Sewing Machine Brother vs Singer: Which One Should You Buy?
Brother and Singer sewing machines compared on stitches, speed, frames, buttonholes and warranty, with the listings as the evidence.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine 1659.7/10View on Amazon - 2
SINGER® Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Sewing & Quilting9.8/10View on Amazon - 3
Teamoy Rolling Sewing Machine Case with Wheels9.6/10View on Amazon - 4
Brother XM2701 27-Stitch Sewing MachineView on Amazon - 5
Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine 37 StitchesView on Amazon - 6
Brother GX37 Sewing Machine 37 Built-in StitchesView on Amazon - 7
Brother ST150HDH Strong and Tough Sewing Machine 50 StitchesView on Amazon - 8
Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting MachineView on Amazon - 9
Brother CP100X Computerized Sewing and Quilting MachineView on Amazon
Brother and Singer sell sewing machines for home sewing, garment work and home décor. This comparison of sewing machine brother vs singer puts Brother listings against Singer listings on stitches, speed, frames, buttonholes and warranty, using what each listing states.
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Verdict: pick the Brother side for the widest stitch count and the longest warranty term, led by the Brother XM2701 with 27 built-in stitches and a 25 year limited warranty. Pick the Singer side for heavy fabric work, with a DC motor and speed control on the Singer listings. Choose by the sewing you plan to do.
Machines on the list
Brother XM2701 27-Stitch Sewing Machine
A 27-stitch Brother machine with an automatic needle threader and an auto-size buttonhole.
Pros
- 27 built-in stitches, including decorative, blind hem, zigzag and stretch stitches
- Automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Box includes 6 sewing feet, needles, bobbins, an instructional DVD and a manual
- Hard plastic storage and carry case with solid metal latches
Cons
- The title lists a 5-piece needle set while the bullets list a 3-piece needle set
- No sewing speed is stated
- No frame material is stated
- White is the color in the spec table
SINGER® Heavy Duty 4523™ Next Evolution Sewing
A 23-stitch SINGER Heavy Duty machine with a full metal interior frame and a DC motor.
Pros
- 23 built-in stitches delivering 97 stitch applications
- DC motor with speed control up to 1,000 stitches per minute
- Full metal interior frame with a stainless steel bedplate
- Includes all-purpose, buttonhole, zipper and blind hem feet
Cons
- 23 built-in stitches, against 27 on the Brother XM2701
- 1 year warranty, against 25 years on the Brother XM2701
- No storage case is stated in the listing
- No stitch width range is stated
SINGER® Heavy Duty 4511™ Next Evolution Sewing
An 11-stitch SINGER Heavy Duty machine with a full metal interior frame, a DC motor and a 4-step buttonhole.
Pros
- 11 built-in stitches delivering 69 stitch applications
- DC motor listed with 50% extra power for denim, canvas and layered fabrics
- Full metal interior frame with a stainless steel bedplate
- Speed control up to 1,000 stitches per minute
Cons
- 11 built-in stitches, against 27 on the Brother XM2701
- 1 year warranty, against 25 years on the Brother XM2701
- No needle threader is stated in the listing
- No storage case is stated in the listing
brother RLX3817A 17-Stitch Sewing Machine
A 17-stitch Brother machine, sold as renewed, with a manual needle threader and an LED work area.
Pros
- 17 built-in stitches and four sewing feet, including a zig-zag foot
- Brightly lit LED work area
- Jam-resistant, quick-set drop-in top bobbin system
- Clear-view bobbin cover lets you see when thread is low
Cons
- Sold as renewed, not new
- Manual needle threader, against automatic on the Brother XM2701
- 90 days limited warranty, against 25 years on the Brother XM2701
- The title names both RLX3817A and LX3817 for this machine
Other machines to compare
Brother XM2701 27-Stitch Sewing MachineCheck price on Amazon
Brother XR3774 Sewing and Quilting Machine 37 StitchesCheck price on Amazon
Brother GX37 Sewing Machine 37 Built-in StitchesCheck price on Amazon
Brother ST150HDH Strong and Tough Sewing Machine 50 StitchesCheck price on Amazon
Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting MachineCheck price on Amazon
Brother CP100X Computerized Sewing and Quilting MachineCheck price on Amazon
Side by side
| Spec | Brother XM2701 | SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 | SINGER Heavy Duty 4511 | Brother LX3817 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HQ Score | 71 | 67 | 66 | 53 |
| Built-in stitches | 27 | 23 | 11 | 17 |
| Buttonhole | Auto-size | 1-step | 4-step | Not stated |
| Sewing speed | Not stated | Up to 1,000 stitches per minute | Up to 1,000 stitches per minute | Not stated |
| Frame | Not stated | Full metal interior frame | Full metal interior frame | Not stated |
| Needle threader | Automatic | Integrated | Not stated | Manual |
| Warranty | 25 year limited | 1 Year | 1 Year | 90 days limited |
Sewing Machine Brother vs Singer: Stitches and Speed
The Brother XM2701 lists 27 built-in stitches, with an auto-size buttonhole. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 lists 23 built-in stitches and 97 stitch applications, with speed control up to 1,000 stitches per minute. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4511 lists 11 built-in stitches and 69 stitch applications, with the same speed control. The Brother LX3817 lists 17 built-in stitches, and its sewing speed is Not stated.
Frames and Build
The SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 and the SINGER Heavy Duty 4511 list a full metal interior frame and a stainless steel bedplate. The Brother XM2701 listing states no frame material and describes a hard plastic storage and carry case with solid metal latches. The Brother LX3817 listing states no frame material.
Buttonholes and Bobbins
The Brother XM2701 lists an auto-size buttonhole, an automatic needle threader and a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 lists a 1-step buttonhole, an integrated needle threader and a top drop-in bobbin. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4511 lists a 4-step buttonhole and a top drop-in bobbin. The Brother LX3817 lists a manual needle threader and a jam-resistant, quick-set drop-in top bobbin system, and its buttonhole type is Not stated.
Warranty and Support
The Brother XM2701 lists a 25 year limited manufacturer warranty. The Brother LX3817 lists a 90 days limited warranty. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 and the SINGER Heavy Duty 4511 list a 1 Year Manufacturer warranty.
Choose the Brother side if
- You want 27 built-in stitches on the Brother XM2701.
- You want a brightly lit LED work area, listed on the Brother LX3817.
- You want a 25 year limited warranty, listed on the Brother XM2701.
Choose the Singer side if
- You want a DC motor and speed control, listed on the SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 and the SINGER Heavy Duty 4511.
- You want a full metal interior frame, listed on the SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 and the SINGER Heavy Duty 4511.
- You want a 1-step buttonhole on the SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 or a 4-step buttonhole on the SINGER Heavy Duty 4511.
Project Match
- Everyday sewing projects: the Brother XM2701, listed for a wide range of everyday sewing projects.
- Home décor: the SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 and the SINGER Heavy Duty 4511, listing home décor.
- Quilting: the SINGER Heavy Duty 4511, listing basic quilting, and the SINGER Heavy Duty 4523, listing quilting through drop feed.
- Cuffs and sleeves: the Brother LX3817, listing a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves.
FAQ: lasers and CNC
Which side lists more built-in stitches?
The Brother XM2701 lists 27 built-in stitches, the highest count in this comparison. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 lists 23. The Brother LX3817 lists 17. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4511 lists 11.
Which sewing machine is best for quilting?
The SINGER Heavy Duty 4511 lists basic quilting and drop feed for free-motion work, and the SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 lists quilting through drop feed. Quilting is Not stated on the Brother listings.
How do the buttonholes compare?
The Brother XM2701 lists an auto-size buttonhole. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 lists a 1-step buttonhole. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4511 lists a 4-step buttonhole. A buttonhole type is Not stated on the Brother LX3817 listing.
Which machines handle thick fabric?
The SINGER Heavy Duty 4523 lists a DC motor with strong piercing power for thick, layered, lightweight and stretch fabrics. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4511 lists a DC motor with 50% extra power for denim, canvas and layered fabrics. Thick fabric is Not stated on the Brother listings.
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