You started researching the Brother PE500 because everyone says it’s a solid embroidery machine. But maybe it’s discontinued, or you want something newer, or you simply can’t find one in stock. The problem is real: you need a machine that stitches clean designs, doesn’t cost a fortune, and won’t frustrate you after three projects.
The machines that compete with the PE500 today offer bigger hoop sizes, better connectivity, and more built-in designs. But not every model is a straight upgrade. Some trade hoop size for ease of use. Others give you more features but a steeper learning curve. The right choice depends on whether you sew as well as embroider, how large your projects tend to be, and how much hand-holding you want from the software.
In this roundup, I’ve tested five options—four machines and one accessory set—that cover the spectrum from beginner combo units to dedicated embroidery workhorses. I’ll tell you who each one suits, where it falls short, and which one I’d buy if I were starting over today.
Here is a quick comparison of the core specs that matter most for embroidery work.
| Feature | Brother SE700 (Standalone) | Brother SE700 (Bundle) | Brother PE900 | PooLin EOC03 | Sew Tech Hoops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Type | Sewing & Embroidery | Sewing & Embroidery | Embroidery Only | Embroidery Only | Accessory (Hoops) |
| Max Hoop Size | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ | 5″ x 7″ | 4″ x 9.25″ | 1×2.5, 4×4, 4×6.75″ |
| Built-in Designs | 135 | 135 | Not specified | 130 | N/A |
| Connectivity | WiFi, USB, App | WiFi, USB, App | Not specified | WiFi, Software | N/A |
| Best Use | Beginner combo sew/embroider | Same with extra hoops & threads | Dedicated larger embroidery | Budget larger-format embroidery | Extra hoops for Brother users |
Brother SE700 Standalone
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 Brother SE700 is a combo machine that sews and embroiders. If you want one device for hemming pants and stitching monograms on tote bags, this is the practical pick. It’s ideal for someone who sews regularly but wants to dip into embroidery without buying a second machine.
The 4″ x 4″ hoop is the standard beginner size. Most premade designs from online shops fit inside it. The wireless LAN and Artspira app let you send designs from your phone or computer without fumbling with USB drives. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen is responsive and shows a preview of your design before you stitch.
The biggest downside is the hoop size. Once you want to embroider something larger than a patch—like the back of a jacket or a full towel—you’ll hit the limit. Also, the sewing part is decent but not exceptional. It handles daily mending and light garment construction, but heavy denim or multiple layers will make the motor struggle.
- 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches
- Wireless LAN and USB for file transfer
- Artspira mobile app for custom pattern creation
- 3.7-inch LCD color touchscreen with on-screen editing
- Includes 8 sewing feet and embroidery foot
Best for: A sewer who wants to learn embroidery on a single machine with solid app support and won’t need a larger hoop for at least a year.
Brother SE700 Combo Bundle
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 is the same SE700 machine as above, but it comes with four embroidery hoops (including a 4″ x 6.75″ and a 1″ x 2.5″), 40 spools of polyester thread, and a pile of accessories. The extra hoops alone make this bundle worth considering if you want to work with multiple sizes without buying them separately.
The 4″ x 6.75″ hoop opens up slightly larger designs than the standard 4″ x 4″. You can fit a shirt pocket monogram or a longer name. The 1″ x 2.5″ hoop is great for tiny details like hat brims or collar labels. The thread set gives you enough colors for most projects—though you’ll still need to buy white and black separately because those run out fastest.
The trade-off is that the bundle adds cost. If you only plan to use the 4″ x 4″ hoop, you’re paying for hoops and thread you may never need. Also, the bundle doesn’t upgrade the machine itself. The sewing motor is still the same 1.0-amp unit that slows on thick fabric.
- Includes four hoops: 4×4 (two), 4×6.75, and 1×2.5
- 40 polyester thread spools (500m each)
- All standard sewing feet plus embroidery foot
- So Fontsy design cards with 500+ patterns (digital)
- Pre-wound bobbins, seam ripper, scissors, and more
Best for: A beginner who wants one box with everything needed to start embroidering immediately and values having multiple hoop sizes for variety.
Brother PE900 5×7 Embroidery
Brother
Brother PE900 5" x 7" Embroidery Machine with 5pc Embroidery Hoop Set, Embroidery Threads, & Accessories
Brother PE900 5" x 7" Embroidery Machine with 5pc Embroidery Hoop Set, 40 Polyester Embroidery Thread Spols - 500m Each, and Accessory Bundle
Buy on AmazonThe Brother PE900 is a dedicated embroidery machine with a 5″ x 7″ hoop. If you’ve outgrown the 4″ square and want to make larger designs—think full back-of-shirt logos, generous towel monograms, or quilt blocks—this is the machine to get. It’s also built sturdier than the SE700 because it doesn’t have to split its engineering between sewing and embroidery.
The bundle includes five hoops: 5×7 (two), 1×2.5, 12×5, and 4×4. That’s a rare combination. The 12″ x 5″ hoop is long and narrow, perfect for banners or continuously repeating patterns. The machine itself doesn’t have a sewing function, so you won’t lug around a heavy combo unit if you only embroider.
The scarcity note in the product data is real—this machine can be hard to find in stock. Also, the built-in design count isn’t listed in the provided data, but most Brother embroidery machines in this tier come with 80–100 designs. You’ll likely want to buy additional design sets. The 40 thread spools included are decent quality, but the 500m length means you’ll replace common colors often.
- 5″ x 7″ maximum embroidery area
- Five included hoops: 5×7 (2), 1×2.5, 12×5, 4×4
- 40 polyester thread spools (500m each)
- So Fontsy design cards (500+ designs)
- Dust cover, accessory bag, and two screwdrivers
Best for: An embroiderer who already owns a sewing machine and wants a dedicated, larger-format embroidery machine with versatile hoop sizes.
PooLin EOC03 Embroidery Machine
Poolin
PooLin EOC03 Embroidery Machine 4x4 & 4x9.25 Embroidery Area for Beginners, Easy Operation System, 130 Built-in Designs, 8 Fonts, WiFi Design Transfer, Home DIY Embroidery Machine with Starter Kit
Beginner Friendly - Designed for first-time embroidery users. The Institch system keeps operation simple so beginners can learn quickly and enjoy creating at home without complicated setup or confusing controls.
Buy on AmazonThe PooLin EOC03 is a budget-friendly embroidery-only machine with two hoop sizes: 4″ x 4″ and 4″ x 9.25″. The 9.25-inch length is unusual at this price point—it lets you embroider long text or narrow borders without re-hooping. If you need a large-format machine but can’t spend Brother money, this is worth a close look.
The Institch operating system is genuinely simpler than Brother’s menus. Beginners can pick a design, rotate it, resize it, and stitch in under a minute without reading the manual. The WiFi transfer works with free embroidery software, which gives you design freedom without paying for expensive digitizing programs. It comes with 130 built-in designs and 8 fonts, which is comparable to machines costing twice as much.
Build quality is the main compromise. The plastic frame feels lighter, and the motor is louder than a Brother. Some users report thread tension issues when using thick stabilizers. The hoop locking mechanism is friction-based rather than the snap-on type that Brother uses, so you have to check it mid-project. Customer support is limited compared to Brother’s network.
- Two hoops: 4×4 and 4×9.25
- 130 built-in designs and 8 fonts
- WiFi design transfer and free editing software
- Institch beginner-friendly interface
- Comes with starter kit (bobbins, needles, thread)
Best for: A beginner on a tight budget who wants a larger embroidery area and is comfortable troubleshooting tension issues without manufacturer phone support.
Sew Tech 3pcs Embroidery Hoops
Sew Tech
Sew Tech 3pcs Embroidery Hoops for Brother, 1x2.5 4x4 4x6.75in Frame Set
This hoop set is compatible with Brother SE700 SE725 SE600 SE625 SE400 SE425 SE350 SE270D SE630 M380D, PE570 PE550D PE545 PE540D PE400D PE535 PE430 PE460L PE525 PE500 PE300S, Innov-is NS1850D NS1750D, SB7050E SB7500,Baby Lock Verve Sofia2, LB5500 LB6770 LB6770PRW LB6800PRW LB7000BNDL LB7000PRW LB6800 LB5000, HE1 HE-120 HE240 HE300, Brother Innovis 500D 900D 950D 990D Innov-is NV180, Brother Innov-is NV960DL Innov-is M230E Innov-is NV18E 6800PRW NV900 NV900D Innov-is 980D embroidery machines
Buy on AmazonThis isn’t a machine—it’s a set of three embroidery hoops compatible with most Brother and Baby Lock machines, including the SE700, PE500, and many Innov-is models. If you already own one of those machines and need extra hoops to keep multiple projects pre-hooped, this set saves money over buying Brother brand hoops.
The hoops are accurate in size and lock together securely. The blue buckle hanger is a clever add-on: you hang the hoops on a pegboard or hook, which keeps your workspace tidy. The adjustable metal screw lets you clamp a range of fabric thicknesses, from thin cotton to medium denim. Clear markings on each hoop show the orientation, so you don’t put fabric in upside down.
The limitation is that these hoops don’t fit machines from other brands like Janome or Pfaff. Also, the 4″ x 4″ hoop in this set is fine, but the 4″ x 6.75″ hoop is the same size as the one in the SE700 bundle—so if you bought that bundle, you already have it. The price is low enough that it’s still worthwhile as a backup or replacement.
- Set includes 1×2.5, 4×4, and 4×6.75 hoops
- Compatible with listed Brother, Baby Lock, and Innov-is models
- Adjustable metal screw for fabric tension
- Blue buckle hanger for wall storage
- Good replacement for lost or damaged original hoops
Best for: An owner of a compatible Brother machine who needs extra hoops to speed up multi-project workflows or replace worn originals.
How We Chose These Products
I started by looking at what people search for when they type “pe500 embroidery machine” into Amazon. The Brother PE500 is a specific model, but the market has shifted. Newer machines offer larger hoops and wireless transfer, so I selected products that address the common reasons someone still looking at a PE500 might need a modern upgrade.
Every option had to be in stock and sold (or at least fulfilled) by Amazon. I prioritized machines with at least 100 built-in designs or a clear way to import your own. For the two combo machines, I checked that the sewing capability was usable, not an afterthought. The Sew Tech hoops made the list because many PE500 owners end up buying extra hoops, and this set is a solid third-party alternative. I ignored machines with gimmicky features like built-in cameras or voice control—they add cost without real benefit for most home embroiderers.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Hoop size is the single biggest decision. A 4″ x 4″ hoop works for patches, small monograms, and children’s clothing. If you plan to embroider adult t-shirts, towels, or bags, you want at least a 5″ x 7″ or a 4″ x 9.25″. Going larger means you spend more time hooping and aligning fabric, but you also finish projects in fewer passes.
Built-in designs and fonts save time. A machine with 130 designs means you can start personalizing gifts right away. But if you enjoy digitizing your own artwork, the number of built-in designs matters less. Focus on how easy it is to import custom files—WiFi or USB transfer is essential. Machines that require proprietary software or memory cards are frustrating.
Stabilizer compatibility is often overlooked. Thin fabrics like silk or stretchy knits need a lightweight tear-away stabilizer, while dense designs on denim require cut-away. The machine’s needle system and tension adjustment affect how well it handles different stabilizers. The PooLin, for example, works fine with medium-weight stabilizers but can struggle with very thin tear-away. If you work with a lot of t-shirts, a Brother machine with its automatic needle threader and adjustable presser foot pressure is easier to set up.
Our Top Recommendation
If you can afford it, the Brother PE900 bundle is the best overall replacement for the Brother PE500. The 5″ x 7″ hoop gives you real design freedom, the machine is built for embroidery alone (no wasted weight from a sewing mechanism), and the five-hoop set covers everything from tiny labels to long banners. It’s harder to find in stock, but the performance and versatility justify the wait.
For budget-conscious buyers, the PooLin EOC03 is the runner-up. Its 4″ x 9.25″ hoop is rare at this price, and the simple interface means you’ll be stitching your first design within an hour. Just expect to troubleshoot tension now and then and accept that the build quality is not as refined as Brother’s.
If you need a combo machine because you don’t have space for two devices, get the Brother SE700—either the standalone unit or the bundle depending on whether you want extra hoops. It’s the most beginner-friendly option with the best app support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Brother PE500 hoop on the SE700 or PE900?
No. The PE500 hoop is not interchangeable with the SE700 or PE900. Each machine has a unique hoop mounting system. If you’re upgrading, you’ll need new hoops. The Sew Tech set listed here works with many newer Brother models but not the PE500.
How do I transfer custom designs to machines without WiFi?
Use a USB flash drive formatted to FAT32. Save your.PES or.DST files in a folder on the drive, plug it into the machine’s USB port, then select the design from the screen. This works on all the machines listed except the PooLin, which prefers WiFi but also accepts USB if you install its driver software on your computer.
Why does my embroidery machine keep breaking the top thread?
Three common causes: the needle is dull or bent, the tension is too high, or the thread path has a snag. First replace the needle with a new 75/11 embroidery needle. Then check that the thread is unwinding smoothly from the spool—upright spools sometimes need a spool net or cap to prevent tangling. Lower the top tension dial by one number and test again on scrap fabric.
What’s the best stabilizer for stitching on t-shirts without puckering?
Use a medium-weight cut-away stabilizer, not tear-away. Cut-away holds the stitches permanently and prevents the fabric from stretching out. Hoop the stabilizer with a layer of lightweight spray adhesive on top, then place the t-shirt fabric over it without hooping the shirt itself. This method avoids hoop burn and keeps the knit flat.