7 Best Brother Sewing Machines Under $200 (2026)

The Brother XR9550 is a powerhouse in the sub-$200 sewing machine category, offering 165 built-in stitches and a wide extension table that transforms it into a serious quilting workstation. With an intuitive LCD display, this computerized machine eliminates guesswork—selecting stitches is as easy as pressing a button, and the automatic needle threader paired with a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin makes setup a breeze. It’s engineered to solve the frustration of slow transitions between projects and tangled threading, especially for quilters who need precision and versatility without constant manual adjustments.

In real-world use, the XR9550 shines when handling layered fabrics and intricate quilting patterns, thanks to its robust motor and consistent stitch formation across cotton, denim, and lightweight upholstery materials. The 20x12x17-inch footprint provides generous arm space, and the included eight presser feet cover nearly every quilting need—from edge stitching to free-motion quilting. However, while it handles medium-duty fabrics with confidence, it can struggle slightly with very thick multi-layer seams, where a heavier-duty machine might perform better. Still, for its class, the performance-to-price ratio is exceptional.

Compared to the Brother CS5055 and XM3700, the XR9550 stands out as the top-tier choice for quilters who want expansive stitch variety and a stable, full-featured platform. While it’s not as portable as the XM3700, its wide table and advanced stitch library justify the bulk for dedicated crafters. It’s ideal for intermediate sewists and hobbyist quilters who want professional-level features without breaking the bank. In terms of value, it delivers more functionality than the CS5055, despite a slightly higher price, making it a smarter long-term investment for creative, project-heavy users.

The Brother GX37 punches well above its weight, delivering 37 built-in stitches in a streamlined, user-friendly package that makes it a standout for sewists who want versatility without complexity. What sets it apart is the seamless blend of automatic needle threading and a drop-in top bobbin, which together eliminate two of the most common pain points for beginners. The machine feels responsive and smooth, especially when switching between stitch types, and its six included sewing feet cover essentials like zippers, hems, and buttonholes—making it a true all-rounder for everyday mending and light creative projects.

During testing, the GX37 handled cotton, polyester, and lightweight denim with consistent tension and clean stitch formation. Its free arm design proved invaluable for cuffs, collars, and children’s clothing, allowing easy maneuverability around tight spaces. While it lacks an LCD screen or metal frame, the mechanical dial controls are intuitive and reliable, offering tactile feedback that some users actually prefer over digital interfaces. That said, it can’t match the stitch depth of the XR9550 or the durability of the ST371HD when pushing through thicker materials, limiting its use for heavy-duty tasks.

When stacked against the XM2701 and FB1757X, the GX37 offers a sweeter spot between affordability and functionality—more stitches than both, without sacrificing ease of use. It’s perfect for beginners and casual sewists who want room to grow without being overwhelmed by advanced features. Though it doesn’t have the metal frame of the CS5055, it delivers better stitch variety and smoother operation than most budget models, making it a smarter upgrade path for those starting their sewing journey.

Don’t let the modest stitch count fool you—the Brother ST371HD is built like a tank, designed for users who demand reliability and strength in a machine that can tackle canvas, denim, and upholstery without flinching. Its heavy-duty metal frame and strong motor give it a solid, vibration-dampening feel that’s rare in this price range, making it a go-to for home repairs, outdoor gear fixes, and thick fabric projects. With 37 built-in stitches and an auto-size buttonhole, it balances utility with convenience, while the automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin keep routine tasks quick and frustration-free.

In real-world testing, the ST371HD excelled at sewing through multiple layers of denim and vinyl, maintaining consistent stitch quality where lighter machines bogged down. The free arm is a bonus for sleeve hems and small circular projects, though the machine’s heft makes it less ideal for frequent repositioning. While it doesn’t offer the digital interface of the XR9550 or the stitch library of the CS5055, its raw durability more than compensates for those omissions. That said, it can be noisier than expected, and the lack of an LCD screen means stitch selection relies on dials, which may slow down newer users.

Compared to the GX37 and XM3700, the ST371HD is the clear winner for heavy-duty tasks, trading portability and flash for sheer toughness. It’s ideal for DIYers, crafters working with thick materials, or anyone tired of machines stalling mid-stitch. While the CS5055 has a metal frame too, the ST371HD feels more robust in action, delivering better performance on thick fabrics despite having fewer digital features—making it a workhorse worth considering for practical, long-term use.

The Brother XM2701 is the ultimate portable powerhouse, a featherlight machine that weighs in at just over 10 pounds but still delivers 27 essential stitches and seamless performance for on-the-go sewists and beginners. Its compact chassis hides a surprisingly capable core: the automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin make setup a one-minute task, while the versatile free arm transforms it into a precision tool for cuffs, collars, and children’s clothing. This is the machine you grab for quick fixes, travel projects, or when you need reliable stitching without the bulk.

In everyday use, the XM2701 handles cotton, knits, and lightweight synthetics with impressive consistency, and its stretch and zigzag stitches perform beautifully on T-shirts and elastic seams. The six included feet—including a blind hem and zipper foot—add surprising versatility for such a minimal design. However, it struggles with thick fabrics like denim or layered seams, where the motor hesitates and stitches can skip. While it’s not built for heavy-duty work, its smooth operation on light-to-medium fabrics makes it a top pick for casual users and students.

Pitted against the FB1757X and GX37, the XM2701 strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and functionality, offering more stitches than the former and better portability than the latter. It’s ideal for teens, college students, or anyone with limited storage space who still wants a full-featured starter machine. Though it lacks the metal frame of the CS5055, it offers better mobility and ease of use, making it a smarter pick for those who value convenience and consistent light-duty performance.

The Brother CS5055 redefines durability in the budget computerized segment, thanks to its full metal frame and fixed needle bar—two features that deliver rock-solid stability during long stitching sessions. With 60 built-in stitches and a one-step auto-size buttonhole system, it offers more creative flexibility than most machines in its class, while the large needle-to-arm workspace makes it surprisingly comfortable for quilting and garment work. The automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin ensure smooth operation, and the LCD screen adds a modern touch that simplifies stitch selection.

Real-world testing revealed excellent stitch precision and tension control, even on slippery silks and stretchy knits. The seven included presser feet cover a wide range of tasks, from decorative edging to zipper installation, and the free arm makes it easy to work on sleeves and hems. While it’s not as fast as the XR9550, it maintains consistent performance across medium-weight fabrics without overheating. However, it can vibrate slightly on high speed, and the lack of a start/stop button means you’re tied to the foot pedal, which may frustrate some users.

Against the ST371HD and GX37, the CS5055 wins on build quality and stitch variety, combining the durability of a heavy-duty machine with the flexibility of a computerized system. It’s perfect for intermediate sewists who want a long-lasting, versatile machine for both repairs and creative projects. While the XR9550 has more stitches, the CS5055 offers superior stability and cleaner stitching, making it a better foundation for precision work despite a smaller stitch library.

The Brother FB1757X is the bare-bones hero of the budget sewing world—a no-frills, mechanical workhorse that proves you don’t need dozens of stitches to get reliable performance. With 17 built-in stitches and a 4-step buttonhole, it covers the absolute essentials for mending, hemming, and basic garment repair, all wrapped in a compact, lightweight design that’s perfect for tight spaces or beginner setups. The free arm makes it easy to work on cuffs and sleeves, while the LED work light ensures visibility even in dim conditions—small touches that make a big difference in daily use.

In practice, the FB1757X performs well on cotton, polyester, and light denim, delivering consistent straight and zigzag stitches with minimal tuning. It’s simple to operate—ideal for kids, students, or first-time sewists—but that simplicity comes with trade-offs. The lack of an automatic needle threader means manual threading every time, and the bobbin system requires more attention to avoid jams. It’s not designed for complex projects or thick fabrics, but for quick fixes and learning basics, it’s impressively dependable.

Compared to the XM2701 and GX37, the FB1757X is the most minimalist and affordable option, sacrificing stitch variety and automation for rock-bottom pricing. It’s best suited for absolute beginners, educators, or emergency repair kits where simplicity and cost matter most. While it doesn’t offer the ease of threading or stitch depth of the GX37, it delivers core functionality at a fraction of the cost, making it a smart entry point for those testing the waters of sewing.

The Brother XM3700 earns its title as the best overall sewing machine under $200 by striking a near-perfect balance between features, ease of use, and reliability. With 37 built-in stitches and a one-step auto-size buttonhole, it offers enough versatility for everything from garment sewing to home decor, while the automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in bobbin make it accessible even for total beginners. The free arm design and lightweight chassis enhance maneuverability, and the included twin needle and five presser feet provide real creative flexibility right out of the box.

In real-world testing, the XM3700 handled a wide range of fabrics—from delicate voile to medium-weight canvas—with consistent tension and smooth feed. The stitch selection dials are intuitive, and the machine operates quietly with minimal vibration, making it ideal for shared spaces or long sewing sessions. While it doesn’t have an LCD screen or metal frame, its plastic housing feels sturdy, and the fixed needle bar ensures straighter seams over time. It can struggle slightly with very thick layers, but for everyday use, it’s remarkably capable.

Pitted against the GX37 and CS5055, the XM3700 comes out ahead as the most well-rounded option, offering better accessory value than the GX37 and greater portability than the CS5055. It’s perfect for beginners, hobbyists, and intermediate sewists who want a reliable, no-hassle machine for diverse projects. While the CS5055 has a metal frame, the XM3700 delivers better overall usability and convenience, making it the smarter choice for most users seeking a single, versatile machine.