Here’s a popular question these days: How do the Brother CP7500, CP6500 and the CS6000i sewing machines compare to each other? The features seem so close that it’s hard to tell if one is better than another.
The good news is that you almost can’t go wrong here. All three have great ratings and offer excellent value for the price (ALL three are under $200!) but one gives you just a bit more for your money. (Surprise ending up ahead: the better bargain is probably NOT the one you thought it was!)
I love to compare sewing machines side by side to help make sense of the differences and I’ve done that for these three models to help clear up any questions you might have.
Take a look at the chart below:
Brother CP6500 | Brother CP7500 | Brother CS6000i | |
---|---|---|---|
# of Built in Stitches | 60 | 70 | 60 |
# of Buttonhole Styles | 7 | 7 | 7 |
# of Included Presser Feet | 7 | 9 | 9 |
Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Start/Stop Button | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Speed Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Included Hard Cover | No | Yes | Yes |
Included Extra Wide Extension Table | No | Yes | Yes |
Feed Dogs | 6 point | 6 point | 6 point |
Drop Feed Dog Capability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Link to Our Review | Read More | Read More | Read More |
Price | Check Current Price | Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
I included the CP 6500 because it is identical to the CS6000i in regards to all the built in features – the exact same 60 stitches, the same automation, the same feed dogs and the same buttons for starting, stopping, programmable needle and speed control. Everything between those two is the same EXCEPT for the included accessories. The CP6500 does not come with the walking foot, the quilting foot, the quilting guide, the extra wide extension table or the hard cover.
The CP 7500 and the CS6000i are identical in every way EXCEPT that the CP 7500 comes with 10 additional decorative stitches. The first 60 stitches are the same on both machines, operating controls are the same, automation is the same, performance is the same, and the included accessories and presser feet are the same.
Even the manual for these three sewing machines is the same. All three are computerized sewing machines and some have wondered whether the CP series are upgrades because they’re newer then the CS6000i. That may be the case but the platforms on which they’re built are similar as are the internal structures. The exteriors are different as the CP models present a more rounded styling with pink trim.
Consumer Ratings
Consumer ratings on all three models have been extremely strong. The CS6000i has been Brother’s most popular home sewing machine for years with over a thousand reviews online and an average score between four and five stars.
The CP6500 and the CP7500 are newer models but have had consistently strong ratings running between four and five stars.
Price
All three of these sewing machines are great deals. They’re very easy to learn, they include features that usually only come on much more expensive models, and they hold up really well. The stitch quality is very good and with so many stitches to choose from and lots of presser feet, you won’t outgrow any of these any time soon.
The CP6500 is the least expensive of the three by about $30 but if you want to get into quilting, paying the $30 extra to get all the additional accessories is a huge savings in the long run.
The other two have been priced so closely that the choice is all too easy – go for the Brother CP7500 for the additional 10 stitches.
I would rarely endorse buying one machine over another simply because of the additional stitches but when all else is considered equal – including the price – then the choice is obvious. Go for the deal that gets you more value for your money.
I want to get a 1/4 inch quilting foot for my xl3750. Question is does the same foot work on all brother sewing machines or do i need to find one that works just for mine?
Ronald – This Brother 1/4 Quilting foot (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001H61A6Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=sewingmach0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399701&creativeASIN=B001H61A6Y) fits all Brother 7mm sewing machines. That 7mm refers to the maximum stitch width which includes the XL3750.
Hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you, I ordered one from there. It was Amazon and only cost one cent. The shipping was $4.99 and i had a $5.00 gift certificate so it was ordered and i should get it in a week or so. Thank you again.
Ronald – Well, now, that was a total deal! Glad that worked out for you! (Reminds me I have a $5 Amazon card around here somewhere…)
Sincerely,
Erin
I am LOVING this site! I currently have a Brother CS6000i in my cart and I just can’t click the order button – there are SO many reviews – mostly good – btu a lot of them are saying that it jams up because of tension problems – I currently have a Singer… Simple model and I’m having problems with it jamming underneath – something about tension? but I’ve tried changing tension and it just keeps breaking/not working. so I’m trying to find something reliable that won’t jam right away…. any help with that? lol.
Wow, this comparison is extremely helpful!! Thank you, thank you, thank you so much!!
Jen
Thank you SO much for this comparison review! It is PRECISELY what I needed. All my sewing machines were stolen when our house in Bolivia was seized, so when I started shopping for a new machine, I was lost in the options!
Not only have you cleared up the questions about the Wal-Mart choices, your “Check Current Price” gave me Amazon to consider too!!!
Your chart is so helpful. But your explanation of the raw data is what really sets this review apart and WAY above all others! Thank you for sharing your expertise and insight with the world!!!!!
Thank you so much for the thorough reviews! I was at a total loss of where to begin when I decided to get a new machine. I just purchased a CP7500, and I can’t wait to use it.
Thank you so much for your reviews. This site is extremely helpful. Before I found your site I was interested in the CS6000i because it was rated “Best Basic electronic sewing machine” on consumersearch.com and the CE5500PRW because it had the “Consumer Best Buy Digest” seal.
Then, I saw this post and decided to do a side-by-side comparison for the CS6000i, CP7500, and CE5500PRW. It’s been a while since I’ve sewn, so these newer machines are foreign to me. What is “Stitch Customization”? The CS6000i and CE5500PRW have it, but the CP7500 does not.
I also didn’t see any reviews for the CE8080PRW, besides the four I saw that on Walmart.com. I was wondering which would be the better buy between the CP7500 and the CE8080PRW?
Dear Erin,
I have been looking at a Brother SC9500 computerized sewing machine and have not seen any reviews on it. Do you know anything about this machine? I would appreciate any information you can give me on this machine.
I also looked at the Janome DC5100. Love it, but at the tune of $599.00, it is way above my what I can afford right now.
My concern is paying $250. for a brother that will not hold up the a Janome will. Your thoughts.
Thanks!
Loretta
Loretta – To put some of your concerns to rest, Brother sewing machines have a pretty good reputation these days for holding up over time. The Brother SC9500 reminds me of the SQ9000 (read more here) because of the number of stitches and the included letter font. That machine is well rated by users and includes many nice features and a great selection of presser feet – as does the SC9500. They even have similar weights.
The machine looks like it would operate similarly to several of the popular Brother models so I think you’re in good shape in terms of performance and reliability, however, I have never used the SC9500. I can only make that assumption based on how the models that appear to be based on similar platforms have responded over time.
The only thing that I’d take into consideration is the letter font. As with the SQ9000, it’s just one font type. If you’re going to use it, great. If not, you might look at something like the Brother CP7500 (read here) where you’ll get nearly the same number of sewing stitches, one extra presser foot, and a lower price.
Hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you Erin, this seems like the machine I will get. But first, one more question, the con you had mentioned is the light being dim, how dim is it? Will I be able to see where I am sewing during the day without a desk lamp?
I really appreciate all your hard work in reviewing all the different machines to give me some insight. Especially since we can’t try the machines out ourselves.
Thanks again,
Loretta
Loretta – For the most part, I find the included light plenty bright but I do know that the older I get, the worse my eyes seem to be and the more light I need. Assuming you have good lighting in the room you’ll be using during the day, you should not find the included lamp to be an issue.
Sincerely,
Erin
Sorry Erin, but I still have a few more questions on the cp7500 that I couldn’t find online.
1. Is the bobbin a see through, so I can tell when the bobbin is getting low?
2. How wide does the stitch with go? 7mm or 5mm?
3. You mentioned in other reviews about a throat plate being larger? Explain this to me and does this machine have it?
4. What about tension adjustments and pressure foot adjustments? Are they automatic and if they are, does that mean I do not have a dial to adjust manually if needed?
Thanks, yet again:) for all your help.
Loretta
Loretta – No problem, although some of those answers can be found in the full review I’ve done on the CP7500 (read it here). I only mention it because you might not have seen it if you landed on this page first. Didn’t want you to miss out! (I need a better way to link the related reviews and posts together. 😉 )
The bobbin cover is see-through.
The max stitch width is 7mm.
The size of the throat is the space between the needle and the right side of the machine. It’s where your right hand will sit when you’re working and where bundles of fabric might have to pass through if you’re doing quilting or working on a very large project where you need to sew in the middle of the fabric. The throat on the CP7500 is not extra large but is standard sized.
Pressure foot pressure is automatic.
Thread tension is dial controlled although the standard setting will work for many popular fabrics. There is a guide in the manual that will help you adjust this, when necessary.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks again Erin! Once again your advice has been very, very helpful! I believe I will purchase the brother cp7500 per your advice.
Thank you,
Loretta
OK…..I just ordered it from Walmart. I will let you know how I like it!
Thanks again:)
Loretta
Congrats and I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Sincerely,
Erin
Right now the 6000i is $128 and the 7500 is $170 on Amazon.com. On the brother website, it states that the 6000i does not have the stop/start feature (i don’t actually know what this means, but it sounds important!). WHICH ONE SHOULD I BUY??? thanks so much–i’m agonizing over this decision! (i am a moderately experienced beginner, i don’t have very many projects under my belt.)
Thank you for this super helpful comparison! I spent all morning researching and all I needed to do was spend 5 minutes with your review. CP7500 here I come!
Hi Erin,
It’s been a few months since I purchased my Brother CP7500 and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!!
It’s my first computerized machine and hadn’t realized what I have been missing out on. I just love the speed button, the needle up and down feature and all the different stitches.
Thanks again for all your help in making my decision.
Loretta
Erin,
My current sewing machine has taken up so much of my time…I will not even begin to state the problems I experienced, trying to sew a straight line contiously. Therefore, I decided it was time for an upgrade. I searched and searched for help in making the decision. I found your reviews to be the very Best in helping me decide. I just purchased the Brother CP7500, and feel there is no looking back. I can not wait for it to arrive.
A quick question I have read that the CP7500 has 7 Feed Dogs. It appears the CP7500 requires 7MM foot attachments. My question is, can this machine the CP7500 still use the Distinctive generic attachments I believe the cs6000i can. My problem is I would like a ruffle foot, it appears brother only has a gathering foot to fit this machine. This is the only question holding me back from the CP7500.
Hi Erin
I would like to start out with how terrific and informative I found the information you’ve presented… thank you so much for such a wonderful website.
I am one of those people that haven’t sown a thing in over 8 years and the most sewing I’ve ever done before this was back in Home Economics 101…
I was recently in a Jo’Ann Fabric store and one of the employees was stating how you can sew with a serge… well I brought one… took the 1st class, and found that someone with my level of sewing skills… this was just not possible… however I am keeping the serger, and continuing with these classes..lol
However, I find that I need a sewing machine… I am also going to take a sewing classes, in hopes of taking sewing from that homemade look… to that, “oh my gosh I can’t believe you made that, look”.
Like so many others… I can’t decide between the Brothers… Brother CP7500, and the Brother CS6000i
My biggest problem is that I like the color and the design of the CS6000i – vs. – that of the CP7500… So I am not sure of the cost value of the 10 additional stitches – vs. – what I think is a better looking machine. (I would really hate to buy a machine which I think is cute, when the 10 additional stiches add a huge value)…. Currently at Wal-Mart both machine are the same price (less than $1 dollar difference)
Also after reading both reviews I was wondering if the table extension table on the CP7500 snaps in place better than the CS600…
One last question…. If I use the Brother SA177 Side Cutter 7mm foot, would I really need to keep the serger that I don’t know how to use… or what this take the place just find.
Thank you so much for all of your help
Inayya – I’m so happy you like the site!
“Between the Brothers”…that’s cute. 😉 I’m reading a Jane Austen novel right now and it reminds me of the match ups between one sister and another or between two brothers – who will marry who?
The extra stitches are all decorative so you’d miss one of the vines, the hearts, and a few of the cross stitches that are on the CP7500. If you’re going to do a lot of baby clothes and want to dress them all up, maybe you’d wish you’d had those stitches but other than that, you won’t miss them at all and you should feel absolutely comfortable buying the one you think looks better.
The extension table performance is not noticeably different between the two so that’s not an issue.
If you’re going to do clothes, keep the serger. The side cutter stitch on the CS6000i is not as durable as a serger machine serger stitch. It uses only two threads instead of 3-4 like a real serger. If you’re not going to need heavy-duty seams, then you could get away with just the sewing machine.
Hope that helps and good luck!
Sincerely,
Erin
I just want to cry…. I can not say THANK YOU enough!!!!
I have been debating for hours, on what to do…. And I was trying so hard to like the CP7500, but I really just love the look of the CS6000i…. (I know, don’t laugh at me).
I had ordered the CS6000i from Wal-Mart and it came today.. and I was loving it even more… however if you would have said the 10 extra stiches would be worth it… I would have exchanged the machines…
However since I don’t plan on making any baby clothes, I am sticking with what I have….
Also, I guess it’s back to sergering 101 for me… lol
I found your link on amazon and I am so happy I did…. I have spent over two hours here reading… I love all the information that you provide…
I was pulling my hair out trying to decide… thank you so much… your tips and help, just made life a little easier for me… 🙂
I have bookmarked your site… and will tell my friends about it.
Inayya – Aw!!! I’m so glad you can stop pulling your hair out and get busy sewing on your new machine! I know exactly how frustrating it can be to try to figure out which model to buy and when the site and I can help in any way, it reinforces just exactly why I started this project to begin with.
Have a WONDERFUL day and anything you can do to share the site would always be appreciated. 🙂
Sincerely,
Erin
Dear Erin,
I’m glad I found this site! I’ve spent hours looking at sewing machine reviews and had actually gotten down to these 3 machines, BUT I will probably never quilt or make baby clothes. Here’s what I would do: mend clothing, make household items like curtains, pillows, slipcovers, and maybe get up the courage to make clothes some day. Right now I’ve got a thermal-backed curtain sewing project waiting for me on the dining room table and I’m afraid to attack it with my mother’s old Kenmore that must be over 30 years old. (The curtains are too short, so I’m try to add a piece with trim to make it look like a valance.)
The thing I’m most concerned about finding in a new machine is something that can handle thick stuff like hemming jeans or sewing trim on upholstery fabric. As a novice, the greatest trouble I’ve had in the past is trying to get my Kenmore to go over thick seams.
And just FYI: my sewing habits are few and far between. I’ll do some big project that takes a few weeks or a month, and then I won’t do anything for a couple years. (I have a tendency to mend by hand since getting the machine out always seems like a hassle.)
Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
Celine – I’ve got two machines in mind. Both of these have extra power sources purposefully to help with thick fabrics and getting through bulky seems but without costing a huge bundle. They both also have lots of stitches so you won’t outgrow them if you decide to get into some of those other projects.
The first is the Janome DC1050. It has a DC motor which means the sewing arm has a kind of separate source of power so it doesn’t cause the machine to drag when it hits those thicker seems.
The second is the Singer 7258. It’s cheaper than the first option and around the same price as the CP7500 but has what Singer calls Optimum Power Control which is like the DC motor approach to getting through thick material.
Both are highly rated, have the same kind of automation as is on this set of Brother machines and enough stitches to get you through just about any project you might want to tackle in the future.
You can find links to the reviews for these two machines through the Compare tab in the navigation menu of this site.
I think you’d be pleased with either one of those and they’d help you blaze through that curtain project! (That Kenmore sounds like my mom’s, btw!)
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks Erin!
I don’t want to spend as much as the Janome, so I’ll think about the Singer.
Two more questions:
Do you know if the Singer 7256 has the same “optimum power control”? (I couldn’t find that feature listed anywhere in descriptions of the Singers.)
Do you think the Brother CP7500 would do fairly well on thick seams like French seams or blue jean seams/hems?
Oh, and just about your website: is there any way to make that bar on the left with the Twitter/Facebook stuff go away–or at least move it to the right? It’s hard to read your reviews with that box over them!
Thanks,
Celine
Celine – Yes, the CP7500 will handle those seems and thick projects but you may have to take it slower depending on just how thick they are. Also make sure to get extra needles (which you’d have to do no matter which machine you got) but you’ll certainly want to have more of the 100/16 needles available.
As for the social box on the left, are you on a smart phone or iPad? I thought I had it turned off for those devices but I’m off to check. On regular laptop/computers, it shouldn’t lay on top of the content at all. Thanks for the heads up!
Sincerely,
Erin
I’m just using a regular ol’ desktop PC and have been reading your reviews all evening–and mildly cursing that social bar box. I have to scroll the text up to the top of the page to see it.
Okay, I’m going to go ahead and order the CP7500. I’ve been like Inayya and ready to pull my hair out with all the machines available and all the different features.
BUT…since I can’t help myself from continuing to ask questions: I’ve been reading reviews and articles all day, and one thing I read somewhere was that was you really need for heavy fabrics/seams is a presser foot pressure adjustment. None of the Brother ones seemed to have that (at least the more affordable ones). Is it not so necessary if you make other adjustments like the correct needle etc.? I was just about to go to the Singer website to see if their machines listed pressure foot adjustment when I got your reply here.
I really appreciate your help and this website!
Celine
Celine – I just turned off the social buttons for awhile. Many of today’s machines have automatic pressure foot adjustment. Some of them work well and some not as much. There are machines that have manual presser foot pressure adjustment but they usually cost more. Some of the Janomes have it but I can’t think of a Brother model that has it that I’ve reviewed yet. For what you’re doing, the CP7500 automatic pressure should work just fine.
For the machine reviews on this site, if you go to to the machine finding wizard, you can select up to 3 machines to compare side by side. One of the features listed for each is whether or not they have automatic or adjustable pressure. I just checked the DC1050 again and it’s automatic, too.The Janome Sewist 500, though, does have manual adjustment but it doesn’t have any of the automation the others do and is a mechanical machine, not a computerized one – although that may not matter as much to you.
Glad you like the site. I have been trying to free room on my calendar to get more reviews done as this poor site hasn’t had a new post in awhile.
Sincerely,
Erin
Hey Erin, can I ask one more question? Do you recommend getting the 1- or 2-year protection plans that Walmart and Amazon offer? Have you or any of your readers had experience using them? I’ve never had to return anything to Amazon–at least of this size–so I wonder what it would be like having to ship a sewing machine back for repair.
Celine – I tend to be a cheapskate when it comes to those warranty plans and almost always avoid them but if you’re buying online and IF the plan offers additional benefits that could be valuable they can be a worthwhile expense. In this case, the Amazon plan looks like it only comes into play AFTER the manufacturer’s warranty. I figure anything that’s an issue as a result of the build is likely to be uncovered under the manufacturer’s coverage period. The extended warranty is, then, most likely going to come into play for the other things they cover like power surges (use a surge protector), overheating (how often are you going to run the machine and how long might it take to overheat), dust (cover your machine), and humidity. I live in Arizona so the humidity isn’t an issue and I also haven’t heard of anyone having an issue as a result of humidity, not that it can’t happen.
I think I’d go without it but, like I said, I tend to avoid them anyway. I worked in an industry where these kinds of warranties were always proposed as a new income stream. Note they were never introduced as great protection for consumers – only as a way to make more money.
Sincerely,
Erin
Okay, I did it! I hit the button on Amazon and bought it–with a set of bobbins and no extra coverage. I’ll let you know how it goes once I get going on these curtains.
Thanks so much for your help!
Celine
P.S. Social bar is still there on the left.
Celine – Congratulations! I’m sure you’ll like it but would love to know your impressions after you’ve had a chance to work with it. I suspect that’s going to be one of the most popular machines this coming Christmas. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
PS – I put the social bar back on. For most browsers, it doesn’t lay on top of the content and I’m working on a fix for the few that are impacted. Sometimes the only way the site gets noticed is when others share it for me. It’s amazing the things one has to learn in order to maintain a blog but I’m getting there!
Hi Erin,
I hope you don’t mind my writing here with more questions. I finally finished my curtain project with the Brother CP7500, and I have mixed feelings about it. I have to admit I was afraid to touch the thing for the first week and then when I finally got the courage to start, I had quite a lot of trouble threading the machine. Once I figured it out, I was okay, but that automatic needle threader is a bit iffy (works every 4th try or so). Loved how quiet the machine is and that I didn’t need a foot pedal and could sew very slowly, but I did have trouble with the multiple layers of fabric I had bunching up and wished I could have somehow loosened up the pressure foot. I also had a few spots where the seams were a bit too bulky to get under the foot. I ended up doing a lot by hand–but that’s probably more because I just don’t understand sewing very well.
Now that I’m done, I’m not sure what to do. I’m considering trying the Singer 7258 that you recommended above just to see if it would perform better with the pressure foot (although the Singer info sheet says it’s automatic). The Janome DC1050 was a bit out of my price range, but is that the lowest price machine that can handle thick seams?
ANother thing I’m not sure about is how to return the Brother to Amazon (if I do) when I’ve filled 2 bobbins and probably threw out the original needle? Any idea?
Thanks for your help–again!
Celine
Celine – Machines with adjustable presser foot pressure are few and far between these days in the lower price ranges for some reason. The Janome Sewist 500 is one and it would handle the projects you’re working on. The 7258 does not have adjustable presser foot pressure and might give you the same challenges.
However, before you do anything, have you tried using a different presser foot on your thicker fabrics? The quilting or walking foot might do a better job of moving your thick layers through the machine. I’d try that first and see if things are better.
I think you can still return a product to Amazon even if you’ve used it but within a certain time frame. There should be return information and a customer service support number located on the shipping receipt that came with your package.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you so much for the information. I too have been doing research for a week now – 3 hours just tonight! I have been stressing OUT trying to decide which one to buy. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out the difference between the CP6500 & CS6000i other than the extended table. I was even comparing spec sheets on Brother’s site. They don’t mention the walking foot, the quilting foot, or the quilting guide on the CS6000i spec sheet so I didn’t know they were “missing” from the CP6500. Luckily, I ran across the link to your site in an amazon.com review. Based on your suggestion, I looked at the CP7500 & found it on Walmart.com for only $10 more than the CS6000i! Oh yes, I finally made my purchase! It ended up being less than the CP6500 would have been after buying a hard case separately. I’m not sure if I’ll be doing any quilting or baby clothes, but now I have the option. Thank you again for all your hard work in putting this info together. Thanks to you, I found the CP7500!