Brother PRS100 vs Brother NQ1600E
Their fields cover about the same area but differ in shape: 8 × 8 in on the PRS100 against 6 × 10 in on the NQ1600E.
Which should you buy?
Choose the PRS100 if you want a wider field (8 × 8 in vs 6 × 10 in); or if you want to embroider finished caps with a cap frame; or if you want more built-in designs (445 vs 198); or if you do a lot of lettering (21 built-in fonts vs 11); or if you want a model that is still sold new, with current support.
Choose the NQ1600E if you want a longer field for borders and long designs (6 × 10 in vs 8 × 8 in).
PRS100 vs NQ1600E: specs side by side
| Spec | Brother PRS100 | Brother NQ1600E |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Embroidery field | 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm) | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) |
| Hoops included | 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm); 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm); 2 × 2 in (50 × 50 mm); 2.8 × 1.6 in (70 × 41 mm); 1.7 × 1.5 in (44 × 38 mm); 1.3 × 3 in (33 × 75 mm) | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) |
| File formats | .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN | .PES, .PHC, .DST |
| Design transfer | USB stick | USB stick |
| Built-in designs | 445 | 198 |
| Lettering fonts | 21 | 11 |
| Sewing stitches | Does not sew | Does not sew |
| Cap frame | Yes | No |
| Screen | 7 in touch | 4.85 in touch |
| Released | — | 2017 |
| Status | Sold new | Discontinued |
| Typical price | $3,999–$4,499 | — |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: PRS100 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.
PRS100
A home embroiderer or small seller who wants an 8 × 8 in field and a free arm for hats, sleeves and bags without paying for a multi-needle machine. Skip it if you need wireless transfer, automatic color changes, or hats straight out of the box.
About $3,999–$4,499 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 PRS100 and the NQ1600E?
Their fields cover about the same area but differ in shape: 8 × 8 in on the PRS100 against 6 × 10 in on the NQ1600E.
Is the NQ1600E better than the PRS100?
It depends on what you need. Pick the NQ1600E if you want a longer field for borders and long designs (6 × 10 in vs 8 × 8 in); pick the PRS100 if you want a wider field (8 × 8 in vs 6 × 10 in).
Do the PRS100 and NQ1600E have the same hoop size?
No. The PRS100 stitches up to 8 × 8 in and the NQ1600E up to 6 × 10 in in one hooping.
Can the PRS100 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 PRS100 · Brother NQ1600E. We are not affiliated with any maker.