Side-by-side comparison · Specs checked October 2026

Brother NQ1700E vs Brother SE2000

The NQ1700E has the bigger embroidery field: 6 × 10 in against 5 × 7 in. The NQ1700E only embroiders, while the SE2000 sews and embroiders.

Which should you buy?

Choose the NQ1700E if you want the bigger embroidery field (6 × 10 in vs 5 × 7 in); or if you only want to embroider and prefer a dedicated machine; or if you want more built-in designs (258 vs 193).

Choose the SE2000 if you also want to sew on the same machine; or if you want to spend less (lower typical price).

NQ1700E vs SE2000: specs side by side

SpecBrother NQ1700EBrother SE2000
TypeEmbroidery onlySewing and embroidery
Embroidery field6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm)5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm)
Hoops included6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm); 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm)5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm)
File formats.PES, .PHC, .PEN, .DST.PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN
Design transferUSB stick or Wi-FiUSB stick or Wi-Fi
Built-in designs258193
Lettering fonts1313
Sewing stitchesDoes not sew241
Cap frameNoNo
Screen4.85 in touch3.7 in touch
Released2021—
StatusSold newSold new
Typical price$2,399–$2,400$1,500–$1,600

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

Embroidery field: NQ1700E vs SE2000

NQ1700ESE2000
NQ1700E: 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm). SE2000: 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 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.

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)

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

SE2000

A good fit for someone who has outgrown a 4 × 4 in machine and wants one machine for sewing and larger single-hoop designs such as bigger logos and lettering. Skip it if you need to embroider hats or run production.

About $1,500–$1,600 new (checked October 2026)

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 NQ1700E and the SE2000?

The NQ1700E has the bigger embroidery field: 6 × 10 in against 5 × 7 in. The NQ1700E only embroiders, while the SE2000 sews and embroiders.

Is the SE2000 better than the NQ1700E?

It depends on what you need. Pick the SE2000 if you also want to sew on the same machine; pick the NQ1700E if you want the bigger embroidery field (6 × 10 in vs 5 × 7 in).

Do the NQ1700E and SE2000 have the same hoop size?

No. The NQ1700E stitches up to 6 × 10 in and the SE2000 up to 5 × 7 in in one hooping.

Can the NQ1700E and SE2000 use the same design files?

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

More comparisons

Full specs and sources: Brother NQ1700E · Brother SE2000. We are not affiliated with any maker.