Janome Memory Craft 500E vs Brother NQ1700E
The Memory Craft 500E has the bigger embroidery field: 11 × 8 in against 6 × 10 in. Only the NQ1700E has Wi-Fi.
Which should you buy?
Choose the Memory Craft 500E if you want the bigger embroidery field (11 × 8 in vs 6 × 10 in).
Choose the NQ1700E if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick; or if you want more built-in designs (258 vs 160); or if you do a lot of lettering (13 built-in fonts vs 6).
Memory Craft 500E vs NQ1700E: specs side by side
| Spec | Janome Memory Craft 500E | Brother NQ1700E |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Embroidery field | 11 × 8 in (280 × 200 mm) | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) |
| Hoops included | 11 × 8 in (280 × 200 mm); 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm); 8 × 5.5 in (200 × 140 mm); 5.5 × 5.5 in (140 × 140 mm) | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm); 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) |
| File formats | .JEF | .PES, .PHC, .PEN, .DST |
| Design transfer | USB stick | USB stick or Wi-Fi |
| Built-in designs | 160 | 258 |
| Lettering fonts | 6 | 13 |
| Sewing stitches | Does not sew | Does not sew |
| Cap frame | No | No |
| Screen | touch | 4.85 in touch |
| Released | — | 2021 |
| Status | Sold new | Sold new |
| Typical price | $2,099–$2,399 | $2,399–$2,400 |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: Memory Craft 500E 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.
Memory Craft 500E
Suits people who want a roomy field for jackets, towels and large monograms and who already have a sewing machine. Not for anyone who needs a hoop longer than 11 in (280 mm), or a machine that also sews.
About $2,099–$2,399 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)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Janome Memory Craft 500E and the NQ1700E?
The Memory Craft 500E has the bigger embroidery field: 11 × 8 in against 6 × 10 in. Only the NQ1700E has Wi-Fi.
Is the NQ1700E better than the Memory Craft 500E?
It depends on what you need. Pick the NQ1700E if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick; pick the Memory Craft 500E if you want the bigger embroidery field (11 × 8 in vs 6 × 10 in).
Do the Memory Craft 500E and NQ1700E have the same hoop size?
No. The Memory Craft 500E stitches up to 11 × 8 in and the NQ1700E up to 6 × 10 in in one hooping.
Can the Memory Craft 500E and NQ1700E use the same design files?
Not directly. Convert designs to the format each machine reads with embroidery software.
More comparisons
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Full specs and sources: Janome Memory Craft 500E · Brother NQ1700E. We are not affiliated with any maker.