Best computerised sewing machines under £500 (UK)
Four computerised machines with a verified UK price under £500, grouped by who they suit.
Janome 230DC LE for most beginners; Janome 5050 for more stitches; Brother A16 to save money; Brother A65 for the most features.
The picks
Janome 230DC LE
Easy-set bobbin and a presser-foot sensor take away two classic beginner headaches.
- 30 stitches
- 3 one-step buttonholes
- Easy-set bobbin
Skip it if: you want a thread cutter.
RRP £459at Couling, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
Janome 5050
50 stitches and a 7mm stitch width, with drop feed for free-motion work.
- 50 stitches
- 7mm width
- Drop feed
Skip it if: you sew a lot of heavy denim.
£399at John Lewis, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
Brother Innov-is A16
Speed control and needle up/down from Brother's computerised range.
- 16 stitches
- Speed slider
Skip it if: you want lots of decorative stitches.
£399at WeaverDee, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
Brother Innov-is A65
60 stitches and an automatic thread cutter.
- 60 stitches
- Thread cutter
Skip it if: you prefer dials and simplicity.
£479at Sewing Machine World, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
How we chose
We read each maker's and retailer's listing and grouped machines by who they suit. Every price is GBP inc VAT from one retailer, checked on 1 November 2026. No scores until each machine has its own researched review.
Scores are provisional and come from cited sources, not from testing. How we score.
Questions people ask
Is computerised better than mechanical?
Not better, just different. See our mechanical vs computerised comparison.
Do I need £500 to start?
No. Many good mechanical machines cost less.
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.