Brother AE1700 gives better value, but Singer has the familiar name
If you’re choosing between the Brother AE1700 17-Stitch Sewing Machine and the Singer 1408 Sewing Machine, you’re likely after a dependable beginner-friendly machine without overpaying for extras you may never use. These two sit in the same practical bracket: simple, mechanical, and aimed at everyday sewing rather than advanced dressmaking or embroidery. The decision comes down to value, stitch versatility, ease of use, and which brand’s feature set suits your sewing style. Here’s the clear-eyed comparison to help you buy once and buy well.
Brother AE1700 17-Stitch Sewing Machine
Our Recommendation
Buy the Brother AE1700 if you want the best mix of price, versatility, and proven user satisfaction. It is £14 cheaper, has a higher 4.7/5 rating, and gives you 17 stitches for more sewing flexibility. The Singer 1408 is perfectly serviceable, but it costs more while offering less on paper, so the Brother is the better all-round recommendation.
Detailed Comparison
Display
Neither machine is a digital model, so there’s no screen to compare in the modern sense. That means no LCD menus, no stitch preview display, and no touchscreen guidance on either side. In practical terms, this is a draw on display quality, but it also tells you something useful: both machines keep things straightforward, with manual controls that many beginners actually prefer. If you want a machine that feels uncomplicated and easy to learn, both deliver that classic approach equally well.
Winner: Tie
Performance
On paper, the Brother AE1700 has the stronger performance case because it offers 17 stitches for £115, compared with the Singer 1408’s more basic setup at £129. More stitch options usually mean better flexibility for hems, repairs, decorative touches, and different fabric tasks without needing to upgrade too soon. Brother also has an excellent reputation among home sewists for smooth, beginner-friendly operation, and the very high rating of 4.7/5 from 1,947 reviews suggests consistent satisfaction.
Singer is no slouch, and its 4.4/5 rating from 1,968 reviews shows many buyers are happy with it, but the lower score and higher price make it harder to justify unless you specifically prefer Singer’s feel or brand familiarity. For everyday sewing performance, the Brother looks like the more capable and better-loved machine.
Winner: Brother AE1700
Build quality and design
Singer machines often have a reassuring, traditional look and the 1408 follows that familiar white, no-fuss style. If you like a classic sewing-machine aesthetic and a brand that many households recognise, Singer has appeal. However, build quality is not just about appearance; it’s about how well the machine is put together for regular use, and the Brother’s stronger user rating points to a more satisfying ownership experience overall.
At this level, both are likely to be lightweight, portable domestic machines rather than heavy-duty workhorses. The Brother AE1700’s design is likely to feel more purpose-built for straightforward home sewing, while the Singer’s appeal is more about brand trust than standout construction advantages. Since we have no evidence of a build-quality edge for Singer, Brother takes this round on the strength of user feedback and better value.
Winner: Brother AE1700
Battery life
Neither machine is battery-powered in the way a cordless gadget would be, so battery life is not a meaningful comparison here. These are mains-powered sewing machines intended for home use, which means you can sew continuously as long as you’re plugged in. For shoppers comparing specs, this category is effectively not applicable.
Winner: Tie
Price and value for money
This is the clearest win of the comparison. The Brother AE1700 costs £115, while the Singer 1408 costs £129, making Brother £14 cheaper. That alone would be enough to sway many buyers, but the Brother also pairs the lower price with a higher rating and more stitches, which makes its value proposition significantly stronger.
With 17 stitches versus Singer’s simpler offering, you’re getting more creative and practical flexibility for less money. For budget-conscious sewists, beginners building confidence, or anyone wanting maximum usefulness per pound, Brother is the obvious value winner.
Winner: Brother AE1700
Game library/features
Since these are sewing machines rather than gaming devices, “game library” doesn’t apply. The nearest equivalent is stitch selection and built-in features, and here the Brother AE1700 again has the upper hand with 17 stitches. More stitch choices can help with stretch fabrics, decorative finishing, and common household repairs, making the machine feel less limited as your skills grow.
The Singer 1408 is simpler, which can be a plus if you want absolute minimalism and don’t want to think about extra settings. But for most buyers, more features at a lower price is the better deal. Brother wins for functionality and long-term usefulness.
Winner: Brother AE1700
Overall user experience
The Brother AE1700’s overall user experience looks stronger because it combines a lower price, higher rating, and broader stitch range. The 4.7/5 rating from nearly 2,000 reviews is particularly persuasive: it suggests this is a machine that consistently meets expectations for a wide range of users. That kind of feedback matters when you’re buying a sewing machine for real-world jobs like hems, alterations, craft projects, and occasional garment making.
The Singer 1408 is still a respectable choice, especially if you’re loyal to Singer or want a very familiar, simple machine. But at £129, with a 4.4/5 rating, it has less to recommend it than the Brother unless brand preference is your top priority. In a head-to-head choice, Brother feels like the smarter, more satisfying purchase for most people.
Overall summary: The Brother AE1700 wins this comparison decisively. It is cheaper, better rated, and offers more stitches, making it the stronger all-round buy for beginners and everyday home sewists. The Singer 1408 remains a decent alternative, but it does not offer enough extra value to beat the Brother’s combination of price, features, and user approval.
Buy the Brother AE1700 17-Stitch if...
Buy Product A if you’re a beginner, occasional dressmaker, or household mender who wants the most useful features for the least money. It’s also the better pick if you like having extra stitch options for hems, repairs, and simple decorative work without stepping up to a more complex machine. If value and user ratings matter most, Brother is the safer bet.
Buy the Singer 1408 Sewing if...
Buy Product B if you strongly prefer Singer as a brand and want the reassurance of a familiar name in the sewing room. It may appeal if you like a simpler, more traditional setup and are willing to pay a little more for that preference. Otherwise, it’s hard to justify over the Brother on specs and price.
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