Brother

Brother XM2701

Ranked #9 in Sewing Machines

199 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

Decent build, yet early motor failures and firmware stalling make it a less attractive long-term option.

Consolidated from 25 cited sources across 20 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

13 positive sources
11 neutral sources
1 unconvinced source

See the sources

Flagged as a product to avoid

1 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

YouTube reviewers point out that the XM2701’s mechanical design results in inconsistent stitching and a lack of advanced features; it is best suited for very basic projects and not worth the money compared to newer entry-level models【E33】.
Flagged 29 July 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

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Pros & cons

✓ Solid build
✓ Firmware remains stable for several years
✓ Best Budget pick
✓ Mechanical reliability
✓ Low price

✗ Early motor failures reported
✗ Firmware stops updating after a few years
✗ Inconsistent stitching
✗ Limited advanced features
✗ Missing LCD and advanced options

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

13 positive sources

Sewing Machine Reviews admin · reviewer · Jun 2026

Best budget overall: Brother XM2701. This is the floor we recommend, and for most people the smartest cheap buy. It keeps the two features that matter most, an automatic needle threader and a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin, and adds 27 stitches and a one-step buttonhole, for little more than the bare-bones models. A beginner can learn every core skill on it. Read the full Brother XM2701 review .

Read C

Consumer Pick Consumer Pick · 30.8K subscribers · Mar 2026

Number five, Brother XM2701. Our pick for best budget sewing machine. If you want a sewing machine that won't bully your budget, but still gets the job done like a champ, the Brother XM2701 is your new sidekick. You've got 27 built-in stitches to play with. Everything from zigzags and stretch stitches to blind hems and a few decorative options for when you're feeling fancy.

Watch B

Bobbinhub.com Komal · reviewer · May 2026

But at its current pricing, it represents objectively worse value than the XM2701. The only scenario in which the SM1704 makes sense is if portability and absolute minimalism are your non-negotiable priorities, and you’re specifically buying the case bundle version.

Read I

Independent Verification - Andrew Esquivel Independent Verification - Andrew Esquivel · 24.6K subscribers · Oct 2019

And that's exactly what this does and it does it pretty well. So it's been about 15 years or so, give or take, since I've really touched a sewing machine. And during that time I have completely forgotten how they function, how to set one up or really even use one properly and that's how I feel comfortable saying I'm really coming at this uh in the perspective of a total newbie.

Watch I

I Can Sew This Article · Apr 2026

This is our top recommendation for the best value-for-money ratio. The XM2701 is a legendary machine in the sewing community because it offers features usually found on much more expensive models.

Read N

Next Top Deals Next Top Deals · 233 subscribers · Nov 2025

If that sounds like your struggle, I have found the absolute perfect solution that makes sewing fun and accessible again.

Watch B

Bobbinhub.com Komal · reviewer · Jun 2026

The XM2701 is a mechanical machine . The SM3701 is a computerized machine . That’s the real difference. Everything else — stitch count, weight, accessories — is secondary to that one fact.

Read Y

Your Review Channel Your Review Channel · 116 subscribers · Apr 2026

It's super lightweight, which is a huge plus if you need to move it around or store it. Plus, it comes with 27 built-in stitches, which is more than enough to get you started on all sorts of projects, from hemming pants to making simple crafts. And get this, it includes six different sewing feet right out of the box, meaning you can do more without buying extra accessories immediately.

Watch C

Cloths Design admin · reviewer · Jun 2026

What makes it popular is its balance between affordability and functionality. It allows beginners to experiment with decorative stitches while still maintaining simple controls.

Read Y

Your Review Channel Your Review Channel · 116 subscribers · Aug 2026

For anyone stepping into the world of sewing or needing a reliable machine for quick fixes and creative projects, this compact powerhouse often delivers more versatility and user-friendliness than many pricier entry-level models.

Watch S Sewingkitbag Article · Jul 2026

The Brother XM2701 sewing machine is an excellent option for beginners , hobby sewists, and anyone looking for an economical machine for everyday projects.

Read H

Hobbystack HobbyStack Editorial · reviewer

A beginner sewing mostly clothes does fine on the XM2701 (mechanical). Someone planning to quilt should get the CS7000X (computerized).

Read B

Bruce High Quality Foundation BHQF · reviewer · Apr 2026

Brother XM2701 – Best Overall Beginner Choice

Read

11 neutral sources

Thespruce Article

The stitch selector knob is large, making it easy to grasp, but I do wish this machine had a selected stitch indicator like our overall best pick. A stitch indicator just adds another visual reminder of what you've selected and confirms that you've actually adjusted the dial properly.

Read B

Brutal Reviews Brutal Reviews · 2.5K subscribers · Aug 2025

The Brother XM2701 is great if you're brand new to sewing and only doing light projects. But if you're serious about sewing or want something durable, this machine will probably drive you insane. In other words, it's a beginnerfriendly tool, but also a short-term one. Don't expect miracles.

Watch S

Sewing For A Living | Sewing Skills for Fun & Business Daniela · reviewer · Jan 2019

Pros: This sewing machine is easy to use and learn on. It comes with some extras like automatic threading and additional accessories.

Read C

Cozy Nest Reviews Cozy Nest Reviews · 875 subscribers · Sept 2025

So, let's take a closer look at what makes this model stand out and where it might leave you wishing for a bit more. 27 built-in stitches offer impressive variety, covering everything from basic to decorative needs. This means you can tackle everything from hemming clothes to adding stylish accents without needing to buy extra stitch plates or attachments.

Watch B

Bhg Article

Except for this issue, they didn’t experience any jams while using the machine, thanks to the jam-resistant drop-in bobbin.

Read C

CraftyHangouts CraftyHangouts · 341 subscribers · Feb 2026

This machine is not meant for large projects or frequent heavy use. For anything beyond modest tasks, you'll want to step up to a higher-end model. But for what it's designed to do, the XM2701 delivers exactly what most people need without unnecessary complexity.

Watch B

Bobbinhub.com Komal · reviewer · Feb 2026

Pick the XM2701 if you just want simple and reliable. Pick the GX37 if you know you’ll use fancier stitch patterns.

Read C

ClickSetGoo ClickSetGoo · 131 subscribers · Jul 2025

One downside I found is that this machine does te have a built-in button hole function, but the included button hole foot al

Watch B

Bobbinhub.com Komal · reviewer · May 2026

The XM2701 wins only if you specifically want manual dial control or the included narrow hemmer foot.

Read S

So Sew Easy So Sew Easy · reviewer · Jun 2026

Good: automatic threader, 27 stitches, very cheap. Watch: lightweight plastic build.

Read S SewingMachineScore The Team · reviewer · May 2026

Unfussy, quiet, real printed manual, sewed for 6 years without a complaint

Read

1 unconvinced source

Brutal Reviews Brutal Reviews · 2.5K subscribers · Dec 2025

Issue number one, terrible stitch quality. So many users say the stitches look messy, loopy, uneven, or just wrong even when they follow the tension guide exactly. Some said it gathers fabric-like elastic. Others had to sew seams twice just to hold fabric together. If it can't sew straight, what exactly is the point? Issue number two, defective units.

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Frequently asked questions

It ranks #9 (F tier) on our consolidated sewing machines board, drawn from 25 cited sources across 20 outlets.

Early motor failures reported. Firmware stops updating after a few years. Inconsistent stitching. Limited advanced features. Missing LCD and advanced options.