Brother PR680W vs Janome MB-4S: Deep Comparison of Embroidery Machines

1. Introduction

With the improvement of productivity levels, embroidery quilting is gradually approaching everyone's life. For beginners, a single-head embroidery machine is a good start. It can satisfy your hobbies and help you to start your business. The most famous ones are Brother and Janome brand embroidery machines on the current market. For these two brands of single-head embroidery machine, we’d like to select the Brother PR680W model and Janome MB-4S model. I will analyze these two models on this blog. Hope it can help you make your choice.

2. Overview of Brother PR680W Embroidery Machine

Brother is a well-known brand in the embroidery machine industry. Brother PR680W is a flagship model of the Brother brand, mainly positioned in the mid-to-high-end market. The PR680W embroidery machine features six-needle high speed, a generous embroidery area, wireless connectivity and a crosshair embroidery laser with precision accuracy. Its quick set-up and fast multi-needle embroidery enables you to embroider large multicolored designs with minimal thread changes and greatly increases productivity compared to traditional single-needle machines.

The maximum embroidery speed can reach 1000SPM, which means the needle speed reaches 1000 stitches per minute. The size of the entire machine is 23.11"" L x 20.24"" W x 23.19"" H; the weight reaches 83.77 lbs; the machine can Will be supported steadily. Maintain the perfect presentation of embroidery works. PR680W also supports a variety of file formats such as: .pes, .dst, .phc, .pen (from iBroidery) C15; it also performs quite well in automation, such as automatic Thread changing/automatic threading/automatic thread trimming; in addition, the 10.1” display screen allows you to operate more easily and enjoy the fun of embroidery.

3. Overview of Janome MB-4S Embroidery Machine

Janome MB-4S is a star model of Janome machine brand. Not the same as the normal sewing machines of Janome machine, the MB-4S model with differences designs. This four-needle machine can set up your embroidery and move on to other projects while the MB-4S gets it done. The MB-4S is built to work with most embroidery formats, including those used by industry professionals. It is compatible with industry-standard Tajima/Magnahoops, as well as the three available Janome hoops to further expand your creative opportunities.

Maximum embroidery range up to 9.4"" x 7.9""; meets the embroidery needs of different logo sizes, with only 4 stitches, the maximum embroidery speed can reach 800 stitches per minute (800spm); supports .jef+, .jef and .dst file format input, and there are also 50 included pre-set embroidery patterns, providing you with a wealth of embroidery patterns to choose from options for your embroidery patterns. There are also 10 fonts included, so you can edit different fonts for a different experience. Weighing only 56 lbs, it's compact enough to fit on any workbench, size reference: 26"" L x 17"" W x 25.5"" H; it doesn't take up too much space, so you can place your clothes, accessories, etc. more efficiently around the machine without looking crowded.

4.Comparison of Key Features and Specifications

Then I will introduce the detailed parameter comparison of these two models in detail, mainly from the aspects of basic functions, software functions, production embroidery efficiency, etc., so that you can compare the two models more intuitively.

5.User Reviews

5.1 Customer Reviews for Brother PR680W

Reviews from Amazon customers Louis from US: “Half a year ago, I planned to open an embroidery store as my side business. Sale customized clothes with embroidering. Many friends recommended Brother machines to me. I finally chose 2 Brother PR680W as a starting point instead of a normal sewing machine. I have been using them for more than 3 months now. I am impressed by its stability and efficiency. Which creates a stable environment for my business and is worth investing in!”2022.2.12

“This machine is exactly what we needed in our tailor shop. Beautiful, clean stitching that provides a high-end appearance. Satisfied with there customer service, easily editing the embroidery designs, also shipping quickly, that helps me win more orders, best for my selection. ”Reviews from Amazon customers. Lucas from US。2023.8.05

5.2 Customer Reviews for Janome MB-4S

“I have owned a single needle embroidery for over 8 years. This is my first Janome product, but it is very easy to learn how to use. The instruction booklet is small and does not help with everything, but there are plenty of YouTube videos out there that will answer any question you may encounter. I am thinking about ordering another one for my business.”Reviews from Amazon customers Jacob from UK. 2022.10.25

Reviews from Amazon customers Addie from CA:“This is my first multi-needle embroidery machine, and I'll be very honest, I was intimidated by it for the longest time. I needed the manual for the first month or so of threading it because there are so many steps, but once I started getting better at it the machine really showed me what it can do. Because there is a Facebook Group for the MB7and a Janome Embroidery Facebook Group that have so many tips and tricks on cleaning, oiling, where to buy needles and bobbins. They are also so encouraging when you share your creations. I love this machine and totally recommend it for those that want to level up their embroidery machine.”2023.1.06

To summarize the evaluation, I spent 35 hours sorting out 100+ reviews, and more than 85% of them were positive reviews. The negative reviews are almost all about troubles caused by not being proficient in operating the machine. Basically, the problems were solved after carefully studying the operation manual.

6. Purchasing suggestions.

6.1 For users with a limited budget

Users with a limited budget these days, but who still need a single-head embroidery machine, are recommended to choose Janome MB-4S; the price is cheaper, which is good for your capital turnover, but it can also provide relatively excellent embroidery.

6.2 For users who pursue a high-end embroidery experience

If you are targeting a high-end embroidery experience, or your customer base requires high-quality embroidery products, then I will not hesitate to recommend you choose the Brother PR680W. Whether it is stability or high-quality embroidery, this model occupies the leading position. Firm advantage.

6.3 Users who have needs/preferences for specific embroidery functions

If you have an embroidery shop that customizes embroidery products for your customers, I recommend the Brother PR680W. Although it is a bit expensive, this model runs stably and can avoid thread breakage, tangles, and many other embroidery defects. You know we all don’t want to have problems with a piece of clothing due to a malfunction of the embroidery machine. Then the piece of clothing will be scrapped, adding unnecessary costs to you. Therefore, it is necessary for commercial users to choose Brother PR680W in the early stage. I believe that the corresponding investment will bring corresponding returns.

7. Compatible Magna Hoop Sizes

MagnaHoop is the most popular magnetic embroidery hoop brand, which has the characteristics of fast and tight cloth clamping without manual adjustment. With this magnetic hoop, you can quickly and firmly clamp your fabrics or clothes, saving you time and labor cost.

MagnaHoop has a stronger magnet than Mightyhoop and can be used almost 35 times more than Mightyhoop in life cycle，MagnaHoop compatible for Brother PR680W or Janome MB-4S as the following sizes:

8. FAQ:

Q1: What are the key differences between Brother PR680W and Janome MB-4S embroidery machines?

A: Embroidery quality, price.

Q2: Which machine is better for large-scale embroidery projects?

A: Brother PR680W

Q3: Does the Brother PR680W or Janome MB-4S have more built-in designs?

A: Brother PR680W and Janome MB-4S models have the similarities built-in designs as 50.

Q4: Which machine has a larger embroidery area?

A: Brother PR680W (12""x8"")

Q5: How fast can the Brother PR680W embroidery machine stitch compared to the Janome MB-4S embroidery machine?

A: Brother PR680W(1000spm) is 1.25 times than Janome MB-4S(800spm).

Q6: Who has better stitching quality, Brother PR680W or Janome MB-4S?

A: Brother PR680W, based on you choosing nice embroidery thread.

Q7: What types of embroidery designs can be created with the Brother PR680W?

A: .pes ,.dst , .phc, .pen (from iBroidery) C15

Q8: What types of embroidery designs can be created with the Janome MB-4S?

A: .jef+, .jef and .dst

Q9: What is the price range for the Brother PR680W?

A: USD11999~USD14999

Q10: What is the price range for the Janome MB-4S?

A: USD5499~USD7999

Q11: Where can I buy the Brother PR680W embroidery machine?

A: At Brother official website or their distributors.

Q12: Where can I buy the Janome MB-4S embroidery machine?

A: At Janome official website or their distributors."