Janome Memory Craft 550E vs Janome Memory Craft 500E
The Memory Craft 550E has the bigger embroidery field: 14 × 8 in against 11 × 8 in.
Which should you buy?
Choose the Memory Craft 550E if you want the bigger embroidery field (14 × 8 in vs 11 × 8 in); or if you want more built-in designs (180 vs 160).
Choose the Memory Craft 500E if you want to spend less (lower typical price).
Memory Craft 550E vs Memory Craft 500E: specs side by side
| Spec | Janome Memory Craft 550E | Janome Memory Craft 500E |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Embroidery field | 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm) | 11 × 8 in (280 × 200 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) | 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) |
| File formats | .JEF, .JEF+, .JPX | .JEF |
| Design transfer | USB stick | USB stick |
| Built-in designs | 180 | 160 |
| Lettering fonts | 6 | 6 |
| Sewing stitches | Does not sew | Does not sew |
| Cap frame | No | No |
| Screen | touch | touch |
| Released | 2019 | — |
| Status | Sold new | Sold new |
| Typical price | $2,899–$3,499 | $2,099–$2,399 |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: Memory Craft 550E vs Memory Craft 500E
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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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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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Janome Memory Craft 550E and the Memory Craft 500E?
The Memory Craft 550E has the bigger embroidery field: 14 × 8 in against 11 × 8 in.
Is the Memory Craft 500E better than the Memory Craft 550E?
It depends on what you need. Pick the Memory Craft 500E if you want to spend less (lower typical price); pick the Memory Craft 550E if you want the bigger embroidery field (14 × 8 in vs 11 × 8 in).
Do the Memory Craft 550E and Memory Craft 500E have the same hoop size?
No. The Memory Craft 550E stitches up to 14 × 8 in and the Memory Craft 500E up to 11 × 8 in in one hooping.
Can the Memory Craft 550E and Memory Craft 500E use the same design files?
Yes, both read .JEF files.
Full specs and sources: Janome Memory Craft 550E · Janome Memory Craft 500E. We are not affiliated with any maker.