Best Embroidery Machine for 2023

So you’re looking to set up your sewing equipment but need an embroidery machine? What should you go for in that case? Well, it all comes down to your specific needs and overall demands. Some models are easier to use than others, more powerful, with more needles, stitches, and so on – you must pick accordingly. That’s why we want to teach you the different factors to consider when buying an embroidery machine. Then, we’re going to show you some of the best models out there so you can pick the ideal one accordingly.

Ready to find out what embroidery machine you should get? Then keep reading!

Types of Embroidery Machine

Even though embroidery machines seem like they’re all the same – they’re not. There are actually many types of embroidery machines you can choose. Here are some of the most common:

Best Embroidery Machine Brands

Knowing about the most reliable brands for embroidery machines will help you pick the ideal model more easily. Here are some to consider:

• Brother – Wider array of embroidery models, it never disappoints in quality or functionality
• Janome – Perfect for commercial and advanced use, Janome machines are also super reliable
• Singer – Excellent machines all-around, they focus on customization and ease of use
• CAMFIVE – Best for Commercial and Industrial Embroidery Machines Production.

If you want a more-than-decent model, stick to these three brands. You won’t regret it.

Top Embroidery Machine for Your Need [We Tested]

After browsing through hundreds of models out there, we found a ten that we couldn’t overlook. Each one of the following embroidery machines delivers

1. Brother PE800 – Best Overall

A Brother embroidery machine never disappoints – and even less so when it comes to the Brother PE800.

What sets this model apart from the competition is the vast array of features without increasing the cost. So you get the chance to work on almost any embroidery project available, get exceptional results, and still don’t empty your bank account.

It all starts with an array of 138 built-in embroidery designs. From florals to scrollwork, intricate patterns, and more – you will have enough for any project.

This matches well with the built-in font system, so you can customize the designs with your own lettering – including Japanese, Cyrillic, and English fonts. It works decently well for monogramming too.

And still, you get the 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen. It comes in full color and lets you preview any pattern or design before the needle starts to work.

Still, you can connect the machine to a desktop or laptop via USB. You can import and design your own patterns as necessary.

Match that with the 5-by-7 inch embroidery field, and it will become a go-to option for every comfort-seeker out there.

2. Brother SE600 – Best Embroidery Machine for Beginners

Small but decently practical, the Brother SE600 is the ideal embroidery machine for beginners. Thanks to its features and highly-convenient design – even the most inexperienced embroiderer will have a blast using it.

The first thing you’ll notice is the 3.2-inch LCD screen. It is large enough to allow proper visualization of the designs you want to create. This goes well with the buttons below, so you can operate the hardware and software as necessary.

To make it even more convenient, you can enjoy an automatic needle threader and a drop-in top bobbin. While one helps you keep the thread hooked to the machine, the other ensures the thread is delivered smoothly at all times.

Even then, the most enticing feature comes from the 80 built-in designs and the 103 built-in sewing stitches. You can use any of the 80 pre-built patterns and choose between 6 lettering options. Along with the opportunity to create all kinds of stitches – this machine becomes a go-to choice for anyone.

Despite all that, working on it is still a piece of cake. You get a 4-by-4 inches embroidery field and a 7-inch embroidery arm. Together, they allow ultra-easy and comfy operation.

3. SINGER Futura XL580 – Best for Small or Home Business

Want to set up your own tailor shop? Then you need to consider the SINGER Futura XL580 as your best bet.

We think this is the best embroidery machine for home business because it combines the effectiveness of a sewing machine with the practicality of an embroidery model.

With these two modes, you get over 215 built-in stitches as well as an automatic one-step system for buttonholes. And that’s without mentioning the 250 built-in embroidery designs – enough to start any business from home.

Another exciting feature is the automatic needle threader. The machine automatically guides the thread and adjusts it to the machine to save you time and effort.

This matches well with the computerized system. You can customize your designs, combine them, change color, type of threading, add lettering, and much more. If you want to start a home embroidery or sewing business – this machine will not let you down.

And if all that wasn’t enough, the machine still boasts a LED light, a knee lifter, and USB compatibility with tons of files. It will help you work more comfortably, safely, and quickly – enough to make starting a business accessible.  

4. Brother PE550D – Best for Custom Designs

Creating your own embroidery designs is not an easy job. That’s why you want next-level customization that doesn’t disappoint.

With the Brother PE550D – you get precisely that. At first, you can enjoy 125 built-in designs, with 45 Disney themes. This will help you put your creativity into work, as you don’t only get the designs, but also the chance to chance to add over 9 different fonts, change the color, and more.

If you want, you can also import your own designs via USB. Thanks to its broad file compatibility, you can make the machine produce the most beautiful and personalized embroidery designs you want. And that’s without making much of an effort.

It is all a piece of cake with a 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen. Everything is clear to the sight, and thanks to the buttons and different functions available – you can set it up however you prefer.

This matches well with the decently large 4-by-4 inches embroidery field. You won’t have any problem setting up loops and fabrics of any size on the machine.

Whether creating enticing pre-set designs or creating your own – this machine makes it all possible.

5. Brother SE1900 – Best Sewing Embroidery Machine Combo

Combining a sewing machine with an embroidery machine is not an easy task. Luckily, the Brother SE1900 makes it look dull.

This happens because the SE1900 from Brother offers over 240 built-in stitches, 10 auto-size buttonhole options, and over 130 built-in embroidery designs with 11 fonts. Together, you get a next-level programmable embroidery machine for almost any purpose.

What sets it apart from the competition is the advanced needle threading system, preventing the thread from loosening or unthreading. This pairs up well with the quality drop-in bobbin, which ensures smooth operation without a single jam.

Apart from that, you can enjoy an excellent 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen. You can browse and edit your designs if needed. Thanks to its full-color build, it lets you customize everything to the max. The editing functions will help you create the most beautiful and intricate designs you can think of.

And if all that didn’t feel like enough, you can still enjoy a 5-by-7 embroidery field. That’s enough to work comfortably on most small embroidery projects with little effort. Add the embroidery hoop that comes with the machine, and it becomes a go-to option for convenience-seekers.

6. Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 – Best Computerized Embroidery Machine

Nothing will help you more when it comes to achieving fantastic embroidery designs than getting a computerized embroidery machine.

With the Horizon MC9850 from Janome, you get one of the most practical models out there. The limit of customizations is almost too far to reach.

It all starts with 200 built-in stitches, 6 buttonholes, and over 175 embroidery designs. You can stitch, embroider, and much more with this machine. This matches well with the 2-font availability and the 3-letter monogramming capacity.

Despite all that, you can still enjoy a large LCD touchscreen that allows exceptional editing. And if you pair this up with the USB design transfer, then you can enjoy any design you want directly from your computer.

The machine lets you trace, zoom, change color, drag, drop, duplicate, and much more. Yet, the editing functions are nothing when you consider the 6.7 by 7.9 inches embroidery field, along with the SQ14a and RE20a embroidery hoops – ideal for any type of embroidering.

The mechanical features don’t disappoint either. From the built-in needle threader and automatic thread tension to the one-step needle plate, the 7-piece feed dog, and the 1/4-inch seam foot, it ensures a reliable yet effortless experience.

If you want to enjoy everything a computerized machine has to offer, the Horizon MC9850 from Janome won’t let you down.

7. CAMFive EMB HT1501 – Best Commercial/Industrial Embroidery Machine

Want the chance to work on bulk embroidery projects with maximum speed and convenience? Then you’re looking for the best commercial embroidery machine.

If you own a small business and want excellent customization, embroidery speed, and the largest work area – then the EMB HT1501 will not let you down.

You get the chance to work with practically any type of fabric, going from hats and T-shirts, to blankets, towels, curtains, and more.

This pairs up with the chance to use over 12 needles at once. You can create the most colorful design and paste them on the fabric with ease.

It’s all possible through the 8-inch Dahao LCD panel. With a touchscreen and high-end software, you can browse through its feature and enjoy over 100 million possible stitches. Of course, it also lets you edit the images to embroider, add numbers, words, letters, names, and wide array of other effects.

The machine also connects to computers via USB if necessary. That adds the chance to create any embroidery you want with ease. And if you combine it with the 22 by 14 inches embroidery field, then it becomes a go-to choice for convenience seekers.

It is such a powerful option to go for that it can even work for 24 hours continuously. That’s something no other machine in the list can do – and that’s why it is our commercial choice.

8. Janome MB-4S: Best Multi Needle Embroidery Machine Perfect for Shirts, Hats, and Large Fabrics

Trying to embroider hats, shirts, and other large pieces of fabric? Then you need the best multi needle embroidery machine.

Not only it comes with several needles at once to create the most intricate designs, but it also delivers one of the largest embroidery fields so you can work comfortably at all times.

The MB-4 is a top-notch machine for those who love convenience. Thanks to the four-needle system, you just need to set it up and let the machine do the job automatically. It all comes down to learning how to operate the 5.7-inch remote touchscreen to edit and customize your designs as needed.

You can still enjoy 50 built-in designs, over 10 fonts for monogramming, and a 3-letter monogramming capacity. The thread bobbins are also super large, allowing maximum thread capacity so you can embroider for hours.

And when you add the 9.4 by 7.8 inches of embroidery size plus the different adjustable hoops it offers – there’s simply no limit to how comfortably and efficiently you can work.

If all that wasn’t enough, you can still enjoy a high-end editing system that lets you drag & drop, re-edit, rotate, reduce and enlarge, zoom, arc, duplicate, combine, and more. There’s no limit to the designs you can create.

If you want, you can even set the machine up via USB, using a PC, or whatever. That will add maximum customization to the piece.

9. Brother PE535 – Best Affordable Embroidery Machine

Want a heavy duty embroidery machine that still manages to be cheap? Then that would be the Brother PE535.

We love it because you can get it for a very decent cost and still get a wide array of exceptional features. Some of these include the 80 built-in embroidery designs, including for festivities and unique floral designs.

Apart from that, you get 9 built-in fonts, you can create English and Japanese lettering, increasing your overall editing capabilities.

The designs are totally customizable, as well. You just need to use the 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen to preview, edit, and browse through the different designs available. And with the USB port option, you can connect a PC or any other device to upload your own designs as needed.

It even offers a monogramming feature, along with monogramming software (sold separately), that can take your results to a whole new level. This pairs up well with the 4-by-4 embroidery field and hoop, so you can work comfortably in any place at any time.

For those who want a cheap yet sufficiently practical embroidery machine, the PE535 from Brother won’t let them down.

Buying Guides for Best Embroidery Machine

If you want to pick the best embroidery machine – then you need to focus on the most critical factors. Below, you’ll find the different things that matter when choosing one of these machines:

Ease of Use

If you’re an expert embroiderer, you may not want to consider the ease of use as a useful feature. But even then – isn’t a straightforward model a lot easier, faster, and more comfortable to use?

If we go even further, it is vital to pick an embroidery machine that meets your experience. That’s why mechanical models are always your best bet as a beginner. It helps you understand how to create patterns and get more accustomed to the principles of embroidering.

But if you have more experience, don’t hesitate to go for an electronic or computerized model. These will be a little harder to use but will increase the number of customizations you can make to the embroidery design.

Throat Width & Embroidery Field

The throat width is the distance between the body of the machine and the needle. In short, the more throat width available, the more space you will have to work on your embroidering.

For example, most embroidery machines have a throat width of about 10 inches. That’s enough to get most jobs done. A large embroidery machine may offer over 15 inches of total throat width. But a small one may get to 7 inches max.

We recommend avoiding small throat widths for a more comfortable experience. Yet, it is all about your demands.

Similarly, you want to consider the embroidery field. This area is measured in square inches instead. It will tell you how much space available you’ll have for the embroidery process.

You should go for no less than 8 inches square for a decent experience. Some models can go as small as 4 inches square (which could be a nightmare to work on).

Designing & Connectivity

An embroidery machine with built-in or pre-set designs is worth a lot more than a machine without a single one.

But apart from having designs you can pick from, it should allow you to edit and design your own if needed. That will be the best type of designing feature to have.

At the same time, having the opportunity to buy or download new designs via software is another great advantage. Whether by connecting the machine to a smartphone, PC, or any other device – that can be a huge advantage.

Display & Buttons

Even mechanical machines nowadays may come with a display. This display will help you operate and pick between different designs available.

A large-enough display on the body of the embroidery machine, plus buttons alongside so you can operate it with ease, are two features you can’t dismiss.

The display needs to come with bright-enough colors, so you can pick designs according to its looks. At the same time, you should consider buttons to configure not only things on display, but also operate the machine if necessary.

Don’t overlook the number of buttons or the quality of the display.

Solo or Combo?

Even though an embroidery machine is an entirely different monster than a sewing machine – you can pick one that offers both an embroidering and a sewing capacity.

Yes, this is called a combo embroidery machine. You can sew and embroider the same device without having to buy a separate one.

This is an excellent bang for your buck and will also save you tons of storage and workspace. If you don’t want to buy a sewing machine separately, then consider a combo model.

Be aware that combo embroidery machines don’t offer multi-needle designs. In case you want maximum customization and speed – then a combo model won’t be a wise choice. Otherwise, don’t hesitate.

Extra Features & Accessories

We couldn’t finish this embroidery machine buying guide without mentioning the features and accessories you may find.

These will tell you how practical the machine is overall. So you must look for as many of these features & accessories as possible. Here are some of them:

Any of these features on an embroidery machine will make it super practical and more comfortable to use. Don’t overlook them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Even after going our buying guide and best embroidery machine reviews, you’re probably still confused about certain aspects. Well, we want to get rid of your confusion with this section. Here are some questions with their answers to consider:

Final Notes

So, are you having trouble buying embroidery machine for your business or domestic use? Then don’t hesitate and follow this guide.

Not only you’ll find the most important factors to consider before buying, but you can also find some of the best models depending on your needs. And that’s enough to say this guide is more than enough to make the right choice.

So don’t waste your time anywhere else. Use this guide, pick from our recommendations, and get your embroidery setup work for you.