Add monograms and decorative designs a sewing machine can't stitch
Here's how the top-reviewed 2026 embroidery machines compare on hoop area, built-in designs, and whether you need a combo unit or a dedicated embroidery-only machine.
Compare the top embroidery machinesQuick answer: Our top pick for embroidery machine is the Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine (Best Overall). If you're looking for best for embroidery-only, the Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine is a strong alternative.
A sewing machine solves construction -- joining seams, hemming, buttonholes -- but it can't stitch a monogram or a decorative design on its own. Embroidery machines use a hoop to hold fabric taut while a computer-guided needle follows a digital design file, which is a fundamentally different mechanism than the operator-driven straight and zigzag stitching a regular sewing machine does.
There are two ways to add embroidery to a sewing setup: a combo sewing-and-embroidery machine like the Brother SE700, which does both jobs in one unit at the cost of a smaller hoop area, or a dedicated embroidery-only machine like the PE800 or PE535 that runs alongside an existing sewing machine and typically offers a larger hoop and a bigger design library.
| Product | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine | Best Overall | $480 - $550 | 4.6/5 |
| Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine | Best for Embroidery-Only | $650 - $750 | 4.7/5 |
| Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine | Best Budget | $280 - $300 | 4.5/5 |
A combo machine that handles both construction sewing and a 4" x 4" embroidery field with wireless design transfer, a solid pick for anyone who wants both capabilities in one machine instead of buying two.
A dedicated embroidery machine with a larger 5" x 7" hoop area and a 3.2" color touchscreen, built for makers who already have a sewing machine and want more embroidery space without sewing functions taking up features.
An entry-level dedicated embroidery machine with an 80-design library and a 4" x 4" hoop, aimed at makers trying embroidery for the first time without the cost of a larger machine.
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The Brother SE700 combo unit covers both sewing and embroidery in one machine.
The Brother PE800's larger hoop and design library make more sense than a combo unit's smaller embroidery field.
The Brother PE535 is the least expensive way to find out if embroidery is worth investing more in.