A honest comparison between two closely specced Brother HC1850 and XR9500PRW. There is a clear winner here though.
Here we are not merely comparing the specs of Brother HC1850 and Brother XR9500PRW, we are going for an in depth analysis of performance, stitch quality, usability and features. The price of XR9500PRW is very stable, which is not the case with that of HC1850. The price of HC1850 have seen some significant oscillations after December. In this comparison, Brother HC1850 is clearly the better machine in terms of features but its price instability is a concern. Brother XR9500PRW on the other hand is the best sewing machine for the money under $200. So it is worth comparing both machines and see which one offers more in value.
Brother HC1850 Vs Brother XR9500PRW- Features Comparison
Even though both are computerized sewing machines, XR9500PRW comes with a Project Runway branding (which is nothing more than a marketing gimmick). First of all, let us focus on the features that these two machines differ.
Built-in Stitches : This is where the major difference lies. HC1850 wins the race handsomely with 130 built-in stitches and 8 0ne-step buttonholes. XR9500PRW has only 100 built-in stitches and 8 one-step buttonholes. HC1850 has 170 stitch functions and XR9500PRW has only 140 of them.
Machine Weight : XR9500PRW has a clear advantage in terms of portability. It is 3.28 pounds lighter than HC1850, which means XR9500PRW will be a better option for those who want to carry their machines to sewing classes.
Sewing Machine Features | Brother HC1850 | Brother XR9500PRW |
Stitch Selection | LCD Display | LCD Display |
Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes |
Thread Tension Adjustment | Manual | Manual |
Reverse Stitch | Yes | Yes |
Built-in LED Lights | Yes | Yes |
Bobbin System | Top drop-in | Top Drop-in |
Motor Speed | 850 stitches/min | 850 stitches/min |
Included Standard Presser Feet | 7 | 7 |
Built-in Stitches | 130 | 100 |
Buttonhole Styles | 8 1-step | 8 1-step |
Built-in Sewing Lettering Fonts | 1 | 1 |
Max Stitch Width | 7mm | 7mm |
Max Stitch Length | 5mm | 5mm |
Start/Stop Button & Speed Control | Yes | Yes |
Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes | Yes |
Needle Positions | 3 | 3 |
Free Motion | Yes | Yes |
Quilting Stitches | Yes | Yes |
Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
Quilting Table | Yes | Yes |
Foot Pedal | Yes | Yes |
Machine Weight | 13.2 lbs | 9.92 lbs |
Warranty | 25 year limited warranty | 25 year limited warranty |
Brother HC1850 Vs Brother XR9500PRW- Performance Comparison
Even though HC1850 has better features, I guess XR9500PRW is slightly better in performance and stitch quality. The monograms on HC1850 doesn’t quite live up to the expectations. It is perfectly fine on XR9500PRW. Apart from the monogram issue, the stitch quality is pretty identical on both machines. Even though HC1850 and XR9500PRW comes with the same motor, the one on XR9500PRW seems to be more refined and quieter. As far as ease of use is concerned, both machines are neck on neck. All in all, I would rank XR9500PRW slightly higher in terms of performance.
Verdict
It literally comes down to two things, the price and built-in stitches. I would rate Brother XR9500PRW as a better machine because it has the quality, features and the right price. Brother HC1850 on the other hand comes with extra 30 built-in stitches which might be important for some, but still you need to keep an eye on the price. I would go with HC1850 only if the price difference between XR9500PRW and HC1850 is less than $20 (assuming HC1850 as the more expensive of the two).