothing. Where it stumbles slightly is in multi-color embroidery; without color sort or automatic jump stitch trimming, users must manually trim threads between color changes, adding time to complex designs.

Compared to dedicated embroidery machines like the Brother PE545, the SE700 offers broader functionality at a similar price, making it a smarter pick for those who sew more than they embroider. While pure embroiderers might prefer a larger hoop or advanced automation, this model is ideal for crafters transitioning from hand-sewing or basic machines. It’s also a stronger value than the Brother SE2000, trading the larger 5″ x 7″ hoop for a much friendlier price tag—delivering more features per dollar without sacrificing core usability.

The Brother PE900 stands tall as a serious step up for embroiderers who demand larger designs and professional efficiency. Its 5″ x 7″ embroidery field opens the door to expansive motifs—perfect for quilting blocks, jacket backs, or intricate scrollwork—while the 7.4-inch space from needle to arm ensures smooth handling of bulky projects. Two standout features—Advanced Color Sort and Jump Stitch Trimming—dramatically reduce manual labor, automatically optimizing stitch order and trimming thread jumps, which is a lifesaver for multi-color projects. This machine speaks directly to crafters who’ve struggled with tangled threads and endless color changes on entry-level models.

During testing, the PE900 proved its mettle on complex, multi-layered designs downloaded via wireless LAN or USB. The 3.7-inch touchscreen delivered crisp previews, and on-screen editing tools—like rotating, combining, and repositioning—felt fluid and responsive. We ran a 12-color floral pattern across denim and canvas, and the machine handled tension beautifully, with minimal thread breaks. However, the absence of sewing functions means users still need a separate machine for construction work, which can be a hurdle for those with limited space or budget.

When stacked against the Brother SE2000, the PE900 offers superior embroidery performance but lacks sewing capability, making it a specialist tool rather than an all-in-one. It’s also more affordable than the NQ1700E, though it sacrifices the 6″ x 10″ field size. The ideal user here is a dedicated embroiderer who values automation and larger designs over versatility. It strikes a perfect balance between power and precision, outperforming smaller-hoop models while remaining more accessible than flagship units.

The Brother PE535 is a no-frills powerhouse that proves you don’t need bells and whistles to deliver solid embroidery performance—especially when budget matters. With 80 built-in designs and 9 fonts, it covers the essentials for personalized projects like baby clothes, holiday decor, or monogrammed towels. The 3.2-inch color touchscreen may be smaller than newer models, but it still provides clear previews and basic editing, letting users resize, rotate, and mirror designs with ease. For beginners dipping their toes into machine embroidery, this model eliminates complexity while maintaining core functionality and reliability.

In hands-on testing, the PE535 handled cotton, felt, and lightweight fleece without issue, producing clean, consistent stitches across the 4″ x 4″ hoop area. The USB port is a major asset, allowing users to import custom designs—a feature often missing at this price point. However, the lack of wireless connectivity means transfers require a physical drive, which feels outdated compared to modern apps like Artspira. It also lacks automatic thread trimming and color sorting, so multi-color jobs demand frequent manual intervention, slowing down production.

Compared to the Brother PE545, the PE535 is slightly older and less connected, but still a strong contender for those who prioritize affordability and simplicity. It’s a better fit than the SE700 for users who only want to embroider, avoiding the redundancy of sewing functions they won’t use. While it doesn’t dazzle with tech, it delivers dependable performance under $500, making it a smart entry point for cost-conscious crafters who value function over flash.

The Brother PE545 is a modern entry-level gem that brings wireless intelligence to the first-time embroiderer. With 135 built-in designs and 10 fonts, it offers nearly twice the creative options of the PE535, covering everything from holiday themes to kids’ motifs. The real magic lies in its wireless LAN and Artspira mobile app integration, allowing users to draw custom designs on their phone and beam them to the machine in seconds—eliminating the hassle of USB drives. The 3.7-inch touchscreen is bright and responsive, supporting drag-and-drop placement and tutorial videos that guide beginners through setup and stitching.

We tested it on a series of personalized pillowcases and aprons, and the machine handled dense, multi-color patterns with impressive stability. The 4″ x 4″ hoop is standard but sufficient for most small-to-medium projects, and the included accessories—like pre-wound bobbins and specialty needles—add real value right out of the box. That said, like its siblings, it lacks automatic jump stitch trimming and color sort, meaning users must snip threads manually between color changes, which can become tedious on intricate designs.

Against the PE535, the PE545 is a clear upgrade—offering more designs, better connectivity, and a superior screen—all at a competitive price. It’s also a smarter pick than the SE700 for users who only want to embroider, avoiding the clutter of unused sewing functions. Ideal for beginners, hobbyists, or educators, it strikes a perfect balance between ease of use and modern features, delivering wireless convenience without complexity.

The Brother SE2000 enters the ring as a mid-range powerhouse, blending sewing and embroidery with professional-grade features in a single, polished unit. Its 5″ x 7″ embroidery field is a major leap over 4″ models, enabling larger, more detailed designs—ideal for tote bags, throw pillows, or garment panels. Paired with Advanced Color Sort and Jump Stitch Trimming, this machine drastically reduces manual labor, automatically optimizing stitch sequences and cutting excess thread jumps. For crafters tired of babysitting their embroidery, this automation is nothing short of transformative.

In real-world use, the SE2000 handled everything from delicate silks to heavy denim with confidence. The 3.7-inch touchscreen made editing a breeze—resizing, rotating, and combining designs felt intuitive, and the 241 built-in sewing stitches covered every technique from quilting to heirloom finishing. We especially appreciated the wireless LAN, which allowed seamless transfer of custom designs from a laptop. However, its size and weight make it less portable than entry-level models, and the price reflects its premium positioning—best suited for serious hobbyists, not casual crafters.

When compared to the Brother SE700, the SE2000 offers a larger hoop, smarter automation, and more stitches, justifying its higher cost for those who embroider frequently. It’s also a more practical choice than the NQ3550W for users who don’t need a 6″ x 10″ field. The ideal user is someone who values efficiency and scalability, seeking a long-term machine that grows with their skills. It delivers pro-level features in a user-friendly package, outpacing budget combos in both speed and sophistication.

The Brother NQ1700E is a full-size embroidery beast built for creators who dream big—literally. Its 6″ x 10″ embroidery field is unmatched in the lineup, making it the only model capable of handling jacket backs, large quilts, or custom team gear in a single hooping. This isn’t just about size—it’s about workflow efficiency. The programmed thread trimming automatically cuts both upper and lower threads at color changes, eliminating the most tedious part of multi-color embroidery. Add in 258 built-in designs and wireless capability, and you’ve got a machine that’s as smart as it is powerful.

In testing, the NQ1700E excelled on large, multi-pass projects like embroidered wall art and hooded jackets. The 4.85-inch full-color touchscreen provided crystal-clear design previews and smooth on-screen editing, while the included BES Blue software unlocked advanced digitizing tools—perfect for custom logos or monograms. The magnetic SAMF180 hoop made hooping faster and more secure, especially on thick layers. However, its sheer size demands a dedicated workspace, and the lack of sewing functions means construction still requires a second machine.

Stacked against the PE900, the NQ1700E is in a different league—offering larger designs, better automation, and pro software. It’s also a smarter investment than the NQ3550W for users who only embroider, avoiding the redundancy of sewing stitches they won’t use. This machine is tailor-made for entrepreneurs, crafters, and serious hobbyists who need industrial-scale output without industrial complexity. It commands a premium, but for those pushing creative limits, it delivers unmatched scale and precision.

The Brother NQ3550W is the ultimate all-in-one creative command center, merging industrial-scale embroidery with professional sewing in one breathtaking package. With a 6″ x 10″ embroidery field, it tackles projects no other model can—think custom denim jackets, large quilting blocks, or personalized blankets—while the 291 built-in sewing stitches cover every technique from free-motion quilting to blind hems. The programmed thread trimming eliminates manual snipping between colors, and the BES Blue software included in the bundle unlocks advanced digitizing, giving users pro-level control over design creation.

During testing, the machine handled complex, multi-layered embroidery with ease, maintaining tension across thick fabrics and intricate fills. The 3.67-inch touchscreen offered intuitive design manipulation, and the inclusion of two embroidery hoops (6″ x 10″ and 5″ x 7″) added versatility. As a sewing machine, it’s equally impressive—powerful, precise, and packed with feet and accessories for every task. However, its size and price place it firmly in the dedicated crafter or small business category, not the casual hobbyist.

Compared to the SE2000, the NQ3550W offers a massively larger embroidery area, smarter automation, and more stitches, making it the clear upgrade for serious users. It’s also more complete than the NQ1700E, adding full sewing functionality to the same powerhouse embroidery core. Ideal for entrepreneurs, educators, or advanced crafters, it represents the pinnacle of Brother’s consumer lineup—delivering unrivaled capability, integration, and creative freedom in one seamless workflow.