Janome Memory Craft 550E vs Brother Stellaire XE1
The XE1 has the bigger embroidery field: 9.5 × 14 in against 14 × 8 in. Only the XE1 has Wi-Fi.
Which should you buy?
Choose the XE1 if you want the bigger embroidery field (9.5 × 14 in vs 14 × 8 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 180); or if you do a lot of lettering (24 built-in fonts vs 6).
There is little reason to pick the Memory Craft 550E unless you find it clearly cheaper, for example used or refurbished.
Memory Craft 550E vs XE1: specs side by side
| Spec | Janome Memory Craft 550E | Brother Stellaire XE1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Embroidery field | 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm) | 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) |
| Hoops included | 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm); 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm); 8 × 5.5 in (200 × 140 mm); 5.5 × 5.5 in (140 × 140 mm) | 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm); 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) |
| File formats | .JEF, .JEF+, .JPX | .PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST, .PEN |
| Design transfer | USB stick | USB stick or Wi-Fi |
| Built-in designs | 180 | 727 |
| Lettering fonts | 6 | 24 |
| Sewing stitches | Does not sew | Does not sew |
| Cap frame | No | No |
| Screen | touch | 10.1 in touch |
| Released | 2019 | 2019 |
| Status | Sold new | Sold new |
| Typical price | $2,899–$3,499 | — |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: Memory Craft 550E vs XE1
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 550E
Good for stitching jacket backs, quilt blocks and long border designs in a single hooping, if you already own a separate sewing machine. Not for anyone who wants one machine that also sews, or who wants Wi-Fi design transfer.
About $2,899–$3,499 new (checked October 2026)
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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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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Janome Memory Craft 550E and the XE1?
The XE1 has the bigger embroidery field: 9.5 × 14 in against 14 × 8 in. Only the XE1 has Wi-Fi.
Is the XE1 better than the Memory Craft 550E?
For most buyers, yes: pick the XE1 if you want the bigger embroidery field (9.5 × 14 in vs 14 × 8 in), or you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick, or you want more built-in designs (727 vs 180), or you do a lot of lettering (24 built-in fonts vs 6).
Do the Memory Craft 550E and XE1 have the same hoop size?
No. The Memory Craft 550E stitches up to 14 × 8 in and the XE1 up to 9.5 × 14 in in one hooping.
Can the Memory Craft 550E and XE1 use the same design files?
Not directly. Convert designs to the format each machine reads with embroidery software.
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Full specs and sources: Janome Memory Craft 550E · Brother Stellaire XE1. We are not affiliated with any maker.