Brother NQ1700E vs Brother NQ1600E
Both stitch the same 6 × 10 in field. Only the NQ1700E has Wi-Fi. The NQ1700E is the newer model that replaced the NQ1600E.
Which should you buy?
Choose the NQ1700E if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick; or if you want more built-in designs (258 vs 198); or if you do a lot of lettering (13 built-in fonts vs 11); or if you want a model that is still sold new, with current support; or if you want the newer model (the NQ1700E replaced the NQ1600E).
There is little reason to pick the NQ1600E unless you find it clearly cheaper, for example used or refurbished.
NQ1700E vs NQ1600E: specs side by side
| Spec | Brother NQ1700E | Brother NQ1600E |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Embroidery field | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) |
| Hoops included | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm); 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) |
| File formats | .PES, .PHC, .PEN, .DST | .PES, .PHC, .DST |
| Design transfer | USB stick or Wi-Fi | USB stick |
| Built-in designs | 258 | 198 |
| Lettering fonts | 13 | 11 |
| Sewing stitches | Does not sew | Does not sew |
| Cap frame | No | No |
| Screen | 4.85 in touch | 4.85 in touch |
| Released | 2021 | 2017 |
| Status | Sold new | Discontinued |
| Typical price | $2,399–$2,400 | — |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: NQ1700E vs NQ1600E
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.
NQ1700E
A fit for people who want a larger field than 5 × 7 in for bigger designs and combined layouts without moving to a multi-needle machine. Skip it if you also want to sew on the same machine or want to embroider caps.
About $2,399–$2,400 new (checked October 2026)
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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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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Brother NQ1700E and the NQ1600E?
Both stitch the same 6 × 10 in field. Only the NQ1700E has Wi-Fi. The NQ1700E is the newer model that replaced the NQ1600E.
Is the NQ1600E better than the NQ1700E?
Not on paper: the NQ1700E matches or beats it. Pick the NQ1700E if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick, or you want more built-in designs (258 vs 198), or you do a lot of lettering (13 built-in fonts vs 11), or you want a model that is still sold new, with current support, or you want the newer model (the NQ1700E replaced the NQ1600E).
Do the NQ1700E and NQ1600E have the same hoop size?
Yes. Both stitch up to 6 × 10 in in one hooping.
Can the NQ1700E and NQ1600E use the same design files?
Yes, both read .PES and .PHC and .DST files.
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Full specs and sources: Brother NQ1700E · Brother NQ1600E. We are not affiliated with any maker.