Top 15 Best Sewing Machines Under $500

These days, you can find different types of high-quality sewing machines under $500. They cost less than their heavy-duty industrial counterparts but still can perform multipurpose tasks.

As a buyer, you can choose from various options such as computerized units consisting of 3 buttonholes, 100 built-in stitches, and automatic features for maximum productivity and efficiency.

However, finding the best sewing machine under $500 can be a daunting task with so many units on the market. That said, let’s review 15 of the best-rated units and pick the right one for you.

How to Choose the Best Sewing Machine Under $500?

When you’re shopping for the best sewing machine under $500 that will help you improve your projects and boost your creativity, consider the following factors to make a calculated purchase.

Purpose

Do you want a sewing machine for professional use or home use? Further, do you want to embroider or sew more? A unit that responds to your needs can help you get excellent results.

And discover new things! So before you make a decision, and spend your hard-earned money, chalk out your purpose. Also, make sure that the machine you choose meets your skill level.

Type

You can choose from computerized and manual sewing machines. The computerized models aren’t hard to utilize thanks to the advanced features. They make a great choice for experienced sewers.

However, mechanical models aren’t difficult to master either. They’re suitable for beginners. However, if you don’t have a preference, opt for a computerized machine with a lot of advanced features.

Built-in Stitches

When shopping for a sewing machine, it’s important to consider the stitch patterns and number of built-in stitches. They affect your work and efficiency. The bigger the number of stitches, the better.

Price

Make sure that the unit you’re buying is worth the cost. To make a wise purchase, consider sewing units from different brands and compare their features, performance, warranty, price, and reviews.

Warranty

Most sewing machines come with a 25-year limited warranty. All of the sewing units reviewed in today’s buying guide include a 25-year limited warranty, ensuring a safe and stress-free purchase.

What Are The Best Sewing Machines Under $500?

The best sewing machines under $500 are being produced by Singer, Brother, and Janome. Each one of these brands makes top-notch units with excellent performance and features at a low cost.

If you’re looking for a sewing machine under $500 that will respond to your sewing needs in full, look no further than this list of top-rated sewing machines under $500 and compare their features.

• Best Overall: Brother DZ3000 Sewing and Quilting Machine
  “Beginner-friendly, advanced attachments, full-featured machine, 230 built-in stitches, extension table.”
• Best Budget: Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine
  “Easy stitch selection, double lift presser foot for thick fabrics, easy navigation keys, speed control slider.”
• Best Janome: Janome DC1050 Computerized Sewing Machine
  “Effortless threading, perfect for beginners, 50 built-in stitches, needle up/down button, snap-on feet.”
• Best Heavy-Duty: Singer Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine
  “Extra-high sewing speed, automatic threading, top drop-in bobbin system, heavy-duty metal frame.”
• Best for Beginners: Singer Tradition 2259 Sewing Machine
  “Adjustable stitch length and width, bilingual user manual, on-board storage, ideal for basic projects.”
• Best for Intermediate Sewers: Brother SE625 Sewing and 4×4 Embroidery Machine
  “3.2-inch LED touch screen, 2-in-1 computerized combination unit, a built-in color palette, easy to use.”
• Best for Advanced Sewers: Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine
  “160 built-in designs, 6 fonts, on-screen editing functions, versatile, plenty of space for larger projects.”
• Best Combination: Brother SE400 Sewing and 4×4 Embroidery Machine
  “Computer connectivity, easy bobbin preparation, accessory bag, free arm, and storage compartment.”
• Best for Embroidery: Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
  “Built-in instructions, 11 embroidering fonts, design editing features, 3.2-inch LCD, embroidery-only.”
• Best Computerized: Brother Project Runway PC420PRW Sewing Machine
  “Adjustable speed control, super easy bobbin winding system, automatic threading, budget-friendly.”
• Best Mechanical: Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
  “A built-in needle threader, user-friendly, snap-on presser feet, thread tension adjustment,18 stitches.”
• Best for Quilting: Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine
  “Quick-set bobbin, adjustable sewing speed, extension table for quilting, 1 inbuilt monogramming font.”
• Best Portable: Singer Quantum Stylist 9980 Computerized Sewing Machine
  “Presser foot sensor, built-in sewing assistance, automatic needle threader, 850 SPM, super-versatile.”
• Best Brother: Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
  “3.2-inch LED touch screen, 80 designs, and 9 fonts, automatic needle threader, easy stitch selection.”
• Best Singer: SINGER SEQS-6000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
  “Multi-hoop capability, design file compatibility, swift smart threading system, 6 StayBright LED lights.”

Best Sewing Machine Under $500 Comparison Chart

You don’t have to break your bank account to enjoy the benefits of a high-end sewing machine. You can find a bunch of sewing machines that contain all the necessary features for less than $500.

In this chart, I’m going to list 15 of the most popular ones. Additionally, you will find a section below the chart with detailed reviews that will help you choose the best sewing machine under $500.

Top 15 Best Sewing Machine Under $500 Reviews

The following units cost less than $500 and will last your lifetime if properly taken care of. They all have a good reputation, numerous features, simple design, and excellent performance.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional. Or just getting started in the sewing world. There is something for everyone here. Treat yourself with one of these units and let your creativity flow.

Singer Quantum Stylist 9980 Computerized Sewing Machine

(Best Portable Sewing Machine Under $500)

The Singer Quantum Stylist 9980 is a computerized sewing unit with a built-in sewing help. This ensures excellent results every single time. It packs 800 built-in stitches. Meaning, it’s fast.

You will also get different alphabets! However, what I like most about this sewing machine is the speed. It’s durable and simple. And although it’s a high-end sewing unit, it’s still easy to utilize.

It’s loaded with advanced features like stitch memory with editing, pattern elongation, needle up/down for appliqueing and quilting, and automatic thread cutter. There’s also a heavy-duty frame.

If you’re looking for a portable sewing machine, look no further than this model. It includes all the great features to allow you to complete your creative dreams. However, it’s still cheap and portable.

You can utilize this sewing machine for home decor, quilting, fashion sewing, and crafting. There’s even a selection of fonts to customize your sewing projects. I also adore the automatic needle threader.

Automatic features like this not only save time. But also eliminate frustration and eye strain. If you order this sewing machine, you will also get 13 built-in 1-step buttonholes with an exclusive buttonhole.

There’s also a stitch elongation and mirror imaging! As you can notice, this machine is feature-rich. It can sew up to 850 stitches per minute. Additionally, you will get a bunch of free accessories.

Key features:

• Presser foot sensor
• 13 presser feet included
• 13 fully built-in 1-step buttonholes
• Elongation and mirror imaging functions
• Built-in sewing assistance
• 850 stitches per minute
• Automatic threading

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Singer
Automatic needle threader:	Yes
Motor speed:	850
Type:	Computerized
Color	White and blue

Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine

(Best Mechanical Sewing Machine Under $500)

The Janome HD3000 is a heavy-duty sewing machine with 18 stitches and a 1-step buttonhole. It’s one of my favorite mechanical sewing machines because it’s versatile but user-friendly.

You will get a built-in needle threader, snap-on presser feet, and a free arm for smaller projects such as baby garments, sleeves, cuffs, pant legs, etc. There’s also a push-pull bobbin winder.

This sewing machine also has reverse stitching, automatic bobbin winding, thread tension adjustment, a cover included, and good lighting. You will also get a super high presser foot lifter.

Key features:

• 7-piece feed dog
• 5mm heavy-duty frame
• Built-in needle threader
• Includes a hardcover
• 18 built-in stitches

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Janome
Automatic needle threader:	No
Motor speed:	860
Type:	Mechanical
Color	White

Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine

(Best Budget)

The Janome 7730 Magnolia is a computerized sewing machine. It’s probably the most advanced sewing machine in the Magnolia line. And makes a great choice for making any sewing project.

If you want to add a personal touch to your home decor or wardrobe, this sewing machine has your back with 30 stitches, six one-step buttonholes, a 7-piece feed dog, and a built-in needle threader.

This sewing machine includes automatic features that save time and ensure precision. There’s also a free arm, locking stitch button, a speed control slider, a superior feed system, and an LED screen.

If you buy this sewing machine, you will also get snap-on presser feet, extra-high presser foot lifter, and a reverse button. The maximum stitch length is 5mm. And the maximum stitch width is 7mm.

Key features:

• Easy stitch selection
• 30 stitches with 6 1-step buttonhole
• Double lift presser foot for thicker fabrics
• Memorized needle stop up/down
• Superior feed system

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Janome
Automatic needle threader:	Yes
Motor speed:	640
Type:	Computerized
Color	White with yellow flowers

Brother SE400 Sewing and 4×4 Embroidery Machine

(Best Combination Sewing Machine Under $500)

The Brother SE400 is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine with 67 built-in stitches. It’s made with beginners and intermediate sewers in mind. It’s advanced but still easy to use.

The best part? It’s budget-friendly! You will get 70 built-in embroidery designs, 120 frame combinations, and 5 embroidery lettering fonts. This combination unit is perfect for any type of project.

You can use this model for embroidery, sewing, home decor, and crafting projects. What I like about this machine is the computer connectivity. It allows users to easily insert and digitize designs.

You can import designs right from your computer. Features like backlit touch screen LCD screen and the automatic needle threader minimize eye strain. There’s also a quick-set top drop-in bobbin.

You will also enjoy an easy bobbin winding system and a built-in push-button thread cutter. They add to the convenience of your sewing and embroidery. It’s perfect for fashion designers.

Key features:

• 4×4 embroidery space
• Backlit LCD touch screen display
• Smooth fabric feeding with 7-piece feed dog
• The quick-set top drop-in bobbin system
• Stress-free automatic needle threader
• Brightly lit workspace

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Brother
Automatic needle threader:	Yes
Motor speed:	710 stitches per minute
Type:	Computerized
Color	White

Brother DZ3000 Sewing and Quilting Machine

(Best Overall)

If you’re looking for a high-end computerized sewing and quilting machine, look no further than Brother DZ3000. It’s a feature-rich machine made with passionate quilters and crafters in mind.

You will get 240 stitches including 110 alphanumeric stitches offering a wise selection of options. There’s a circular sewing attachment that helps you pivot your way to nice finishes and precise circles.

However, what I like most about this machine is the large LCD screen. There’s also a wide table for larger projects. You will enjoy the accessory tray which slides off to reveal a free arm for smaller tasks.

This Brother machine features 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes, automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin, and a 25-year limited warranty. The best part? You will get a bunch of accessories.

Key features:

• 110 alphanumeric stitches
• LCD screen and button selection
• 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes
• Free arm and extension table
• Top drop-in bobbin system

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Brother
Automatic needle threader:	Yes
Motor speed:	850
Type:	Computerized
Color	White with blue details

SINGER SEQS-6000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

(Best Singer Sewing Machine Under $500)

The Singer SEQS-6000 is a popular sewing and embroidery machine. It has all you love about your Singer sewing unit built right into a multipurpose embroidery machine. It’s super-versatile!

Adding a personal touch to your creations has never been easier! This combination machine has a bunch of automatic features and a wide selection of built-in embroidery designs (125) with 5 fonts.

An outline lettering and swift smart threading system with a drop & sew bobbin is also present. What I like most about this machine is the large 10×6 embroidery hoop with multi-hooping capability.

You will also get 30 built-in stitches with 2 fully automatic one-step buttonholes. With this unit, you can customize your embroidery on your PC. The software includes thread charts with color numbers.

If you buy SEQS-6000, you can enjoy different options like rotating, flipping, and repeating the patterns. There’s also a resizing option, printing capabilities, and 3D realistic view which is very impressive.

Other impressive features include automatic needle threader, speed control, built-in spool pins, snap-on hoops, built-in tutorials, a separate bobbin winding motor, an extra high presser foot lifter, etc.

This sewing and embroidery machine is Windows compatible. There’s even a presser foot sensor, a twin needle function, a programmable needle up/down, drop feed and a 25-year limited warranty.

Key features:

• Multi-hoop capability
• Design file compatibility
• Extra-large sewing space
• Drop and sew bobbin system
• Swift Smart threading system
• Basic editing of all designs
• 125 embroidery designs
• 6 StayBright LED lights

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Singer
Automatic needle threader:	Yes
Motor speed:	650
Type:	Computerized
Color	White with green details

Brother Project Runway PC420PRW Sewing Machine

(Best Computerized Sewing Machine Under $500)

If you’re looking for a professional-grade computerized sewing machine, then Brother has a great option for you. It’s the Project Runway PC420PRW. It comes with a full set of accessories.

However, what I like most about this sewing unit is the consistent, couture-level stitch quality. If you buy this machine, you will also get 11 presser feet, a hard case, and other accessories.

This workhorse can make 850 stitches per minute. It has a metal frame construction and a large easy-to-use LED display for easy stitch selection. There’s also a dual-LED workspace lighting system.

You will enjoy the exceptional fabric feeding system, easy threading system, F.A.S.T. bobbin system, and presser foot pressure adjustment. I like the variable speed control with a start/stop button.

This Brother sewing machine packs 294 stitches along with 10 styles of 1-step auto-size buttonholes and 3 lettering styles. You can produce custom stitches with the “my custom stitch” feature.

If you’re worried about the quality, don’t be! This unit is covered by a 25-year limited warranty. You will also get a bilingual user manual. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced users.

Key features:

• 6-point feed dog
• Adjustable speed control
• “Mu custom stitch” feature
• Super easy bobbin winding system
• Backlit LCD for easy stitch selection
• Automatic needle threader
• Super bright work area
• Built-in thread cutter

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Brother
Automatic needle threader:	Yes
Motor speed:	850
Type:	Computerized
Color	White

Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

(Best Brother Sewing Machine Under $500)

If you’re searching for a 2-in-1 sewing and embroidery machine, then SE600 by Brother is just perfect for your needs. It includes a 4×4 embroidery space and enhanced technology.

You will get multiple customizable features that improve your sewing and embroidery. This combination machine comes with a variety of designs you can view on the 3.2-inch LED display.

Previewing your designs is easy. The best part? You can easily customize your designs (switch individual thread colors, put lettering in an arc, move your designs on the screen with a touch).

This sewing machine has 80 designs. However, you can also upload your designs through the USB port. It doesn’t take much time to master this machine thanks to the many advanced features.

If you buy this machine, you will get 103 built-in stitches, a needle up/down, a drop feed for free-motion sewing, variable speed controls, an expansive 6.4-inch needle-to-arm workspace, etc.

What I like most about this computerized model is the professional-looking result that I get every single time. It’s covered by a 25-year limited warranty and includes free accessories.

Key features:

• 9 embroidery fonts
• 2-inch LED touch screen
• 4×4 embroidery area with included hoop
• 80 embroidery designs and 103 stitches
• Quick-set top drop-in bobbin
• Automatic needle threader
• Brightly lit workspace

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Brother
Automatic needle threader:	Yes
Motor speed:	710
Type:	Computerized
Color	White

Janome DC1050 Computerized Sewing Machine

(Best Janome Sewing Machine Under $500)

The Janome DC1050 is a computerized sewing machine. It packs a lot of advanced features to handle all of your sewing needs. First, I will mention the backlit LCD screen with fast navigation.

This feature makes stitch selection a breeze. You can also customize your stitch width and length on the screen. It’s super easy, especially for beginners. You will also get other useful features.

They include a memorized needle up/down, locking stitch button, speed control slider, 50 stitches along with 3 1-step buttonholes, 7 piece feed dog, auto-declutch bobbin winder, free arm, etc.

There’s also a drop feed dog, a jam-proof horizontal full rotary bobbin, a manual tension control, and an extra high presser foot lifter. The maximum stitch width is 5mm while the length is 7mm.

Threading this sewing machine doesn’t require much effort thanks to the one-handed needle threader. There’s also a softcover included. This model is covered by a 25-year limited warranty.

Key features:

• 7-piece feed dog
• 3 1-step buttonholes
• Needle up/down button
• Locking stitch button
• 50 built-in stitches

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Janome
Automatic needle threader:	Semi-automatic
Motor speed:	820
Type:	Computerized
Color	White

Singer Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine

(Best Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine Under $500)

The Singer 4452 is one of the best heavy-duty sewing machines with a wide selection of useful features. They will make your sewing a lot easier! 4452 is perfect for making different sewing projects.

You can make gifts for your loved ones or yourself. It packs 32 built-in stitches (18 decorative stitches, 7 stretch stitches, and 6 basic stitches). You will also get a 1 fully-automatic 1-step buttonhole.

This sewing machine can make 1,100 stitches per minute. Meaning, you will be able to complete all your projects a lot faster. However, what I like most about this model is the super powerful motor.

It adds to the versatility of the sewing machine. You can easily sew through heavyweight fabrics. There’s also a top drop-in bobbin which is great, especially for beginners because it’s easier to utilize.

If you buy this machine, you will also get a soft-sided dust cover and a bunch of accessories. 4452 is one of the best-selling units. It’s a true workhorse suitable for both beginners and experts.

Key features:

• 110 stitch applications
• Extra high sewing speed
• 7 presser feet included for versatility
• Automatic one-step buttonhole
• Automatic needle threader
• Top drop-in bobbin system
• Heavy-duty metal frame

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Singer
Automatic needle threader:	Semi-automatic
Motor speed:	1,100
Type:	Mechanical
Color	Grey

Singer Tradition 2259 Sewing Machine

(Best Sewing Machine Under $200 for Beginners)

If you’re looking for a portable sewing machine for home use, look no further than Tradition 2259. It’s a budget-friendly but versatile sewing machine with 19 built-in stitches.

You will also get a built-in four-step buttonhole. However, what I love about this unit is the heavy-duty metal frame which adds to the stability and durability of the sewing machine.

There’s also a high presser foot lifter which allows you to sew multiple layers of dense material. The high presser foot lifter can be lifted to a higher spot for easy placement of your task.

The best part? Threading is fast and easy. You can also adjust your stitch width and length. This model can be used for making smaller projects such as baby clothes thanks to the free arm.

The on-board accessory storage is one of my favorite features. This sewing machine provides great value for money. It comes with accessories including an instruction manual.

Key features:

• Front-loading bobbin
• Automatic 1-step buttonhole
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• A built-in needle threader
• 97 stitch applications

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Singer
Automatic needle threader:	No
Motor speed:	750
Type:	Mechanical
Color	White

Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine

(Best Quilting Sewing Machine Under $500)

If you’re searching for a computerized sewing and quilting machine, then HC1850 is the ideal choice for you. It’s a versatile machine with exceptional features for quilting and sewing.

You will get 130 stitches and a sewing font for standard monogramming. The sewing machine includes 8 styles of 1-step buttonholes, 8 presser feet, adjustable sewing speeds, stitch chart, etc.

There’s also a detachable foot controller, automatic threading system, and a push-button stitch selector. What I like most about this quilting workhorse is the removable extension table.

Key features:

• Quick-set bobbin
• Big backlit LCD screen
• Super bright workspace
• Adjustable sewing speed
• 1 inbuilt monogramming font
• Automatic needle threader
• Wide table for quilting
• Handy stitch chart

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Brother
Automatic needle threader:	Yes
Motor speed:	850
Type:	Computerized
Color	White with blue details

Brother SE625 Sewing and 4×4 Embroidery Machine

(Best Sewing Machine Under $500 for Intermediate Sewers)

The Brother SE625 is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine with a broad selection of designs (280) and an LED display. With this unit, you can bring your ideas to life faster!

It’s a 2-in-1 model with a broad working area and many features for creative sewing. The best part? You can look at your designs in full color on the 3.2-inch sew smart color LCD touch screen.

Moreover, you can customize your designs in different ways with the touch of a hand. The machine has 280 embroidery designs. However, you can also import your designs via the USB port.

SE625 also includes 103 for the avid sewer. There’s also a needle up/down, a variable speed control, and a drop feed for free-motion sewing. If you buy it, you will also get accessories.

Key features:

• 2-inch LED touch screen
• 2-in-1 computerized machine
• A built-in color palette to change colors
• Embroidery pattern drag and drop feature
• 280 built-in embroidery designs
• 103 built-in sewing stitches

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Brother
Automatic needle threader:	Yes
Motor speed:	710
Type:	Computerized
Color	White with brown details

Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine

(Best Sewing Machine Under $500 for Advanced Sewers)

The Janome Memory Craft 400E is one of the most popular embroidery machines out there! It’s a 2-in-1 sewing and embroidery machine with a 17.3-inch bed and 11 inches right of the needle.

Therefore, you will be getting a lot of space for your projects. It’s ideal for sewing, embroidery, crafting, and quilting. It can sew up to 1,000 stitches per minute. The maximum stitch width is 9mm.

The sewing machine offers 91 needle positions. If you’re looking for a precise, incredibly fast, and strong machine, look no further than this model. It’s perfect for intermediate and advanced users.

Key features:

• 160 built-in designs
• 6 fonts for monogramming
• 2 and 4 letters monogramming
• 9 inches x 7.9 inches embroidery area
• Auto return post thread break
• On-screen editing functions
• 25-year limited warranty

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Janome
Automatic needle threader:	Yes
Motor speed:	860
Type:	Computerized
Color	White

Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine

(Best Embroidery Machine Under $500)

If you’re looking for a specialized embroidery-only machine, look no further than PE800 by Brother. It’s a popular embroidery workhorse with a 5-inch x 7-inch embroidery field.

The PE800 is user-friendly. Therefore, it’s perfect for both beginners and advanced users. This model has 138 built-in embroidery designs including 10 frame designs and 11 built-in fonts.

You will get 1 Cyrillic, 3 Japanese, and 7 English fonts. Some of the designs include floral, scrollwork, and quilt designs (plus 14 border styles and 10 frame shapes). Editing designs is easy.

There’s also a color LCD where you can view your designs before stitching. Threading is a breeze thanks to the automatic needle threader. It saves time and prevents eye strain.

What I like most about this machine is the inbuilt assistance. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions on the screen and learn how to thread your embroidery machine, etc.

Key features:

• Built-in instructions
• 11 embroidering fonts
• Convenient design editing features
• Automatic needle threader
• 5×7 embroidery field

Product Specifications:

Brand:	Brother
Automatic needle threader:	Yes
Motor speed:	650
Type:	Computerized
Color	White with blue details

Final Thoughts

This buying guide contains 15 of the top-rated sewing machines under $500. Therefore, if you’re looking for the best sewing machine under $500, you have come to the right place!

They’re all decent sewing, embroidery and quilting models that won’t cost a fortune to purchase. SE600 is one of my favorite models. It’s a combination sewing and embroidery machine.

However, if you’re looking for a specialized embroidery-only unit, look no further than PE800 by Brother. What’s your opinion on today’s article? Share your thoughts in the comments.