Singer Futura XL-400 vs Singer Futura XL-550
Both stitch the same 10 × 6 in field. They also share the same file formats (.FHE, .CHE, .XXX, .PSW, .PEC, .PES, .HUS, .SEW, .EXP, .DST, .PCS).
Which should you buy?
Choose the Futura XL-550 if you do a lot of lettering (20 built-in fonts vs 5).
There is little reason to pick the Futura XL-400 unless you find it clearly cheaper, for example used or refurbished.
Futura XL-400 vs Futura XL-550: specs side by side
| Spec | Singer Futura XL-400 | Singer Futura XL-550 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sewing and embroidery | Sewing and embroidery |
| Embroidery field | 10 × 6 in (260 × 160 mm) | 10 × 6 in (260 × 160 mm) |
| Hoops included | 10 × 6 in (260 × 160 mm); 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) | 10 × 6 in (260 × 160 mm); 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) |
| File formats | .FHE, .CHE, .XXX, .PSW, .PEC, .PES, .HUS, .SEW, .EXP, .DST, .PCS | .FHE, .CHE, .XXX, .PSW, .PEC, .PES, .HUS, .SEW, .EXP, .DST, .PCS |
| Design transfer | USB cable to a computer | USB cable to a computer |
| Built-in designs | 125 | 125 |
| Lettering fonts | 5 | 20 |
| Sewing stitches | 30 | 215 |
| Cap frame | No | No |
| Screen | — | — |
| Released | — | — |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Typical price | — | — |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: Futura XL-400 vs Futura XL-550
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.
What they have in common
- Both have the same 10 × 6 in embroidery field.
- Both have the same file formats (.FHE, .CHE, .XXX, .PSW, .PEC, .PES, .HUS, .SEW, .EXP, .DST, .PCS).
Futura XL-400
Fits a sewer who finds one used and wants a big 10.2 × 6.3 in field plus a full sewing machine, and is fine running older Windows software on a PC. Skip it if you want a touchscreen, loading from a USB flash drive, hats, or a machine Singer still sells.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
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Futura XL-550
Fits a sewer who finds one used and wants a big hoop plus a full sewing machine with lots of stitches, and is fine running older Windows software on a PC. Skip it if you want a Mac-friendly setup, a USB flash drive port, hats, or a machine Singer still sells.
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 Singer Futura XL-400 and the Futura XL-550?
Both stitch the same 10 × 6 in field. They also share the same file formats (.FHE, .CHE, .XXX, .PSW, .PEC, .PES, .HUS, .SEW, .EXP, .DST, .PCS).
Is the Futura XL-550 better than the Futura XL-400?
For most buyers, yes: pick the Futura XL-550 if you do a lot of lettering (20 built-in fonts vs 5).
Do the Futura XL-400 and Futura XL-550 have the same hoop size?
Yes. Both stitch up to 10 × 6 in in one hooping.
Can the Futura XL-400 and Futura XL-550 use the same design files?
Yes, both read .FHE and .CHE and .XXX and .PSW and .PEC and .PES and .HUS and .SEW and .EXP and .DST and .PCS files.
More comparisons
- Singer Futura XL-400 vs SE300
- Singer SE300 vs Futura XL-550
- Singer Futura XL-400 vs Futura XL-580
- Singer Futura XL-400 vs NQ3700D
- Singer Futura XL-550 vs NQ3700D
Full specs and sources: Singer Futura XL-400 · Singer Futura XL-550. We are not affiliated with any maker.