15 Best Sewing Machines in 2023: Our Top Rated Machines

Looking for the best rated sewing machine for your next project?

There are hundreds of sewing machines on the market today, and many of them are built with a specific use in mind.

Are you looking for a basic mechanical machine that can handle simple projects like hemming and mending? Or do you need something more advanced – like a computerised sewing machine that can handle complex projects with quilting and embroidery?

In choosing our list of the best sewing machines in 2023, we’ve focused on a variety of impressive models that deliver quality, consistency and an excellent user experience.

We’ve picked a handful of “all-rounder” machines that are perfect for carrying out 95% of the sewing tasks and projects that a typical user would face.

Our headline pick is the Singer Quantum Stylist — an exceptional machine that is known as “the perfect tool for the budding designer“. Having spent hundreds of hours making and modifying clothes with the Quantum Stylist’s impressive feature-set, we’d have to agree.

But it’s certainly not the only machine worth your consideration…

We’ll also be recommending a few heavy duty sewing machines and specialist models that we love for making clothes and working with tougher materials. Plus we have a raft of embroidery and quilting combo machines.

Here’s a sneak peek at 3 of our favorite machines…

Let’s take a closer look!

What Are The Best Sewing Machines?

Looking for a good sewing machine that you can rely on for years to come?

Up first is our headline pick – the fabulous Quantum Stylist.

Note: You can find even more recommended machines in our sewing machine reviews section.

1. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960

Editor Pick: Best All-Rounder Sewing Machine with a Screen

For many people, this Singer Quantum Stylist is the best sewing machine on the market today.

Known as “the perfect tool for the budding designer“, it’s one of the top all-round machines for any kind of garment making or home decor.

Packed with features and brimming with customisation options, the Quantum Stylist fits the rare breed of making a suitable “first sewing machine” – but also having the tools to satisfy an intermediate or advanced sewer.

It’s fully computerized with a large screen that provides useful instructions for the rest of the controls.

We think it’s a great all-round machine at a very reasonable price.

Here’s what we love about the machine:

• 600 different stitch patterns available
• 13 different buttonhole styles (in just 1 step!)
• 850 stitches per minute
• Computerized with an LCD screen
• Quick and easy to use: comes with an automatic needle threader, thread cutter, tension, a top drop-in bobbin system and electronic twin needle control
• Needle up/down button and free arm
• Comes with 19 presser feet and an extension table, plus a host of other accessories
• Slow sewing speed option
• 1-25 year warranty (limited) according to component

>>> Read full review of the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960

Here’s a video of the machine in action:

While we really love the Singer 9960, here’s what could be better:

• It’s a little noisy at high speed
• Singer’s customer service leaves a little to be desired

We gave the machine a 4.7/5 rating in our official review:

2. Brother PC 420PRW

Editor Pick: Great for Fashion Designers and Garment Makers

This sleek and chic machine from Brother is part of their Project Runway collection and is one of the best multi-purpose sewing machines, hands down.

Much like the Singer 9960, it’s an all-round machine that will likely appeal to intermediate sewers and above. Fashion designers and garment makers are likely to favor this machine too.

Here’s what we love about the Brother PC420PRW:

• Includes 294 pre-programmed stitches, including 10 1-step buttonholes and 3 font styles
• Brother My Custom Stitch feature allows you to design custom stitches — great for crafters!
• Automatic needle threader and thread trimming
• Bobbin winding system powered by start button
• Comes with 11 presser feet and a host of other accessories
• 6-point feed dogs and built-in knee lifter
• Works at 850 stitches per minute
• Adjustable speed control
• LCD display for easy stitch selection and size control
• Twin needle function
• Works quietly
• 25 year limited warranty

Here’s what could be improved:

• Very heavy at around 25 pounds
• Weak lighting system
• Occasional skipping on the zigzag stitc

We gave the machine a 4.5/5 rating in our official review:

3. Juki TL-2010Q

Editor Pick: Best Long-Arm Machine For Quilting

Fashion designers, tailors and quilters will love this Juki TL-2010Q single needle lockstitch sewing machine, which comes with a high price tag but has that unbeatable Japanese quality.

Here’s what we love about this Juki machine:

• Single needle lockstitch
• Automatic needle threader and thread trimmer
• Easy bobbin replacement
• Knee lifter lever for ease of use
• Adjustment of presser foot pressure
• Portable with carrying handle
• Lots of included accessories
• Large throat perfect for quilting
• Free motion quilting capability
• Can stitch through several layers

And where we think it could improve:

• It’s really heavy, at over 37 pounds
• It’s not computerized

We gave the machine a 4.4/5 rating in our official review:

4. Brother CS6000i

Editor Pick: Best Budget Quilting Machine

The Brother CS6000i is a low cost and versatile computerized sewing machine that is particularly popular with quilters and other crafters.

It’s also small and pretty lightweight — ideal for crafting night!

Here’s what we love about the machine:

• 60 built-in stitches, including 7 1-step buttonholes
• Computerized LCD display for easy stitch and size selection
• Automatic needle threader
• Variable speed control
• Stop/start button and top drop-in bobbin
• Comes with quilting table, hard cover, 9 presser feet and a host of other accessories
• Free arm
• 25 year limited warranty

And here’s a few areas for improvement:

• Light is not strong enough
• The operation manual is a little confusing

>>> Read our full Brother CS6000i Review

We gave the machine a 4.1/5 rating in our official review:

5. Singer Stylist 7528

Editor Pick: Great Entry-Level All-Rounder Machine

The Singer Stylist 7528 is another low-cost model from Singer, but this bad boy offers a lot more stitches as well as a programmable needle — ideal!

It’s another easy to use all-round machine — a real workhorse that can be used for everything from dressmaking to freehand embroidery; home furnishings to quilting projects. It is perfect for beginners and intermediate sewers alike.

No surprise then that is is one of the bestselling sewing machines of the last decade.

Here’s what we love about the machine:

• 100 pre-programmed stitches, including 7 1-step buttonholes
• Automatic needle threader and top drop-in bobbin system
• Computerized with an LCD display
• Electronic auto pilot option where you can sew without the foot pedal
• Comes with 10 presser feet and other accessories
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• Programmable up/down needle
• Speed control with start/stop button
• 25 year limited warranty

And here’s what could be improved:

• Not as reliable on thicker materials
• Machine vibrates on higher speed settings

6. Brother SE400

Editor Pick: Great Sewing & Embroidery Combo Machine

In our opinion, the Brother SE400 is one of the best sewing machines for quilting and embroidery from the Brother range. Crafters — you’re going to love it!

We especially love the fact that you can connect it up to your computer and import your embroidery designs straight to the machine.

Here’s what we love about it:

• 67 built-in stitch styles, 70 built-in embroidery designs and 5 lettering fonts
• 4″ x 4″ embroidery capabilities
• Can connect to your computer to import in your own embroidery designs
• 1 touch automatic thread cutter and needle threader
• 7-point feed dogs — smooth fabric feeding
• Free arm
• Comes with plenty of accessories including presser feet, embroidery hoop and arm
• LCD touch display
• Brightly lit workspace
• 25 year limited warranty

Here’s a couple of areas where it could be improved:

• The pre-programmed embroidery designs aren’t particularly inspiring
• Not so good at tackling thicker fabrics and multiple layers

We gave the machine a 4.5/5 rating in our official review:

7. Singer 4423

Editor Pick: Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machine on a Budget

Singer claim that the 4423 can ‘sew through just about anything you throw at it’, which is exactly what we want in a heavy duty sewing machine.

This bad boy is certainly powerful — and it’s fast too, able to stitch 1,100 stitches per minute. It’s great to have industrial level sewing at a home use price!

Here’s what we love about the machine:

• 23 included stitches, including 1 1-step buttonhole
• Automatic needle threader and top drop-in bobbin
• Can stitch 1,100 stitches per minute thanks to a 60% stronger motor
• Very heavy duty and durable: stainless steel bed plate and a strong metal frame
• 4 included presser feet are snap-on
• Doesn’t vibrate, even at high speed — and no skipping stitches either!
• Clear view cover over bobbin thread supply
• 25 year limited warranty
• Low cost

Here’s where there’s room for improvement:

• Can be tricky to set the thread tension successfully
• Lighting could be better

8. Juki HZL-F600

Editor Pick: Best Machine For Advanced Garment Making

The Juki HZL-F600 is truly one of the best sewing machines for build quality. In terms of stitch quality, reliability and creative potential, this machine is almost unparalleled.

Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s definitely high performance. It can be used for everything from simple stitching to the most advanced, professional quality garment making.

Not everybody needs a machine this customisable, and we’d be reluctant to recommend it to beginners. But for small businesses and power users, it ticks every box.

Here’s what we love about the machine:

• Includes 255 sewing patterns, 4 fonts and 16 buttonholes
• Box feed technology
• Works with lightweight to thicker materials
• Wide sewing space with an extended sewing table
• Stitch charts
• Accessories include snap-on presser feet
• 900 stitches per minute
• Computerized with an LCD display

And here’s where it could improve:

• You can’t use it for embroidering
• It’s pretty heavy (around 25 pounds)

We gave the machine a 4.5/5 rating in our official review:

9. Janome 8077

Editor Pick: Great Starter Sewing Machine For Beginners

The Janome 8077 is a perfect entry-level sewing machine for beginners that is great for home use and crafting.

Stitch quality is high and there’s plenty of accessories included for you to customize your sewing experience.

Beginner seamstresses are often looking for a machine that works straight ‘out of the box’. That’s the case here. The machine comes with an automatic bobbin winder, and an automatic needle threader. You’ll be up and running in minutes rather than hours…

Here’s what we love about the machine:

• Comes with 30 built-in stitches, including 6 1-step buttonholes
• Equipped with the exclusive Janome jam-proof magnetic rotary hook
• Start/stop button as well as foot control
• Extra high presser foot lift for maximum ease of use
• Sliding speed override — great for beginners
• Plenty of bonus accessories, including presser feet and a needle pack
• Can handle lightweight through to heavy duty materials

And here’s a couple of areas for improvement:

• You can only use the start/stop button when the foot pedal is unplugged
• There aren’t many decorative stitches, which may deter crafters

10. Janome DC2014

Editor Pick: Great Stitching & Precision For High Performance

The Janome DC2014 is one of the most popular sewing machines for home use and is highly recommended by sewers who value reliable stitch quality and ease of use.

Thanks for the Superior Feed System, you can depend on the Janome DC2014 to reliably produce precise and accurate stitching, just the way you want it, time after time.

Intermediate and advanced sewers will automatically see the quality of their projects increase when they switch to the DC2014 from a lesser machine. 

Here’s what we love about the machine:

• Comes with 50 pre-programmed stitches, including 3 1-step buttonholes
• 7-point feed dogs for smooth feeding
• Auto-lock button and easy reverse
• Speed control via slider
• Top loading drop-in bobbin, automatic de-clutch bobbin winder and built-in needle threader
• Automatic tension control
• Free arm and quilting guide bar
• Extra high presser foot lift for ease of use
• Memorized needle up/down
• Start/stop button to sew without foot pedal
• Works reasonably quietly

And here’s where it could be better:

• Can be tricky to use the needle threader
• Not so good on sewing through multiple layers of thick material

We gave the machine a 4.5/5 rating in our official review:

11. Brother HC1850

Editor Pick: Best Budget Machine For Quilting

The low-cost Brother HC1850 machine is good for quilters and other crafters who’ll appreciate the beautiful pre-programmed decorative stitches.

Quilters love the detachable large table, spring action quilting foot, free-motion quilting capabilities and the 14 quilting stitch functions.

Here’s what we love about this machine:

• 130 built-in stitches, including 8 1-step buttonholes and a sewing font for monogramming
• Special features for quilting, including wide table
• Includes lots of accessories, like an attached stitch flip chart and 8 specialty feet
• Computerized with LCD display
• Super bright LED-lit work area
• Adjustable sewing speed
• Automatic needle threader and quick-set bobbin with start button
• Drop feed for free motion quilting
• Just over 10 pounds
• Inexpensive

And where it could improve:

• Experienced sewers may find the speed a little slow
• Doesn’t feel as sturdy as some of the heavy duty machines

We gave the machine a 4.6/5 rating in our official review:

12. Janome 2212

Editor Pick: Best Cheap Machine For Complete Beginners

A *cheap* Janome machine, you say? Believe the hype — good quality stitching in a low priced machine is made possible with the Janome 2212.

This is an easy to use and basic machine that’s perfect for beginners and those dipping their toes into the sewing world. It’s one of the least ‘intimidating’ machines to get to grips with in our selection.

Granted, it can’t work with the number of fabrics that other machines boast, and yes – it has been known to jam on occasion – but if you’re looking to learn the basics, it’s about as simple as it gets.

Here’s what we love about the machine:

• Comes with 12 pre-programmed stitches, including 1 buttonhole
• Drop feed and free arm for free motion sewing and quilting
• Pattern selection is via the easy turn dial
• Front loading bobbin
• Speeds up to 1000 stitches per minute
• Built-in thread cutter
• Comes with multiple accessories, including snap-on presser feet
• You can lock stitches with the reverse lever
• Limited 25 year warranty

Areas for improvement:

• Buttonhole requires 4 steps
• Needle threading and tension control is manual, which could be tricky

We gave the machine a 3.9/5 rating in our official review:

13. Janome HD1000

Editor Pick: Great Heavy Duty Sewing Machine On A Budget

The Janome HD1000 is one of the best heavy duty sewing machines that is still in stock, at a very reasonable price.

You can expect that usual Janome quality stitching, plus the ability to tackle thicker and layered fabrics — great for garment makers!

Things we love about the machine:

• 14 built-in stitches, including 1 buttonhole
• Very heavy duty, made of cast aluminum
• Built-in automatic needle threader
• Removable free arm and drop feed for free motion sewing
• Comes with plenty of accessories, including 4 presser feet, and bobbins
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• Front loading bobbin and automatic de-clutch bobbin winder
• Select stitches via the dial
• Extra high presser foot lifter
• 25 year limited warranty

And some things we don’t like so much:

• Buttonhole requires 4 steps
• Machine runs relatively loudly
• Tension control is manual, which can be tricky

>>> Read our full Janome HD1000 Review (Black Edition)

We gave the machine a 4/5 rating in our official review:

14. Singer 5400 Sew Mate

Editor Pick: Great Entry Level Machine For Beginners

This popular sewing machine is low cost, lightweight and easy to use — perfect for beginners!

While you shouldn’t expect miracles from a product in this price range, the Singer 5400 is ideal for small repairs and basic personal use. It’s also surprisingly versatile for a machine that is targeted squarely at beginners.

Here’s what we love about the machine:

• 60 built in stitch styles, including 4 1-step buttonholes
• Push button stitch selection, straight stitch
• Automatic needle threader, tension, stitch length and width
• Front load bobbin
• Comes with a number of accessories, including presser feet
• 25 year limited warranty

And here’s what could be improved:

• The bobbin has to be rethreaded quite a lot
• Stitch quality is not always consistent (personal use only!)

15. Singer 1234

Editor Pick: Great Value Portable Machine For Beginners and Kids

If you want a cheap, basic sewing machine, it’s hard to go wrong with the Singer 1234.

Sure, it may not have the bells and whistles of the more expensive models, but it’s well suited to beginners, sewers on a budget, or even kids. And it’s certainly portable.

You can get familiar with some of the sewing basics without being intimidated by dozens of options or a chunky industrial looking machine. Keep in mind, though, that it can’t handle particularly thick materials.

Here’s what we love about the machine:

• Automatic bobbin winding system
• Free arm and darning plate
• Includes online machine owner’s class
• 6 built-in stitches, including 1 button hole
• Pre-set stitch length and width settings
• Accessories including 3 presser feet
• Comes with a tote bag and decorative vinyl decals
• Dual spool pins for twin needles
• 750 stitches per minute speed
• 25 year limited warranty

And here’s what could be improved:

• Programmed buttonhole stitch is a 4-step process
• No good for thick materials

How To Choose A Suitable Sewing Machine

Unless you’ve been brought up in a world of sewing and embroidery, the sewing machine market can be more than a little overwhelming.

There’s a huge number of machines out there, and the list of specifications attached to them can be pretty extraordinary.

If you’re brand new to the sewing market, we suggest you head over to our Home Sewing Machines 101 post. That details everything you need to know about sewing machines and sewing in general before you buy.

One of the first things you will need to consider is whether to invest in a computerized sewing machine or a basic mechanical machine.

Or one of several other specialist machines…

Mechanical Sewing Machines

A mechanical sewing machine is powered by a hand crank or a motor, and it often has fewer features than a computerized model. These features might include a limited number of built-in stitches, manual needle threading, and speed control.

Mechanical sewing machines are often less expensive than computerized models, making them a good choice for beginner sewers.

Computerized Sewing Machines

Computerized sewing machines are powered by a computer, and they often have more features than mechanical models.

These features might include a large variety of built-in stitches, needle threading, speed control, and an automatic thread cutter. Some computerized models even come with a USB port that lets you store custom stitch patterns or connect the machine to your computer.

Embroidery Sewing Machines

An embroidery sewing machine is a computerized sewing machine that comes with built-in embroidery designs or the ability to connect to a computer for custom embroidery. These machines often have a large variety of built-in stitches and other features, making them a good choice for advanced sewers.

Serger Sewing Machines

A serger sewing machine is a type of mechanical sewing machine that is designed to create professional-looking seams. These machines have multiple needles and thread spools, and they can quickly create flat seams with little to no fabric fray. Sergers are often used in garment construction, but they can also be used for other types of sewing projects.

No matter what your sewing needs are, there’s a machine out there that’s perfect for you. By understanding the different types of sewing machines and their features, you can choose the one that’s right for you.

What Are The Best Sewing Machine Makers and Brands?

While there are a huge number of modern sewing machines out there, there are only a relatively small number of brands that dominate this market.

The major players are:

• Bernina
• Brother
• Husqvarna
• Janome
• Juki
• Singer

Truthfully, if you’re looking for a really high quality sewing machine right now, you’re probably going to be buying a model from one of these brands.

There are, of course, a number of quality, individual machines that don’t belong to these brands. We’ve reviewed several models from Baby Lock, Daisen and Butterfly.

If you’re tempted by a low-cost unbranded sewing machine, we’d advise you to steer clear. While they may in some cases be significantly cheaper than the branded alternatives, they will not be made as well nor will offer the same caliber of capabilities and specifications.

Plus, a handful of the best sewing machines are priced under $200 anyway!

A Note on Pricing

Just while we’re on the subject of price, let’s just highlight a universal truth:

You get what you pay for.

With a few exceptions, the better the machine, the higher the price.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that cheaper machines are in anyway bad or low quality but usually that they simply don’t offer the same array of capabilities as their more expensive counterparts.

For some people, this will be fine. As long as the machine delivers high quality stitches and does what you want it to, that’s enough.

For the more adventurous and more diverse amongst us, you may need something a little more specialist, wide ranging or sturdy. That’s fine too — what’s important is that you know what you want and you buy something that meets your needs and expectations.

As a general rule, you’ll be able to pick up small “mini sewing machines” for under $70 – but they will be limited in what they can sew. Some may only have a single stitch option.

If, however, you need an industrial-scale long arm quilting machine? These can range from $500 to $3000+.

Give careful conservation to what features you actually need in your sewing machine and you will get a much better deal.

Key Features of the Best Sewing Machine Models

Here’s a list of features and capabilities that you should consider whether you need in a sewing machine.

Once you know the answers, you’ll be that much closer to choosing the best sewing machine for you!

• The number of stitch patterns it offers: important for embroiderers and decorative sewers. The more the better.
• The number of stitches per minute it offers. How fast can it work?
• What’s the stitch quality like?
• Is it computerized with an LCD display or mechanical with a dial? We find computerized easier to use, but it’s up to you.
• What’s the maximum stitch length and width? Especially important for sewers working with thicker materials. Also check if the stitch sizing is adjustable.
• The number of buttonhole styles it offers. Important for garment makers. The more the better.
• The number of steps needed for buttonhole sewing. The fewer the better for maximum efficiency.
• Is the speed adjustable? Especially important for beginners.
• How big is the throat? The bigger the better — especially for quilters and those working on larger projects.
• Does it come with automatic thread cutters, needle threaders and bobbin winders? 
• Does it have twin needle capability? Important for garment makers and hemmers.
• How big is it? Important for portability.
• The number of included presser feet and whether it comes with a knee lifter (for removing the presser feet hands free).
• Are the feed dogs adjustable? And can you easily disengage them?
• Does it have a free arm? Important for garment makers for sewing sleeves.
• Does it come with a drop-in bobbin?
• Is there a warranty available and what’s the support like?

Phew! That’s quite a lot of things to consider — and it’s definitely not an exhaustive list.

If there’s one thing you should be taking away, it’s that you truly need to do your research to find out the best sewing machines for home use.

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What are your top picks?