Janome Memory Craft 500E vs Brother PE900
The Memory Craft 500E has the bigger embroidery field: 11 × 8 in against 5 × 7 in. Only the PE900 has Wi-Fi.
Which should you buy?
Choose the Memory Craft 500E if you want the bigger embroidery field (11 × 8 in vs 5 × 7 in).
Choose the PE900 if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick; or if you want more built-in designs (193 vs 160); or if you do a lot of lettering (13 built-in fonts vs 6); or if you want to spend less (lower typical price).
Memory Craft 500E vs PE900: specs side by side
| Spec | Janome Memory Craft 500E | Brother PE900 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Embroidery field | 11 × 8 in (280 × 200 mm) | 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 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) | 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) |
| File formats | .JEF | .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN |
| Design transfer | USB stick | USB stick or Wi-Fi |
| Built-in designs | 160 | 193 |
| Lettering fonts | 6 | 13 |
| Sewing stitches | Does not sew | Does not sew |
| Cap frame | No | No |
| Screen | touch | 3.7 in touch |
| Released | — | 2022 |
| Status | Sold new | Sold new |
| Typical price | $2,099–$2,399 | $1,100–$1,180 |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: Memory Craft 500E vs PE900
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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PE900
A home embroiderer who wants a 5 × 7 in field and wireless design transfer from a PC or mobile device. Skip it if you need hats, volume production for sale, or a machine that also sews.
About $1,100–$1,180 new (checked October 2026)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Janome Memory Craft 500E and the PE900?
The Memory Craft 500E has the bigger embroidery field: 11 × 8 in against 5 × 7 in. Only the PE900 has Wi-Fi.
Is the PE900 better than the Memory Craft 500E?
It depends on what you need. Pick the PE900 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 5 × 7 in).
Do the Memory Craft 500E and PE900 have the same hoop size?
No. The Memory Craft 500E stitches up to 11 × 8 in and the PE900 up to 5 × 7 in in one hooping.
Can the Memory Craft 500E and PE900 use the same design files?
Not directly. Convert designs to the format each machine reads with embroidery software.
More comparisons
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- Janome Memory Craft 550E vs Memory Craft 500E
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Full specs and sources: Janome Memory Craft 500E · Brother PE900. We are not affiliated with any maker.