# Best Embroidery Machine Under $1,000 (Checked Oct 2026)

> Under $1,000 you can buy the Brother PE545, PP1 and SE700, or the Singer SE9180 with a wider field. Prices checked Oct 11, 2026, with what each one limits.

- Source: https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-machine-under-1000/
- Markdown version: https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-machine-under-1000.md
- Last updated: 2026-10-11

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- Best embroidery machine under $1,000: four picks by project size

 Best picks
# Best embroidery machine under $1,000: four picks by project size
  Updated October 11, 2026 By [EmbroideryWise Editorial Team](https://embroiderywise.com/about/) [How we research](https://embroiderywise.com/how-we-research/)

Prices are approximate and change often, so check the current price before you buy.

## Key takeaways

- The Brother models compared here under $1,000 have 4 × 4 (100 × 100 mm) fields: PE545, PP1 and SE700.
- The Singer SE9180 is the only machine here with a wider field, 170 × 100 mm, at $799.99 on Singer’s site.
- Brother’s 5 × 7 machines, the PE900 ($1,179.99) and SE2000 ($1,299.99), are over this budget.
- Singer’s $799.99 and Brother’s PP1 $379.99 were sale prices on the day we checked.

## Our top picks

- 1![Brother PE545](https://embroiderywise.com/_astro/brother-pe545.BEl03yO3_1Im7RY.webp)Best embroidery-only under $1,000[Brother PE545](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pe545/)4 × 4 in field · Embroidery only · BrotherCheck pricePrice not verified[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8DSJKTH?tag=embroiderywise.com-20)
- 2![Brother SE700](https://embroiderywise.com/_astro/brother-se700.Cxhtz-4W_2g3z2V.webp)Best Brother sewing + embroidery combo[Brother SE700](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-se700/)4 × 4 in field · Sewing + embroidery · BrotherCheck pricePrice not verified[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8DYP1RN?tag=embroiderywise.com-20)
- 3![Singer SE9180](https://embroiderywise.com/_astro/singer-se9180.CgZkpHiU_1dQznl.webp)Widest field under $1,000[Singer SE9180](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/singer-se9180/)170 × 100 mm field · Sewing + embroidery · SingerCheck pricePrice not verified[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZBBYXKW?tag=embroiderywise.com-20)
- 4![Brother PP1 (Skitch)](https://embroiderywise.com/_astro/brother-pp1.B3Ko8IjN_Zr3Mev.webp)Cheapest, app-only[Brother PP1 (Skitch)](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pp1/)4 × 4 in field · Embroidery only · BrotherCheck pricePrice not verified[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC3116H3?tag=embroiderywise.com-20)

### On this page 6 sections

- [Which embroidery machines cost under $1,000?](#which-embroidery-machines-cost-under-1000)
- [Which one is the best pick?](#which-one-is-the-best-pick)
- [Why are Brother’s 5 × 7 machines not here?](#why-are-brothers-5--7-machines-not-here)
- [What about discontinued models?](#what-about-discontinued-models)
- [Spec comparison](#spec-comparison)
- [FAQ](#faq)

## Before you choose

- [Best embroidery machine under $500: what you actually get](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-machine-under-500/)
- [Best budget embroidery machine: entry-level picks that won’t hold you back](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-budget-embroidery-machine/)
- [4 × 4 vs 5 × 7 embroidery hoop: what fits and which to buy](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/4x4-vs-5x7-embroidery-hoop/)

For most people the best embroidery machine under $1,000 is the Singer SE9180 ($799.99 on Singer’s site) if you want a wider field, or the Brother SE700 ($579.99) if you want a sewing combo with Brother support. For embroidery only, the PE545 ($499.99) is the pick. The Brother 5 × 7 models compared here are above $1,000.
Prices below were checked on October 11, 2026 on each manufacturer’s US site. Embroidery machine prices move with sales, so treat them as a snapshot.

## Which embroidery machines cost under $1,000?

| Machine | Type | Price (checked Oct 11, 2026) | Field | Built-in designs | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [PP1 Skitch](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pp1/) | Embroidery-only, app-driven | $379.99 sale (was $529.99) | 4 × 4 in | Via app | Brother USA |
| [PE545](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pe545/) | Embroidery-only | $499.99 | 4 × 4 in | 135 | Brother USA |
| [SE700](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-se700/) | Sewing + embroidery | $579.99 | 4 × 4 in | 135 | Brother USA |
| [SE9180](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/singer-se9180/) | Sewing + embroidery | $799.99 sale (was $999.99) | 170 × 100 mm | 150 | Singer |

### [PP1 Skitch](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pp1/)
TypeEmbroidery-only, app-driven
Price (checked Oct 11, 2026)$379.99 sale (was $529.99)
Field4 × 4 in
Built-in designsVia app
SourceBrother USA

### [PE545](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pe545/)
TypeEmbroidery-only
Price (checked Oct 11, 2026)$499.99
Field4 × 4 in
Built-in designs135
SourceBrother USA

### [SE700](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-se700/)
TypeSewing + embroidery
Price (checked Oct 11, 2026)$579.99
Field4 × 4 in
Built-in designs135
SourceBrother USA

### [SE9180](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/singer-se9180/)
TypeSewing + embroidery
Price (checked Oct 11, 2026)$799.99 sale (was $999.99)
Field170 × 100 mm
Built-in designs150
SourceSinger

## Which one is the best pick?

Pick the SE9180 if your designs run wider than 4 inches, such as a banner-style name or a wide chest logo. It is the only machine in this shortlist with a field wider than 4 × 4. Its trade-offs are covered on its [machine page](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/singer-se9180/).

Pick the SE700 if you also want to sew and prefer Brother’s wireless and Artspira workflow.

Pick the PE545 if you already own a sewing machine and want embroidery only, at the lowest price that is not a sale price.

Pick the PP1 only if you are happy running everything from a phone.

## Why are Brother’s 5 × 7 machines not here?

They cost more. The [PE900](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pe900/) was $1,179.99 and the [SE2000](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-se2000/) $1,299.99 on the same date. If you are choosing between a 4 × 4 machine and saving longer for a 5 × 7, read our [hoop size guide](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/4x4-vs-5x7-embroidery-hoop/). Our [under $500 guide](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-machine-under-500/) covers the cheapest end.

## What about discontinued models?

The Brother PE800 and SE1900 are discontinued; Brother’s site showed them out of stock. They turn up used, with warranty coverage that needs checking with the seller, which our [budget guide](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-budget-embroidery-machine/) explains.

## Spec comparison

Manufacturer specifications, checked October 2026. Maximum speed is a ceiling, not typical output.

| Machine | Field | Type | Designs | Max speed | Transfer |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Brother PE545](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pe545/) | 100 × 100 mm (4 × 4 in) | Embroidery-only | 135 | 400 spm | USB, Wi-Fi, Artspira app |
| [Brother PP1 (Skitch)](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pp1/) | 100 × 100 mm (4 × 4 in) | Embroidery-only | — | 400 spm | Bluetooth LE, Artspira app (required) |
| [Brother SE700](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-se700/) | 100 × 100 mm (4 × 4 in) | Combo | 135 | 400 spm | USB, Wi-Fi, Artspira app |
| [Singer SE9180](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/singer-se9180/) | 100 × 170 mm (170 × 100 mm) | Combo | 150 | 450 spm | USB, Wi-Fi (see note) |
| [Brother PE900](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pe900/) | 130 × 180 mm (5 × 7 in) | Embroidery-only | 193 | 650 spm | USB, Wi-Fi, Artspira app |

## Don't guess. Calculate.

- [🧵 Machine Finder](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/machine-finder/): which machines fit your projects
- [▱ Hoop Fit Checker](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/hoop-fit/): will your design fit the field
- [◷ Stitch Time Calculator](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/stitch-time/): how long a design takes to stitch
- [📊 Compare every machine](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/): sortable spec table

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the best embroidery machine under $1,000?
It depends on field size. The Singer SE9180 ($799.99 on Singer’s site, October 11, 2026) offers a 170 × 100 mm field; the Brother SE700 ($579.99) is a 4 × 4 sewing combo with Wi-Fi; the PE545 ($499.99) is the embroidery-only choice.

### Can I get a 5 × 7 machine under $1,000?
Neither of the Brother 5 × 7 models compared here is under $1,000 new. The PE900 was $1,179.99 and the SE2000 $1,299.99 on October 11, 2026. The SE9180’s 170 × 100 mm field is wider than 4 × 4 but narrower than a full 5 × 7.

### Are these prices permanent?
No. The SE9180 ($999.99 list) and PP1 ($529.99 list) were on sale when checked. Confirm the current seller price before buying; manufacturer prices may differ from retailer prices.

## Sources

- [Brother PE545 (Brother USA, $499.99)](https://www.brother-usa.com/p/embroidery/PE545)
- [Brother PP1 Skitch (Brother USA, $379.99 sale)](https://www.brother-usa.com/p/embroidery/PP1)
- [Brother SE700 (Brother USA, $579.99)](https://www.brother-usa.com/p/sewing-embroidery-combo/SE700)
- [Singer SE9180 (Singer, $799.99 sale, was $999.99)](https://www.singer.com/products/singer-se9180-sewing-and-embroidery-machine)
- [Brother PE900 (Brother USA, $1,179.99)](https://www.brother-usa.com/p/embroidery/PE900)

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Our #1 pick
 Best embroidery-only under $1,000 ![Brother PE545](https://embroiderywise.com/_astro/brother-pe545.BEl03yO3_14bY86.webp)

### [Brother PE545](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pe545/)

- 4 × 4 in field
- Embroidery only
- Up to 400 spm
- Wi-Fi
Beginners who already own a sewing machine and mainly want monograms, names, patches and small motifs.
   Check price Price not verified today's price on Amazon
[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8DSJKTH?tag=embroiderywise.com-20)[Read the full review](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pe545/)

[🧵 Not sure which fits? Find your embroidery machine in 60 seconds.](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/machine-finder/)[📊 Compare every machine Sortable chart of all beginner machines.](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/)

## Keep reading
[Best picks
### Best embroidery machine under $500: what you actually get
Under $500, the Brother PE545 ($499.99) and PP1 Skitch ($379.99 on sale) are the current options. Here is what each gives up and who should skip both.
 Updated Oct 11, 2026](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-machine-under-500/)[Best picks
### Best budget embroidery machine: entry-level picks that won’t hold you back
The best budget embroidery machines are entry-level 4 × 4 Brothers: we compare the PE545, SE630, SE700 and PP1, and when a used PE800 or PE900 wins.
 Updated Oct 23, 2026](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-budget-embroidery-machine/)[Explainer
### 4 × 4 vs 5 × 7 embroidery hoop: what fits and which to buy
4 × 4 vs 5 × 7 embroidery hoops compared in millimeters: 100 × 100 vs 130 × 180 mm, what fits, stitch limits and which machine to buy.
 Updated Oct 25, 2026](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/4x4-vs-5x7-embroidery-hoop/)

 Best embroidery-only under $1,000 PE545 Check price Price not verified
[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8DSJKTH?tag=embroiderywise.com-20)