Brother PRS100 vs Brother NQ1600E
Both stitch the same 8 × 8 in field.
Which should you buy?
Choose the PRS100 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.
There is little reason to pick the NQ1600E unless you find it clearly cheaper, for example used or refurbished.
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.
What they have in common
- Both have the same 8 × 8 in embroidery field.
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?
Both stitch the same 8 × 8 in field.
Is the NQ1600E better than the PRS100?
Not on paper: the PRS100 matches or beats it. Pick the PRS100 if you want to embroider finished caps with a cap frame, or you want more built-in designs (445 vs 198), or you do a lot of lettering (21 built-in fonts vs 11), or you want a model that is still sold new, with current support.
Do the PRS100 and NQ1600E have the same hoop size?
Yes. Both stitch up to 8 × 8 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.