Brother PE900 vs Brother NQ1700E
The NQ1700E has the bigger embroidery field: 6 × 10 in against 5 × 7 in.
Which should you buy?
Choose the PE900 if you want to spend less (lower typical price).
Choose the NQ1700E if you want the bigger embroidery field (6 × 10 in vs 5 × 7 in); or if you want more built-in designs (258 vs 193).
PE900 vs NQ1700E: specs side by side
| Spec | Brother PE900 | Brother NQ1700E |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Embroidery field | 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) |
| Hoops included | 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm); 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) |
| File formats | .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN | .PES, .PHC, .PEN, .DST |
| Design transfer | USB stick or Wi-Fi | USB stick or Wi-Fi |
| Built-in designs | 193 | 258 |
| Lettering fonts | 13 | 13 |
| Sewing stitches | Does not sew | Does not sew |
| Cap frame | No | No |
| Screen | 3.7 in touch | 4.85 in touch |
| Released | 2022 | 2021 |
| Status | Sold new | Sold new |
| Typical price | $1,100–$1,180 | $2,399–$2,400 |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: PE900 vs NQ1700E
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.
PE900
A home embroiderer who wants a 5 × 7 in field and wireless design transfer from a PC or mobile device. Skip it if you need hats, volume production for sale, or a machine that also sews.
About $1,100–$1,180 new (checked October 2026)
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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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Brother PE900 and the NQ1700E?
The NQ1700E has the bigger embroidery field: 6 × 10 in against 5 × 7 in.
Is the NQ1700E better than the PE900?
It depends on what you need. Pick the NQ1700E if you want the bigger embroidery field (6 × 10 in vs 5 × 7 in); pick the PE900 if you want to spend less (lower typical price).
Do the PE900 and NQ1700E have the same hoop size?
No. The PE900 stitches up to 5 × 7 in and the NQ1700E up to 6 × 10 in in one hooping.
Can the PE900 and NQ1700E use the same design files?
Yes, both read .PES and .PHC and .DST and .PEN files.
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Full specs and sources: Brother PE900 · Brother NQ1700E. We are not affiliated with any maker.