Brother VM5200 vs Brother Stellaire XJ1
The XJ1 has the bigger embroidery field: 9.5 × 14 in against 8 × 12 in. Only the XJ1 has Wi-Fi.
Which should you buy?
Choose the VM5200 if you want a model that is still sold new, with current support.
Choose the XJ1 if you want the bigger embroidery field (9.5 × 14 in vs 8 × 12 in); or if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick; or if you want more built-in designs (727 vs 318); or if you do a lot of lettering (24 built-in fonts vs 17).
VM5200 vs XJ1: specs side by side
| Spec | Brother VM5200 | Brother Stellaire XJ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sewing and embroidery | Sewing and embroidery |
| Embroidery field | 8 × 12 in (200 × 300 mm) | 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) |
| Hoops included | 8 × 12 in (200 × 300 mm); 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) | 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm); 9.5 × 9.5 in (240 × 240 mm); 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm); 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) |
| File formats | .PES, .PHC, .DST | .PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST, .PEN |
| Design transfer | USB stick or USB cable to a computer | USB stick or Wi-Fi |
| Built-in designs | 318 | 727 |
| Lettering fonts | 17 | 24 |
| Sewing stitches | 715 | 727 |
| Cap frame | No | No |
| Screen | 7 in touch | 10.1 in touch |
| Released | 2019 | 2019 |
| Status | Sold new | Discontinued |
| Typical price | $5,499–$5,500 | — |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: VM5200 vs XJ1
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.
VM5200
A fit for sewists and quilters who want one machine for everyday sewing plus large embroidery such as jacket backs, quilt blocks and big appliqué, and who are fine moving designs by USB. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi or an app, need to embroider finished hats, or plan to run orders in volume.
About $5,499–$5,500 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.
XJ1
A fit for serious sewers and embroiderers who want one machine for large-field embroidery, quilting and everyday sewing. Skip it if you want a multi-needle machine for production, or if you need a new machine with a dealer warranty, since the XJ1 is hard to find new.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
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 VM5200 and the XJ1?
The XJ1 has the bigger embroidery field: 9.5 × 14 in against 8 × 12 in. Only the XJ1 has Wi-Fi.
Is the XJ1 better than the VM5200?
It depends on what you need. Pick the XJ1 if you want the bigger embroidery field (9.5 × 14 in vs 8 × 12 in); pick the VM5200 if you want a model that is still sold new, with current support.
Do the VM5200 and XJ1 have the same hoop size?
No. The VM5200 stitches up to 8 × 12 in and the XJ1 up to 9.5 × 14 in in one hooping.
Can the VM5200 and XJ1 use the same design files?
Yes, both read .PES and .PHC and .DST files.
More comparisons
- Brother VM5200 vs XV8550D
- Brother VM5200 vs NQ3700D
- Brother Luminaire XP3 vs XJ1
- Brother Stellaire XJ1 vs XV8550D
- Pfaff creative 4.5 vs XJ1
- Pfaff creative 3.0 vs VM5200
Full specs and sources: Brother VM5200 · Brother Stellaire XJ1. We are not affiliated with any maker.