Get the Brother SE700 if:
- You want to sew as well as embroider.
- Your designs fit 4 x 4 in.
- You want a smaller, lighter machine.
The short answer
Our overall pick for embroidery: the Brother PE900. Pick the SE700 if you also want a sewing machine.
Sew and embroider on one machine? SE700
Bigger 5 x 7 in embroidery? PE900
The SE700 is a sewing and embroidery combo with a 4 x 4 in field, 103 sewing stitches and 8 presser feet. The PE900 is embroidery-only, with a 5 x 7 in field, 193 built-in designs, 13 fonts, a 3.7 in touch screen and upper and bobbin thread sensors. Both have wireless LAN.
Best for sewing and embroidery
Pick the Brother SE700 if
- You want one machine that sews (103 stitches, 10 one-step buttonholes) and embroiders.
- Your designs fit 4 x 4 in.
- You want the 8 included presser feet and the lighter 15.06 lb machine.
The Amazon listing (model SE700, Machine Only variant) ships from and is sold by Amazon.com. A 12-piece thread variant is also offered.
See the SE700 on AmazonBest for embroidery
Pick the Brother PE900 if
- You want the 5 x 7 in embroidery field, with the 5 x 7 in hoop included.
- You want more built-in designs (193 against 135) and fonts (13 against 10).
- You want upper and bobbin thread sensors, Color Sort and Jump Stitch Trimming.
The Amazon listing (PE900, Machine Only) ships from and is sold by Amazon.com. Avoid the manufacturer-reconditioned offer from another seller if you want a new machine.
See the PE900 on AmazonBefore you buy: The PE900 has no sewing stitches and the SE700 tops out at 4 x 4 in embroidery, so decide first whether you need sewing or the bigger field. Both Amazon listings were sold by Amazon.com on October 16, 2026. Listings change, so check the variant, seller and condition before you order.
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Key specs
4SE700
spec rows won
spec rows won
6PE900
spec rows won
spec rows won
6even or
unclear
unclear
The PE900 wins on embroidery field, designs, fonts, screen, connections and thread sensors. The SE700 wins on sewing, included feet, weight and size.
A green check marks the clearly better spec for most people. No check means a tie, a gap that depends on how you work, or a spec marked Unknown. Figures come from Brother USA’s product pages; Amazon-only facts are labeled.
| SE700 | PE900 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sewing + embroidery | Embroidery only |
| Max embroidery field | 4 x 4 in | 5 x 7 in |
| Hoop included | 4 x 4 in | 5 x 7 in |
| Built-in designs | 135 | 193 |
| Embroidery fonts | 10 | 13 |
| Sewing stitches | 103 (10 one-step buttonholes) | None |
| Max speed | 710 spm (sewing) | 650 spm (embroidery) |
| Screen | 3.2 x 1.8 in LCD | 3.7 in LCD touch |
| Connections | Wireless LAN (USB: Amazon only) | Wireless LAN + USB |
| Thread features | Advanced needle threader, auto cutter, quick-set bobbin; no thread sensor | Advanced auto threader, cutter, quick-set bobbin, upper and bobbin thread sensors, Color Sort, Jump Stitch Trimming |
| Work space | 6.4 x 4.0 in work area | 7.4 in needle-to-arm |
| Feet included | 8 (incl. embroidery foot Q) | Embroidery foot Q |
| File formats | Unknown | .pes, .dst, .pen |
| Weight | 15.06 lb | 17.64 lb |
| Size | 7.76 x 16.50 x 12.09 in | 9.49 x 17.48 x 11.81 in |
| Warranty | 1/2/25-year limited | US: 2 years on electronics (circuit boards), 1 year on parts and labor (Brother support, incident 261029-002039, Oct 30 2026) |
Spec notes and unknowns
- SE700 USB port: Amazon only. Brother’s spec table lists wireless LAN only.
- SE700 file formats: Unknown; we didn’t find them on Brother’s SE700 page.
- Max speeds aren’t comparable: the SE700 figure is for sewing, the PE900’s for embroidery.
- Recommended needles and thread: Unknown for both.
Where the sources disagree
- SE700 screen: Brother lists a 3.2 x 1.8 in LCD; Amazon’s title and bullets say 3.7 in touchscreen (Amazon’s own description says 3.2 x 1.8 in). We use Brother’s figure.
- SE700 weight: Amazon lists 15.6 lb. We use Brother’s 15.06 lb.
- PE900 weight and size: Amazon lists 21 lb and 17 x 10 x 12 in. We use Brother’s 17.64 lb and 9.49 x 17.48 x 11.81 in.
- PE900 warranty: Brother’s product page says 1/2/25 year; Brother support (Brother support, incident 261029-002039, Oct 30 2026) gave 2 years on electronics and 1 year on parts and labor, with no 25-year term. We use Brother support.
What it can do
Common jobs, judged only from Brother’s embroidery field, stitch and connection specs.
- Can do the maker’s specs cover it
- Just barely possible, with a limit or add-on the maker states
- Can’t the maker’s specs rule it out or don’t list it
| Job | SE700 | PE900 |
|---|---|---|
| Embroidery | ||
| Design up to 4 x 4 in | Can do4 x 4 in field. | Can do5 x 7 in field. |
| Design up to 5 x 7 in | Can’t4 x 4 in max. | Can do5 x 7 in field and hoop. |
| Send designs over Wi-Fi | Can doWireless LAN (Artspira, Design Database Transfer). | Can doWireless LAN. |
| Sewing | ||
| Hems and seams | Can do103 stitches. | Can’tNo sewing stitches. |
| Buttonholes | Can do10 one-step styles. | Can’tNo sewing stitches. |
Notes and sources
Sources: brother-usa.com product pages for the SE700 and PE900, and Brother Canada for PE900 file formats. Checked October 16, 2026.
Who should buy which
Get the Brother PE900 if:
- You only embroider.
- You want 5 x 7 in designs.
- You want thread sensors and Wi-Fi plus USB.
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Skip it if
Skip the SE700
Skip it if you want embroidery designs larger than 4 x 4 in.
Skip the PE900
Skip it if you also want to sew; the PE900 has no sewing stitches.
Questions about this pair
Can the PE900 sew?
No. It’s embroidery-only. The SE700 sews and embroiders.
Which has the bigger embroidery area?
The PE900, at 5 x 7 in. The SE700 is 4 x 4 in.
Do both connect wirelessly?
Yes, both list wireless LAN. Brother also lists USB on the PE900; USB on the SE700 appears on Amazon only.
What warranty do they have?
The SE700 has a 1/2/25-year limited warranty, per Brother. For the PE900 in the US, Brother support gives 2 years on electronics (circuit boards) and 1 year on parts and labor.