Skip to content
Embroidery Machines

6 Best Alternatives to the Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E Embroidery Machine (2026)

Explore 6 alternatives to the Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E embroidery machine. We compare published specifications like embroidery area and connectivity to help you choose the right machine for your specific workflow needs.

6 Best Alternatives to the Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E Embroidery Machine (2026)
See it at Amazon

We may earn a commission if you buy through this link.

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.

You might look for brother inno vis nq1700e embroidery machine alternatives if the original does not fit your specific workflow. The Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E offers a 6 x 10 inch embroidery area and wireless connectivity for design transfers. It includes 258 built-in designs and a 4.85-inch color touch screen for editing. These features suit hobbyists who value ease of use and moderate project sizes. However, you may need a larger work area for commercial apparel or a more compact unit for small home projects. The listed alternatives were chosen because their specifications overlap with the original machine while offering different capabilities. Some options provide larger single-needle spaces for custom orders. Others feature multiple needles for high-volume production. You can also find models with different display sizes or connectivity options. This list covers seven machines that share core embroidery functions with the NQ1700E. Each alternative addresses specific needs that the original may not meet. You will find options ranging from lightweight home units to heavy-duty commercial systems. The selection focuses on practical specifications like embroidery area and needle count. This ensures you can match a machine to your exact project requirements.

Comparing alternatives to the NQ1700E

Poolin Large-Area Embroidery Machine

The Poolin EOC07 offers a significantly larger 15 x 7.9 inch embroidery area compared to the Brother NQ1700E’s 6 x 10 inch space. This makes it better for large single-needle custom apparel projects. It includes a 7-inch touchscreen and supports both Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, similar to the Brother’s wireless capabilities. However, it weighs 40 pounds, which is heavier than the Brother’s 28 pounds. You should choose this model if you need more workspace for side business orders but do not require a multi-needle setup.

Brother SE700 4×4 Sewing & Embroidery Bundle

The Brother SE700 provides a much smaller 4 x 4 inch embroidery area, making it less suitable for the moderate-sized projects the NQ1700E handles well. It weighs only 15 pounds, offering greater portability than the 28-pound NQ1700E. Like the NQ1700E, it includes software and wireless connectivity for design transfers. You should pick this machine if you prioritize a compact footprint for small-scale home embroidery projects over the larger work area and extensive built-in design library of the NQ1700E.

Poolin 15-Needle Large Embroidery Machine

The Poolin EOX features a 15-needle setup and a massive 20 x 14 inch embroidery area, far exceeding the NQ1700E’s single needle and 6 x 10 inch capacity. It weighs 260 pounds, making it a stationary commercial unit rather than a portable hobbyist machine. It includes a touchscreen and software for managing complex orders. You should select this alternative if you run a business needing large format caps and apparel production, as it handles complex orders efficiently but sacrifices the portability and compact size of the NQ1700E.

BAI The Mirror 15-Needle 20×14 Embroidery Machine

BAI The Mirror is a 15-needle commercial machine with a 14 x 20 inch embroidery area, significantly larger than the NQ1700E’s 6 x 10 inch space. It weighs 391 pounds, indicating it is built for stable, high-volume hat and cap production rather than casual home use. It includes software and is designed for growing apparel shops. You should choose this option if you prioritize speed and large work areas for commercial output, accepting that it lacks the portability and moderate project focus of the NQ1700E.

Janome Memory Craft Dedicated Embroidery Machine

The Janome Memory Craft 500E is a dedicated embroidery machine with a compact footprint, weighing 20 pounds, which is lighter than the NQ1700E’s 28 pounds. It lacks the large work area and wireless connectivity features highlighted for the NQ1700E. It is designed for hobbyists who prefer a focused embroidery workflow over the larger format capacity of commercial options. You should pick this model if you want a dedicated, compact machine for home use and do not require the extensive design editing or large embroidery space provided by the NQ1700E.

BAI The Vision 15-Needle Embroidery Machine

The BAI The Vision is a heavy-duty 15-needle production machine with a 20 x 16 inch embroidery area, vastly larger than the NQ1700E’s 6 x 10 inch space. It weighs 727 pounds, making it a stationary unit for high-volume cap and hat production. It includes Wi-Fi connectivity and software. You should choose this alternative if you need maximum output and stability for a business, as it supports a massive unit and prioritizes commercial capacity over the portability and moderate project scope of the NQ1700E.

#ProductBest forPrice
1Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E Large Embroidery Machine Best overallmoderate-sized projects with wireless editing
2Poolin Large-Area Embroidery Machine Best diylarge single-needle custom apparel projects
3Brother SE700 4×4 Sewing & Embroidery Bundle Best budgetsmall-scale home embroidery projects
4Poolin 15-Needle Large Embroidery Machine Best premiumlarge format caps and apparel production
5BAI The Mirror 15-Needle 20×14 Embroidery Machine Best hats & capshigh-volume hat and cap embroidery production
6Janome Memory Craft Dedicated Embroidery Machine Also greatdedicated home embroidery projects
7BAI The Vision 15-Needle Embroidery Machine Also greathigh-volume cap and hat production
1Best overall
Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E Large Embroidery Machine

Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E Large Embroidery Machine

Best for: moderate-sized projects with wireless editing

Embroidery Area
6" x 10"
Display Size
4.85"
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In Designs
258
Intended Use
Embroidery
Included Accessories
Software

The Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E offers a 6 x 10 inch embroidery area and 258 built-in designs. It features a 4.85-inch color LCD touch screen for on-screen editing. Wireless connectivity allows design transfer from a PC without USB. This machine suits users who want intuitive editing and a moderate workspace for various projects.

Pros
  • 6 x 10 inch embroidery area
  • 258 built-in embroidery designs
  • 4.85-inch color LCD touch screen
  • Wireless PC connectivity
Cons
  • 6 x 10 inch embroidery area is smaller than the 20 x 14 inch areas of other options
  • 258 built-in designs are fewer than the 15-needle capacity of competing commercial models
Good fit if
  • You need wireless design transfer from a PC
  • You prefer an intuitive touch screen for editing
  • You want a moderate 6 x 10 inch work area
Skip if
  • You require a 20 x 14 inch large embroidery area
  • You need a 15-needle commercial machine
  • You want over 500 built-in designs

Verdict: Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E Embroidery Machine fits hobbyists who value wireless connectivity and a user-friendly touch screen for moderate-sized projects. It is less suitable for those needing the large work areas found in the other listed alternatives.

2Best diy
Poolin Large-Area Embroidery Machine

Poolin Large-Area Embroidery Machine

Best for: large single-needle custom apparel projects

Embroidery Area
15" x 7.9"
Display Size
7"
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, USB
Built-In Designs
200
Intended Use
Embroidery, DIY
Display Type
Touchscreen

The Poolin EOC07 is a DIY embroidery machine with a 15 by 7.9 inch area. It features a 7 inch touchscreen and 200 built-in designs. Wi-Fi and USB connectivity allow easy file transfers. It includes four hoops for various project sizes. This model suits small business owners and crafters needing a large workspace for garments and accessories.

Pros
  • 15 by 7.9 inch maximum embroidery area
  • 7 inch color touchscreen display
  • 200 built-in design patterns
  • Wi-Fi and USB connectivity
  • Includes four different hoop sizes
Cons
  • 15 needle count is lower than the 15-needle commercial models on this list
  • 40 pound weight is heavier than single-needle home machines
  • Single needle head limits multi-color speed compared to multi-needle commercial units
Good fit if
  • You need a large 15 by 7.9 inch area for sleeves or pant legs
  • You want a touchscreen interface for intuitive control
  • You require Wi-Fi file transfer capabilities
Skip if
  • You need multi-needle color changes without manual thread swaps
  • You prefer a lightweight portable machine under 20 pounds
  • You require a commercial 20 by 16 inch embroidery area

Verdict: Poolin EOC07 15×7.9" Embroidery Machine fits users who prioritize a large single-needle workspace and digital connectivity for custom orders. It is ideal for side businesses handling complex designs on apparel.

3Best budget
Brother SE700 4x4 Sewing & Embroidery Bundle

Brother SE700 4×4 Sewing & Embroidery Bundle

Best for: small-scale home embroidery projects

Embroidery Area
4" x 4"
Display Size
3.2 x 1.8"
Connectivity
Wireless LAN
Built-In Designs
135
Sewing Function
2-in-1 combo
Intended Use
Embroidery

The Brother SE700 is a 2-in-1 combo machine with a 4 x 4 inch embroidery area. It includes 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches. Wireless LAN and iBroidery compatibility let you transfer designs easily. The 3.2 x 1.8 inch color touch screen simplifies navigation. This bundle includes Artspira software and a large accessory kit with 90 spools of thread. It suits hobbyists needing a compact, versatile tool.

Pros
  • Includes 135 built-in embroidery designs
  • Wireless LAN and iBroidery compatibility
  • 3.2 x 1.8 inch color touch screen
  • 2-in-1 sewing and embroidery function
  • Comes with Artspira software
Cons
  • 4 x 4 inch embroidery area is smaller than the 15-inch to 20-inch areas of other options
  • 15-pound weight is heavier than typical single-function hobby machines
  • Limited to 103 built-in sewing stitches compared to professional models
Good fit if
  • You need a compact machine for small projects
  • You want both sewing and embroidery in one device
  • You prefer a color touch screen interface
Skip if
  • You require large-scale embroidery beyond 4 x 4 inches
  • You need a dedicated commercial-grade machine
  • You prefer a lighter, portable unit

Verdict: Brother SE700 4×4 Embroidery & Sewing Machine fits crafters who value versatility and wireless connectivity for small, detailed projects.

4Best premium
Poolin 15-Needle Large Embroidery Machine

Poolin 15-Needle Large Embroidery Machine

Best for: large format caps and apparel production

Needle Count
15
Embroidery Area
20" x 14"
Maximum Speed
1,200 SPM
Display Size
9"
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, USB
Cap Support
270°

The Poolin EOX is a 15-needle commercial embroidery machine built for large-scale production. It features a 20" x 14" embroidery area and a 9" touchscreen with InStitch OS4. The machine reaches 1,200 stitches per minute on flat projects and includes a 270° cap system for headwear. You get wireless and USB connectivity for design transfer. This unit weighs 260 pounds and requires a dedicated stand.

Pros
  • 15-needle count for multicolor embroidery
  • 20" x 14" large embroidery area
  • 1,200 SPM maximum speed
  • 270° cap system support
  • 9" touchscreen with InStitch OS4
Cons
  • 260 pounds weight requires a dedicated stand
  • 1,200 SPM speed is lower than some 15-needle competitors
  • 20" x 14" area is smaller than 20" x 16" options
Good fit if
  • You need a 15-needle machine for large jacket or bag designs
  • You require a 270° cap system for team logos
  • You want wireless design transfer via USB or Wi-Fi
Skip if
  • You need a machine under 260 pounds for easy moving
  • You require an embroidery area larger than 20" x 14"
  • You prefer a speed higher than 1,200 stitches per minute

Verdict: The Poolin EOX 15-Needle Commercial Embroidery Machine suits businesses needing large format caps and apparel. Its 20" x 14" area and 15-needle setup handle complex orders efficiently.

5Best hats & caps
BAI The Mirror 15-Needle 20x14 Embroidery Machine

BAI The Mirror 15-Needle 20×14 Embroidery Machine

Best for: high-volume hat and cap embroidery production

Needle Count
15
Embroidery Area
20" x 14"
Maximum Speed
1200 SPM
Intended Use
Embroidery
Included Accessories
Software
Suitable For
Hats & Caps

The BAI The Mirror is a 15-needle commercial embroidery machine designed for high-volume production. It features a 20" x 14" embroidery area and reaches 1200 SPM on flat surfaces, dropping to 850 SPM for hats. This model suits small business owners and Etsy sellers needing stable output. It includes local tech support and a guided OS5 workflow to help manage multi-color jobs and reduce thread changes during long runs.

Pros
  • 15-needle configuration reduces frequent thread changes
  • 1200 SPM speed for flat embroidery projects
  • 20" x 14" large embroidery area
  • Local technical support and free training included
  • Proprietary Institch OS5 guided workflow system
Cons
  • 391 pounds weight makes it heavy and bulky
  • 850 SPM speed is lower than flat speed
  • 27.6 inches length requires significant floor space
Good fit if
  • You need a dedicated machine for high-volume hat and cap production
  • You run a small business or Etsy shop requiring commercial stability
  • You want guided setup and local support for new commercial equipment
Skip if
  • You have limited floor space for a 27.6-inch long unit
  • You are looking for a lightweight machine under 100 pounds
  • You only need occasional hobbyist stitching rather than daily production

Verdict: BAI The Mirror 15-Needle Commercial Embroidery Machine fits growing apparel shops that prioritize speed and large work areas over portability. Its heavy build and high capacity make it ideal for businesses ready to scale from occasional projects to stable commercial output.

6Also great
Janome Memory Craft Dedicated Embroidery Machine

Janome Memory Craft Dedicated Embroidery Machine

Best for: dedicated home embroidery projects

Intended Use
Embroidery
Dimensions
7.9 × 160 × 11 inches
Weight
20 pounds

The Janome Memory Craft 500E is a dedicated embroidery machine weighing 20 pounds. It measures 160 inches in width, 11 inches in height, and 7.9 inches in length. This model focuses strictly on embroidery tasks. It suits users who need a reliable, standalone unit for digitizing and stitching designs without the complexity of combined sewing functions.

Pros
  • Dedicated embroidery-only functionality
  • 20-pound stable build
  • 160-inch width dimension
  • 11-inch height profile
Cons
  • 20-pound weight is heavier than lighter alternatives
  • 160-inch width is narrower than the 20-inch areas of other list items
Good fit if
  • You need a machine dedicated solely to embroidery
  • You prefer a lighter footprint than commercial 15-needle systems
  • You want a straightforward unit without sewing capabilities
Skip if
  • You require a large 20-inch by 14-inch embroidery area
  • You need a multi-needle commercial machine for high volume
  • You want a combined sewing and embroidery machine

Verdict: Janome Memory Craft 500E Embroidery Machine fits hobbyists who prioritize a compact, dedicated embroidery workflow over the large format capacity of the 15-needle commercial options listed.

7Also great
BAI The Vision 15-Needle Embroidery Machine

BAI The Vision 15-Needle Embroidery Machine

Best for: high-volume cap and hat production

Needle Count
15
Embroidery Area
20" x 16"
Maximum Speed
1200 SPM
Display Size
10"
Intended Use
Embroidery
Included Accessories
Software

The BAI The Vision is a 15-needle commercial embroidery machine built for high-volume production. It features a 20 x 16 inch embroidery area and a true 1200 SPM speed. The unit includes a 10-inch touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity. Its welded frame and heavy 727-pound build ensure stability during long runs. This machine suits small business owners needing consistent, high-output results.

Pros
  • 15-needle configuration for batch production
  • True 1200 SPM speed with stable stitching
  • 20 x 16 inch large embroidery area
  • 10-inch touchscreen display for intuitive operation
  • Wi-Fi connectivity for file transfer
Cons
  • Heavy 727-pound build limits portability
  • Large 44 x 34 x 67 inch footprint requires dedicated space
  • 1200 SPM speed is lower than some competitors
Good fit if
  • You run a small business focused on high-volume cap orders
  • You need a stable machine for structured hat embroidery
  • You want a large 20 x 16 inch embroidery area
Skip if
  • You have limited floor space for a large footprint
  • You need a portable machine for mobile services
  • You prefer a smaller 15 x 11 inch embroidery area

Verdict: The BAI The Vision 15-Needle is a heavy-duty production machine for businesses prioritizing output and stability. It fits buyers who need a large 20 x 16 inch area and can support a 727-pound unit.

Specifications side by side

SpecBrother Inno-vis NQ1700E Large Embroidery MachinePoolin Large-Area Embroidery MachineBrother SE700 4×4 Sewing & Embroidery BundlePoolin 15-Needle Large Embroidery MachineBAI The Mirror 15-Needle 20×14 Embroidery MachineJanome Memory Craft Dedicated Embroidery MachineBAI The Vision 15-Needle Embroidery Machine
Needle Count–––1515–15
Embroidery Area6" x 10"15" x 7.9"4" x 4"20" x 14"20" x 14"–20" x 16"
Maximum Speed–––1,200 SPM1200 SPM–1200 SPM
Display Size4.85"7"3.2 x 1.8"9"––10"
ConnectivityWirelessWi-Fi, USBWireless LANWi-Fi, USB–––
Built-In Designs258200135––––
Cap Support–––270°–––
Sewing Function––2-in-1 combo––––
Intended UseEmbroideryEmbroidery, DIYEmbroideryEmbroideryEmbroideryEmbroideryEmbroidery
Display Type–Touchscreen–Touchscreen–––
Included AccessoriesSoftwareSoftwareSoftwareSoftwareSoftware–Software
Suitable For–DIY Projects, Small Business––Hats & Caps–Small Business
Application––––Hats––
Dimensions19 × 23 × 20 inches23 × 27 × 12.5 inches8 × 16 × 12 inches27.5 × 29.5 × 62.5 inches27.6 × 29.5 × 33.2 inches7.9 × 160 × 11 inches34 × 44 × 67 inches
Weight36 pounds40 pounds15 pounds260 pounds391 pounds20 pounds727 pounds
Size16"x27"x11"EOC074" x 4"20×14 in350X500MM–THE VISION
ColorWhiteWhite-EOC07WhiteEOX-orangewhiteWytheThe Vision
ModelNQ1600EEOC07BROSE700BDL3EOXThe MirrorMemory Craft 500EThe Vision

Frequently asked questions

Which alternative offers the largest embroidery area?

The Poolin 15-Needle Large Embroidery Machine provides a 20 by 14 inch work area. This space is significantly larger than the Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E’s 6 by 10 inch area. It suits businesses needing large format caps and apparel production. The machine weighs 260 pounds, indicating a heavy-duty commercial build.

Is there a budget-friendly option for small projects?

The Brother SE700 4×4 Sewing and Embroidery Bundle is a compact choice. It features a 4 by 4 inch embroidery area. This size fits small-scale home embroidery projects better than the larger alternatives. It weighs only 15 pounds and includes software for design transfers.

Which machine is best for hat production?

The BAI The Mirror 15-Needle Embroidery Machine is designed for high-volume hat and cap embroidery. It includes a 14 by 20 inch embroidery area and 15 needles. This setup handles complex orders efficiently. The unit weighs 391 pounds, making it suitable for stable commercial output.

Does the Poolin EOC07 have wireless connectivity?

Yes, the Poolin Large-Area Embroidery Machine supports Wi-Fi and USB connectivity. It includes a 7-inch touchscreen for user interaction. This digital connection allows for easy design transfers, similar to the wireless features found in the Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E. It weighs 40 pounds.

What is the weight difference between the alternatives?

The alternatives vary greatly in weight. The Brother SE700 weighs 15 pounds, while the Poolin EOC07 weighs 40 pounds. The commercial Poolin 15-Needle machine weighs 260 pounds. The heaviest option is the BAI The Vision at 727 pounds. This reflects their intended use from home to factory.

Which machine includes a touchscreen display?

Several alternatives include touchscreen displays. The Poolin EOC07 features a 7-inch touchscreen. The Poolin 15-Needle Large Embroidery Machine also has a touchscreen interface. These displays help manage designs directly on the machine, offering a user-friendly experience comparable to the Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E.

Can I use these machines for DIY apparel?

The Poolin EOC07 is suitable for DIY projects and small businesses. It supports large single-needle custom apparel projects. Its 15 by 7.9 inch area allows for detailed work. The machine weighs 40 pounds and includes software, making it a practical choice for side businesses handling custom orders.

See also

KE

About the author

KitRate Editorial Team

We compare sewing machines using manufacturer specifications and Amazon product data.

Read more from KitRate Editorial Team

Get our newsletter

Lab results, price drops and the gear worth your money

One email a week. No filler, no sponsored picks dressed up as reviews.