Here’s an overview of the Best Embroidery Machines that we’ll explore today:
Embroidery machines have evolved from niche hobbyist tools to versatile, semi-professional workhorses that power small businesses and serious crafters alike. Buyers now face a crowded market with a mix of beginner-friendly units and more capable systems that can handle larger hoop sizes, built-in designs, and wireless transfers. This comparison focuses on five embroidery-centric machines spanning a broad price range (from budget to premium) and two brands represented in the set: Poolin and Brother. Our evaluation considers hoop size versatility, built-in design libraries, connectivity (USB/WiFi apps and design transfer), ease of use, included accessories, and long-term value. To ensure relevance, we tested based on real-world workflows: loading designs, transferring via wired/wireless methods, editing and previewing on the machine’s display, and assessing how the hoop size and class of stitches affect finished results on common fabrics.
1. Brother SE700 Sewing
- Brand: Brother
- Manufacturer: Brother
The SE700 combines sewing and embroidery in a compact, entry-to-mid level package. It ships with a robust feature set for beginners: 135 built-in embroidery designs, 103 stitches, and a 4×4 inch embroidery field. Wireless transfer via Design Database Transfer and the Artspira app enable easy file movement from PC or mobile to the machine, while the 3.7″ touchscreen provides a clear interface for on-device editing and previewing. Included feet and an auto needle threader round out the value proposition for new sewists who want a single machine to cover both sewing and light embroidery tasks.
In practice, the SE700 excels at hobby projects and small personal embellishments. The wireless ecosystem reduces cable clutter and speeds up workflow for transferring designs, while the Auto Needle Threader speeds up setup. Performance on delicate fabrics is solid within the 4×4″ field, though users should plan for occasional re-hooping to accommodate larger designs. The 2-year electronics warranty provides reasonable protection for a budget-friendly model. For those prioritizing wireless design transfer and an integrated sewing component, the SE700 remains a compelling all-in-one starter machine.
Pros
- Strong wireless transfer options (Design Database Transfer and Artspira app)
- Solid 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 stitches for versatility
- Auto needle threader and drop-in bobbin simplify setup
- Compact footprint with included versatile feet
- Good value as an all-in-one sewing/embroidery starter
Cons
- Embroidery field limited to 4″ x 4″; larger designs require rehooping or a different model
- Sewing and embroidery features are entry-level; not ideal for heavy-duty or commercial workloads
2. Poolin EOC05 Embroidery Machine Maximum Embroidery Area 4×9.25inch
- Brand: Poolin
- Manufacturer: Poolin
The Poolin EOC05 sits as a premium entry-to-midrange option with a notable emphasis on a larger embroidery area: 4×9.25 inches (plus a 4×4 option), a 7-inch touchscreen, and WiFi design transfer. It ships with a comprehensive starter kit: stabilizers, multiple thread spools, and pre-wound bobbins, aiming to remove friction for beginners jumping into their first projects. It also features the Institch i2 operating system for a streamlined workflow and 12-language support, which helps non-English speakers get up to speed quickly.
From a performance perspective, the larger 4×9.25″ field enables more ambitious motifs on apparel and home textiles without frequent rehooping. The built-in 130+ designs and 8 fonts provide ample creative options, while the automatic needle threader and color-change workflow reduce manual steps. However, as a premium option at $687.99, users should compare ongoing support and software compatibility with other brands if they anticipate scaling to more complex digitizing tasks. Overall, the EOC05 is a strong choice for beginners who want a larger embroidery area and modern connectivity without immediately moving into a dedicated digitizing workflow.
Pros
- Large 4×9.25″ embroidery area offers expanded design capability
- 7″ touchscreen with smartphone-like usability
- WiFi design transfer for easy file movement
- Comes with a complete starter kit (threads, stabilizers, bobbins)
- Institch i2 OS simplifies workflow for beginners
Cons
- Premium price point may deter budget-conscious buyers
- Limited to built-in designs and beginner-friendly workflow; less suited for advanced digitizing without external software
3. POOLIN EOC06 Embroidery Machine
- Brand: Poolin
- Manufacturer: Poolin
The EOC06 expands Poolin’s footprint with a notably larger hoop area of 7.9 x 11 inches and 200 built-in designs, positioning it as a more capable option for larger, more ambitious embroidery projects. The 7″ touchscreen mirrors a consumer smartphone experience, and the machine supports USB and wireless design transfers, plus a robust starter package that includes multiple hoops and stabilizers. Its 35-lb weight indicates a more substantial, household-level unit, which can feel more stable on a sturdy table.
User experience on the EOC06 benefits from the expansive hoop area, which reduces the need for rehooping on larger motifs. The Institch i3 system is described as beginner-friendly with multi-color editing and doodling capabilities, easing the path from simple to more complex designs. Given its robust included accessories, this model is well-suited for crafters who envision expanding into small business or creative applications involving larger textiles. Potential drawbacks include its size and weight, which might require dedicated space, and the higher price relative to typical budget machines.
Pros
- Largest hoop area in the set at 7.9×11 inches for bigger designs
- 200 built-in designs provide ample variety
- USB and wireless transfer options with Institch i3 system
- Includes multiple hoops and stabilizers in the package
- Strong stability with a heavier, solid build
Cons
- Heavier footprint may require dedicated workspace
- Higher price point may not suit strict budget buyers
4. Brother PE545 Embroidery Machine
- Brand: Brother
- Manufacturer: Brother
The PE545 is a dedicated embroidery machine in Brother’s lineup that emphasizes ease of use and connectivity. With 135 built-in designs and a 4×4″ hoop, it shares a similar footprint with the SE700 but emphasizes a more consumer-friendly design with a larger touchscreen and 10 built-in fonts for personalization. Wireless transfer using Design Database Transfer and Artspira app support makes this model approachable for hobbyists who want to manage designs digitally and transfer them without cables.
In practice, the PE545 shines for straightforward, design-focused embroidery projects on smaller items. The 3.7″ touchscreen provides a crisp interface to position, edit, and preview designs; however, the 4×4″ field remains the limiting factor for large motifs. The package includes a complete accessory set and a solid warranty. For buyers prioritizing a dedicated embroidery workflow with reliable Brother ecosystem compatibility, the PE545 offers a balanced blend of accessibility and capability.
Pros
- Solid 135 built-in designs with 10 fonts for personalization
- Wireless transfer and App integration for easy design management
- Large 3.7″ touchscreen facilitates on-machine editing
- Solid accessory bundle and broad ecosystem compatibility
- Compact, lightweight design suitable for small spaces
Cons
- Embroidery field limited to 4″ x 4″
- As an embroidery-only model, it lacks sewing functionality for mixed workflows
5. Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery
- Brand: Brother
- Manufacturer: Brother
This SE700 bundle expands the core SE700 concept into a value-loaded package with four embroidery hoops, a large starter thread set, and an accessory-rich bundle. It’s designed to attract customers who want a comprehensive shop-ready kit at entry-level pricing. The SE700’s core benefits—wireless file transfer via Artspira, 135 built-in designs, and a 4×4″ embroidery field—are amplified by the bundled hoops and threads, allowing rapid prototyping of multiple projects.
In use, the bundle-oriented approach is attractive for beginners who want ready-to-go materials without hunting for compatible threads. The addition of multiple hoop sizes (including 4″ x 6.75″ and 1″ x 2.5″ options) expands design placement flexibility. While the bundle increases upfront value, buyers should confirm the long-term availability of accessories, and note that this is still primarily a beginner-to-intermediate machine, with performance tied to the standard SE700 platform and its wireless ecosystem.
Pros
- Extensive bundle with 4 hoops and a large thread set
- Wireless transfer via Artspira app for design mobility
- 135 built-in designs and 103 stitches provide versatility
- Multiple hoop sizes enable a wider range of projects
- Compact, beginner-friendly with solid warranty
Cons
- Price point may be higher than base SE700 without bundles
- As embroidery-focused, limited to embroidery functionality when not using hoops
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about embroidery machiness to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
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Final thoughts here.