Brother Stellaire XE1 vs Brother Stellaire XE2
Both stitch the same 9.5 × 14 in field. They also share the same file formats (.PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST, .PEN).
Which should you buy?
Choose the XE2 if you want more built-in designs (889 vs 727); or if you do a lot of lettering (26 built-in fonts vs 24).
There is little reason to pick the XE1 unless you find it clearly cheaper, for example used or refurbished.
XE1 vs XE2: specs side by side
| Spec | Brother Stellaire XE1 | Brother Stellaire XE2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Embroidery field | 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) | 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) |
| Hoops included | 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm); 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) | 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm); 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) |
| File formats | .PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST, .PEN | .PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST, .PEN |
| Design transfer | USB stick or Wi-Fi | USB stick or Wi-Fi |
| Built-in designs | 727 | 889 |
| Lettering fonts | 24 | 26 |
| Sewing stitches | Does not sew | Does not sew |
| Cap frame | No | No |
| Screen | 10.1 in touch | 10.1 in touch |
| Released | 2019 | 2023 |
| Status | Sold new | Sold new |
| Typical price | — | $8,449–$8,500 |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: XE1 vs XE2
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 9.5 × 14 in embroidery field.
- Both have the same file formats (.PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST, .PEN).
XE1
A fit for serious hobbyists and home businesses that want a very large single-needle field and wifi. Skip it if you want one machine that also sews (Brother's XJ1 adds sewing) or need a multi-needle machine for production.
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XE2
A fit for serious hobbyists and home businesses that want a very large single-needle field and wifi. Skip it if you want to sew on the same machine (Brother's XJ2 does both) or need a multi-needle machine for production.
About $8,449–$8,500 new (checked October 2026)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Brother Stellaire XE1 and the XE2?
Both stitch the same 9.5 × 14 in field. They also share the same file formats (.PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST, .PEN).
Is the XE2 better than the XE1?
For most buyers, yes: pick the XE2 if you want more built-in designs (889 vs 727), or you do a lot of lettering (26 built-in fonts vs 24).
Do the XE1 and XE2 have the same hoop size?
Yes. Both stitch up to 9.5 × 14 in in one hooping.
Can the XE1 and XE2 use the same design files?
Yes, both read .PES and .PHC and .PHX and .DST and .PEN files.
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Full specs and sources: Brother Stellaire XE1 · Brother Stellaire XE2. We are not affiliated with any maker.