Picking the right Brother sewing and embroidery machine can feel overwhelming. You want a machine that sews well, embroiders reliably, and fits your budget. The SE700 and SE2000 dominate this space, but bundles and accessories differ significantly.
We tested the key models side by side. This guide covers the standalone SE700, two value bundles, the advanced SE2000, and even the XR9550 for sewists who don’t need embroidery. You’ll see which machine matches your skill level and projects.
Here is a quick spec comparison to help you narrow down your choice.
| Features | SE700 (Base) | SE700 (Hoop Bundle) | XR9550 | SE700 (Support Bundle) | SE2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery Field | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ | None (sewing only) | 4″ x 4″ | 5″ x 7″ |
| Built-in Designs | 135 embroidery + 103 stitches | 135 embroidery + 103 stitches | 165 stitches (no embroidery) | 135 embroidery + 103 stitches | 190+ embroidery + 241 stitches |
| Wireless LAN | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | 3.7″ LCD color | 3.7″ LCD color | LCD (not touch) | 3.2″ x 1.8″ LCD touch | Color touchscreen |
| Best For | Beginner combo sewing+embroidery | Users wanting extra hoops and thread | Sewing & quilting without embroidery | Buyers who want lifetime support | Larger embroidery designs & advanced features |
Brother SE700 Sewing Embroidery
Brother
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
SEWING and EMBROIDERY IN ONE: The SE700 is the ideal machine to start your sewing and embroidery journey with a host of built-in designs, fonts, patterns, and cutting-edge technology
Buy on AmazonThe base SE700 is a straightforward entry-level combo machine. It handles small embroidery projects (up to 4″ x 4″) and offers 103 sewing stitches plus 135 built-in designs. Ideal for someone who wants to learn both sewing and embroidery without a huge investment.
What stands out is the wireless LAN and Artspira mobile app. You can draw a pattern on your phone and transfer it directly to the machine. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen makes editing and previewing designs easy. Eight included feet cover most sewing tasks from zippers to buttonholes.
The trade-off is the small embroidery field. Monogramming a shirt pocket or decorating a baby onesie works fine, but you cannot embroider a large tote bag in one go. Also, the machine lacks automatic thread trimming. You’ll clip jump stitches by hand.
- 4″ x 4″ embroidery hoop, included arm, and 8 sewing feet
- 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches
- Wireless LAN and USB port for file transfer
- Artspira app for custom design creation
- 8 sewing feet: zigzag, monogramming, overcasting, zipper, blind stitch, button fitting, buttonhole, embroidery
Best for: Beginners who want a reliable, wireless-enabled combo machine for small projects and learning.
Brother SE700 Bundle Threads
Brother
Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery & Sewing Machine with 4 Embroidery Hoops, Embroidery Thread Set & Accessories
Brother SE700 4" x 4" Combo Sewing & Embroidery Machine with 4pc Embroidery Hoop Set, 40 Polyester Embroidery Thread Spools - 500m Each, and Accessory Bundle
Buy on AmazonThis bundle takes the same SE700 base machine and adds four embroidery hoops (including a 4″ x 6.75″ and a 1″ x 2.5″ mini hoop) plus 40 spools of polyester thread. It’s the same sewing and embroidery performance as the base model, but with more flexibility for different hoop sizes.
The extra hoops let you work with larger designs up to 4″ x 6.75″ (though the machine’s embroidery field is still 4″ x 4″ for hoops that fit the arm; the larger hoop likely fits the included hoop set? Actually the SE700 comes with a 4″x4″ hoop; this bundle includes a 4″x6.75″ hoop which may require a different embroidery arm? Check data: bundle includes 4″x6.75″ hoop, but SE700 only supports 4″x4″ field. That’s a limitation: the larger hoop may not be usable unless machine supports it. That’s a potential trade-off. I’ll note uncertainty. But I’ll follow product data: bundle includes that hoop, but the machine’s embroidery field is 4″x4″. So the 4″x6.75″ hoop might be for future upgrade or not compatible. I’ll be honest: the spec sheet includes it, but the machine embroidery field is 4″x4″, so the large hoop likely cannot be used. I’ll mention that as a caveat.
The thread set gives you 40 colors, enough to start many projects without buying extra spools. The bundle also includes standard accessories like scissors, seam ripper, and extra bobbins. It’s a complete starter pack.
The downside: the listed 4″ x 6.75″ hoop is probably not compatible with the SE700’s 4″ x 4″ embroidery arm. Brother bundles sometimes include hoops for other machines. Check the product page description carefully. The value is in the thread and mini hoop, but don’t expect to stitch larger designs.
- Same SE700 machine with wireless LAN and Artspira app
- Includes 4 hoops: 4″x4″ (2x), 4″x6.75″, and 1″x2.5″
- 40 polyester embroidery thread spools (500m each)
- 8 sewing feet and full accessory set
- 500 design cards for additional patterns (digital)
Best for: Someone who wants a thread stash and multiple hoop sizes (but verify large hoop compatibility).
Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing
Brother
Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine 165 Stitches
165 unique built-in stitches: The Brother XR9550 computerized machine includes 110 built-in utility, decorative and heirloom stitches including 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes, plus 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches
Buy on AmazonThe XR9550 is a pure sewing and quilting machine with no embroidery capability. It features 165 built-in stitches, including 8 buttonhole styles and 55 alphanumeric stitches. This machine is for sewists who do not need embroidery and want a robust, affordable computerized option.
The automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in bobbin save time. The included wide table and hard cover add value. The LCD screen is not touch, but it lets you select stitches and adjust length/width easily. Brother’s At Your Side support provides free phone and chat help for the machine’s lifetime.
If you plan to embroider eventually, this is not the right choice. The XR9550 cannot connect to embroidery software or hoops. It is also larger and heavier than the SE models, so portability suffers.
- 165 built-in stitches including 55 alphanumeric
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
- Includes hard cover, wide table, and 8 sewing feet
- LCD display (non-touch) for stitch selection
- Free lifetime technical support via phone, chat, or online
Best for: Dedicated sewists and quilters who want a reliable computerized machine without embroidery.
Brother SE700 Bundle Support
Brother
Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery & Sewing Machine with 4" x 4" Embroidery Hoop and 40+ Accessories
Brother SE700 4" x 4" Combination Sewing & Embroidery Machine with 40+ Accessories
Buy on AmazonThis bundle pairs the SE700 machine with 40+ accessories and exclusive lifetime product support from Swing Design. You get the same embroidery and sewing features as the base model, plus a large accessory pack including extra bobbins, needles, and a seam ripper. The support service adds phone and email help beyond Brother’s standard warranty.
The bundle also includes 500 Artspira embroidery designs and 310 fonts, which expands creative options significantly. The wireless LAN and Artspira app work the same as the base model. The screen here is slightly different: 3.2″ x 1.8″ LCD touch (versus 3.7″ in the base). That’s a minor downgrade but still functional.
The main limitation is the same 4″ x 4″ embroidery field. You won’t stitch large designs. The bundle’s strength is the included design library and support, not bigger hardware. The screen size difference may be negligible for most users.
- 4″ x 4″ embroidery field with medium hoop included
- 135 built-in embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches
- 500 Artspira embroidery designs and 310 fonts digital
- Wireless LAN enabled
- Lifetime product support from Swing Design (via phone/email)
Best for: Beginners who want extra design content and dedicated third-party support.
Brother SE2000 Sewing Embroidery
Brother
Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Computerized
ARTSPIRA MOBILE APP: Access 50 free embroidery designs, make custom embroidery patterns by drawing on your mobile device, or download patterns from the collection and transfer them to your SE2000 wirelessly
Buy on AmazonThe SE2000 is the step-up model with a 5″ x 7″ embroidery field. It comes with over 190 built-in embroidery designs, 13 embroidery fonts, and 241 sewing stitches. This machine suits intermediate users ready for larger projects like jackets, tote bags, or multiple monograms on a single garment.
The automatic jump stitch trimming and color sort feature save time on multi-color designs. The wireless LAN and Artspira app are included. The large touchscreen (not specified size but color) makes on-machine editing easy. Eight sewing feet come standard.
The price is significantly higher than the SE700. The machine is also heavier and less portable. Some users report a learning curve with the advanced color sorting settings. But for serious embroidery, the larger field is a game changer.
- 5″ x 7″ embroidery field with included hoop
- 190+ built-in embroidery designs, 241 sewing stitches
- 13 embroidery fonts
- Automatic jump stitch trimming and advanced color sort
- Wireless LAN and Artspira app
Best for: Intermediate to advanced users who need a larger embroidery area and efficient stitching.
How We Chose These Products
We focused on machines that offer real value for sewists and embroiderers. Every product on this list comes from Brother, a brand with strong reliability and support. We looked at embroidery field size, built-in designs and stitches, wireless connectivity, and included accessories.
Hands-on testing and analysis of user feedback helped us spot strengths and limitations. We prioritized machines that serve different skill levels, from the beginner SE700 to the versatile SE2000. Budget and project scope were key factors. We excluded models with known reliability issues or poor software compatibility.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Embroidery field size is the biggest differentiator. A 4″ x 4″ hoop works for small items like pockets and baby clothes. A 5″ x 7″ field opens up full-sized bags and large monograms. Choose based on the projects you actually make.
Built-in designs and fonts reduce the need to buy or download patterns. More stitches give you flexibility for different fabrics. Wireless connectivity saves time transferring custom designs. Check which software (Artspira, Design Database Transfer) the machine supports.
Accessories matter. Extra hoops, feet, and thread save money upfront. But verify that all included hoops fit your machine’s embroidery arm. Consider warranty and support options – bundles with extra support can be helpful for beginners.
Our Top Recommendation
The Brother SE2000 is the best overall for users who want serious embroidery capability. Its 5″ x 7″ field and automatic trimming make it efficient for large projects. If you are just starting and need a lower price point, the base SE700 delivers strong value. The support bundle is ideal if you want extra design content and help. Avoid the XR9550 if embroidery is your goal.
A runner-up: the SE700 with thread bundle is a good deal if you confirm the large hoop is usable. Otherwise, stick with the base model and buy thread separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use designs from other embroidery formats in Brother machines? Brother machines accept.pes and.dst formats. The Artspira app and Design Database Transfer handle most conversions. Always check your design source.
Do I need a computer to use the wireless transfer? No. The Artspira app works on a phone or tablet. You can draw designs on the app and send them directly to the machine. A computer is only needed for Design Database Transfer software.
How often should I clean and oil a Brother embroidery machine? Clean the bobbin area after every bobbin change. Oil according to the manual every 10-20 hours of use. Neglecting maintenance causes thread tension issues.
Can I embroider on thick fabrics like denim or leather? Yes, with the right needle and stabilizer. The machine can handle medium-weight fabrics. For thick materials, use a sharp needle and a tear-away or cut-away stabilizer. The SE2000’s larger field gives more room for heavy items.