Side-by-side comparison · Specs checked October 2026

Brother NQ1600E vs Brother NQ1400E

Both stitch the same 6 × 10 in field. They also share the same file formats (.PES, .PHC, .DST).

Which should you buy?

Choose the NQ1600E if you want more built-in designs (198 vs 138).

There is little reason to pick the NQ1400E unless you find it clearly cheaper, for example used or refurbished.

NQ1600E vs NQ1400E: specs side by side

SpecBrother NQ1600EBrother NQ1400E
TypeEmbroidery onlyEmbroidery only
Embroidery field6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm)6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm)
Hoops included6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm)6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm)
File formats.PES, .PHC, .DST.PES, .PHC, .DST
Design transferUSB stickUSB stick
Built-in designs198138
Lettering fonts1111
Sewing stitchesDoes not sewDoes not sew
Cap frameNoNo
Screen4.85 in touch3.7 in touch
Released2017—
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Typical price——

Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.

Embroidery field: NQ1600E vs NQ1400E

NQ1600ENQ1400E
NQ1600E: 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm). NQ1400E: 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm). Drawn to scale.

The field is the biggest design each machine can stitch in one hooping. Bigger designs have to be split into parts. Check a design size.

What they have in common

  • Both have the same 6 × 10 in embroidery field.
  • Both have the same file formats (.PES, .PHC, .DST).

NQ1600E

A fit for people who want a large 6 × 10 in field in a single-needle home machine and are fine loading designs by USB. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi, a machine that also sews, finished caps, or a model Brother still sells new.

Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished. See its successor below.

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NQ1400E

Suits someone shopping used who wants a larger field than 5 × 7 in without a multi-needle machine. Skip it if you want to sew on the same machine, send designs by wifi, or embroider caps.

Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.

We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Brother NQ1600E and the NQ1400E?

Both stitch the same 6 × 10 in field. They also share the same file formats (.PES, .PHC, .DST).

Is the NQ1400E better than the NQ1600E?

Not on paper: the NQ1600E matches or beats it. Pick the NQ1600E if you want more built-in designs (198 vs 138).

Do the NQ1600E and NQ1400E have the same hoop size?

Yes. Both stitch up to 6 × 10 in in one hooping.

Can the NQ1600E and NQ1400E use the same design files?

Yes, both read .PES and .PHC and .DST files.

More comparisons

Full specs and sources: Brother NQ1600E · Brother NQ1400E. We are not affiliated with any maker.