Elna Expressive 940 vs Brother VR The Detailed Comparison of Embroidery Machines

Elna Expressive 940 vs Brother VR The Detailed Comparison of Embroidery Machines

on Jul 25 2025
Table of Contents

    1. Introduction

    In this blog we will introduce 2 more representative kinds of models of embroidery machines, Elna Expressive 940 and Brother VR similarities and differences in specifications to you, and we will do more detailed comparison information between Elna Expressive 940 and Brother VR embroidery machines. We hope this will help beginners and embroidery beginners or workers to better choose and buy embroidery machines and make a user's embroidery business more stable.

    2. Overview of Elna Expressive 940 embroidery machine

    Elna Expressive 940 embroidery machine is a advanced electronic embroidery machine, designed to pursue high -efficiency and fine embroidery technology. The following is an overview of its main characteristics:

    • Elna Expractive 940 Commercial 4 -pin embroidery machine is a single 4 -pin embroidery machine with various accessories and capable of raising Swewists's process to a new level. This embroidery machine from ELNA has a 5.7 -inch long -range screen and independent holeline lights, and has the functions and technologies required to bring their projects from homemade quality to professional quality.

    • ELNA expression 940 Commercial 4 -pin embroidery machine not only has the above technology, but also has a complete industrial quality rotation hook, a large shuttle core, a USB port, 4 built -in white LED lights ensure the clear visual effects of the day and the night and the night of the night. A built -in language interface. ELNA expresses the 940 commercial 4 -pin embroidery machine has a direct PC connection capability and is compatible with TAJIMA embroidery hoop.

    In general, Elna Expressive 940 is a functional and convenient operation of embroidery, which is very suitable for hand -to -hand enthusiasts and professionals who pursue the accuracy and efficiency of embroidery art.

    3. Overview of Brother VR embroidery machine

    Brother VR embroidery machine is a multi -functional single -needle embroidery and sewing machine. It combines the flexibility of the home machine and the performance of the industrial machine, which is especially suitable for small enterprises and handicraft enthusiasts. The following is an overview of its main characteristics:

    • Single needle and multi -function design: Brother VR can perform a variety of processes such as embroidery, free movement sewing, free motion sewing, etc., to provide users with extensive creative possibilities.
    • Large embroidery area: It provides spacious embroidery space, allowing users to work on larger fabrics, which is very suitable for making large projects and personalized designs.
    • High -speed embroidery: Brother VR can embroidery at a speed of up to 1000 stitches per minute, and can be completed quickly even in the face of complex projects.
    • HD touch screen operation: equipped with an intuitive LCD touch screen, users can easily choose and edit embroidery patterns, including adjustment of the size, rotation, mirror, and change color.
    • Rich built -in design and fonts: built -in large amounts of embroidery design and fonts, suitable for various projects and personalized needs. In addition, it also supports the introduction of custom embroidery files through the USB port.
    • Automatic thread cutting and penetration: In order to improve the user experience, Brother VR provides automatic thread cutting and automatic penetration function, which greatly simplifies preparation before embroidery.
    • Freedom exercise sewing function: This feature makes Brother VR not only an embroidery machine, but also free motion sewing and sewing, add more creativity and personality to handicraft projects.
    • Stability and durability: The design considers the stability and durability of long -term use to ensure that it can maintain efficient performance even in continuous work.

    The Brother VR embroidery machine meets the needs of handicraft enthusiasts and small enterprises for high -quality embroidery solutions with its multifunctional, high efficiency and user -friendly design. Whether it is personalized embroidery project or commercial production, Brother VR is a very worthy choice.

    4. Comparison Between Elna Expressive 940Janome MB-4S and Brother VR

    We will continue to make more comparisons between Elna Expressive 940 and Brother VR Embroidery Machine. Here are the following details:Basic Features, Software Functions, Features for Increasing Production Efficiency, Embroidery Production Stability Features, Accessories, Price and after-sales service.

    4.1 Basic Features

    Embroidery Machine Size Elna Expressive 940 Brother VR
    Basic Features    
    Number of Needless 4 1
    Number of Heads 1 1
    Maximum Embroidery Speed 800spm 1000spm
    Maximum Embroidery Area (mm/inch) 9.4″ x 7.9″ 8″ x 8″
    Maximum Storage of Stitches (pcs) 200000 needles 500000 needles
    Machine Size (Long/width/height) without metal base (mm) 14.3″ L x 26″W x 20.5″ H 23.1×18.7×21.85 in
    Machine Weight (kg) 50.6 lbs 68.2 lbs

     

    1)Elna Expressive 940 Embroidery Machine Needless Number 4 times more than Brother VR Embroidery Machine,then Elna Expressive 940 user can choose additional more 3 coloer thread to do more complex and more elaborate patterns embroidery and you don't need to changed thread color during the embroidery wotking and just let the machine finished the scheduled embroidery designs.

    2)Brother VR Embroidery Machine Maximum Embroidery Speed 1.25 times more than Elna Expressive 940 Embroidery Machine,Brother VR embroidery machines maintaining more higher productivity and provide consistent, high-quality embroidery with minimal maintenance and operating time. The ability to select the optimum speed of each needle for a specific product or thread minimizes downtime.

    3) Brother VR Maximum Storage of Stitches quantity 2.5 times more than Elna Expressive 940,then Brother VR user can storage many additional quantity Stitches in PC system,The more quantity Stitches will better for user’s embroidery real working.

    4) Elna Expressive 940 Maximum Embroidery Area 1.16 times bigger than Brother VR, then Elna Expressive 940 users can do bigger size  logo on cloth embroidery.

    4.2 Software Functions

    Embroidery Machine Size Elna Expressive 940 Brother VR
    Software Features    
    USB Input Yes Yes
    Supported File Formats .jef+, .jef and .dst .pes ,.dst , .phc, .pen
    Number of in built Fonts (pcs) 10 20
    Number of Pre-set Embroidery Designs (pcs) 50 305
    Design Software Digitizer EX V5.0 PE-Design 11
    Language Options English, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Portuguese and Polish English / Español / Français / Hrvatski / Italiano / Magyar / Nederlands / Norsk / Polski / Português / Portug. (Bra) / Română / Slovenski / Slovenský / Suomi / Svenska / Türkçe / Čeština / Dansk / Deutsch

     

    1) Brother VR embroidery machine supports reading 1.3 times more design formats than the  Elna Expressive 940, and then Brother VR design software system is more compatible and more user-friendly..

    2) Brother VR in built Fonts quantity 2 times of more than Elna Expressive 940 and  Brother VR Pre-set Embroidery Designs quantity 6.1 times of more than Elna Expressive 940 ,This will allow Brother VR users to have more choice of Design Software when designing embroidery patterns, allowing users to have a better experience.

    3)Both Brother VR and Elna Expressive 940 embroidery machine  are system  support multi-language options and fit for users who speak Japanese, English, Chinese,German,Danish and so on.

    4.3 Features for Increasing Production Efficiency

    Embroidery Machine Size Elna Expressive 940 Brother VR
    Features for Increasing Production Efficiency
    Automatic Thread Changing Yes Yes
    Automatic Threading Yes Yes
    Automatic Thread Trimming Yes Yes
    Embroidery Positioning Point Yes Yes
    LCD Screen Size (inch) 5.7″ Remote Computer Screen (RCS) 5.7″ Remote Computer Screen (RCS)
    Real-time Preview unclear Yes
    Photo Embroidery unclear Yes
    WiFi Connectivity unclear Yes
    Automatic Memory Retention unclear Yes
    Frame Offset unclear unclear

     

    1)Brother VR embroidery machine software design can be Real-time Preview and user can through WiFi Connectivity to connect PC together with different quantity embroidery machine,both have Condition Memory function, Stitch conditions can be memorized together with embroidery data. Saved stitch conditions are suitable for job repetition.

    2)Both Elna Expressive 940 and Brother VR embroidery machine both have 5.7″ Remote Computer Screen (RCS)

    3)  Both Elna Expressive 940 and Brother VR have automatic cutting function and Automatic Thread Trimming function,making the embroidery process easier and more efficient.

    4.4 Embroidery Production Stability Features

    Embroidery Machine Size Elna Expressive 940 Brother VR
    Embroidery Production Stability Features
    Bottom and Top Thread Break Detection Yes Yes
    Automatic Thread Tension Adjustment Yes Yes
    Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure Unclear 1-4 level

     

    1) Brother VR embroidery machine  have 1-4 level Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure,But we not sure about Elna Expressive 940 embroidery machine have this function for now.

    2)Both Elna Expressive 940 and Brother VR embroidery machine Automatic Thread Tension Adjustment,ensures better tension and improved thread breakage accuracy and save user's time and energy to do the things.

    3)Both Elna Expressive 940 and Brother VR embroidery machines' bottom and top thread detection system functions that will give users a better experience, as they will immediately suspend the running embroidery design and inform the user of the machine’s thread breakage problem and let users do timely operation and adjustment.

    4.5 Accessories

    Embroidery Machine Size Elna Expressive 940 Brother VR
    Accessories    
    Tubular Hoops Included Hoop M1 9.4″ x 7.9″ (240 x 200 mm)
    Hoop M2 5″ x 4.3″ (126 x 110 mm)
    • Embroidery frame (extra large) 200mm (H) x 200mm (W)
    • Embroidery frame (medium) 100mm (H) x 100mm (W)
    • Compact frame (70) 41mm (H) x 70mm (W)
    • Compact frame (50) 50mm (H) x 50mm (W)
    • Compact frame (44) 38mm (H) x 44mm (W)
    • Compact frame (portrait orientation) 33mm (H) x 75mm (w)
    • Embroidery sheet (extra large) 200mm (H) x 200mm (W)
    • Embroidery sheet (medium) 100mm (H) x 100mm (W)
    Cap Attachment Included Optional yes
    Flat Embroidery Included no no
    Others Included Spool holders
    Spool net
    Spool rest
    Spool stand
    Thread guide pole
    Spool pin
    Bobbins
    Screwdrivers (large and small)
    Offset screwdriver
    Oiler
    Lint brush
    Seam ripper
    Scissors
    Tweezers
    Needle set
    Handy needle threader
    USB cable
    Instructional DVD
    Accessory box
    • Accessory case
    • Needle set
    • Prewound bobbin x 5
    • Metal bobbin x 3
    • Spool net x 4
    • Seam ripper
    • Scissors
    • Tweezers
    • Touch pen
    • Needle changing tool (Threader)
    • Needle plate spacer
    • Phillips screwdriver
    • Standard screwdriver
    • Allen screwdriver
    • Offset screwdriver
    • Disc-shaped screwdriver
    • Screwdriver (large)
    • Wrench 13 x 10
    • Oiler
    • Cleaning brush
    • Weight (L)
    • Weight (S)
    • USB cable
    • Spool mat x 4
    • Spool cap x 4
    • Embroidery frame holder a
    • Embroidery frame holder e
    Tubular Hoops (Compatible) SewTalent / Durkee / Allied SewTalent / Durkee / Allied
    Magnetic Hoops (Compatible) SewTalent / MaggieFrame / Mighty Hoop SewTalent / MaggieFrame / Mighty Hoop
    Others  (Compatible) unclear unclear
    Laser Engraving Accessories unclear unclear
    Extension Table Optional Optional

    1)Brother VR embroidery machines plastic embroidery hoop quantity and size 2.5  times more than Elna Expressive 940, so Brother VR embroidery machines users can used these plastic embroidery hoop to more different kinds smaller size and bigger size garments/Fabric embroidery.

    2)SewTalent / Durkee / Allied brand Tubular Hoops both Compatible for Brother VR and  Elna Expressive 940 embroidery machines and SewTalent / MaggieFrame / Mighty Hoop Magnetic Hoops both Compatible for  Brother VR and  Elna Expressive 940 Sembroidery machines

    4.6 Price and after-sales service

    Embroidery Machine Size Elna Expressive 940 Brother VR
    Price Comparison
    Price Range (USD) USD3999~USD5499 USD3799~USD4850
    Installment Payment Policy No No
    Convenience of Training/Maintenance/After-sales Service
    User Manual Yes Yes
    Online Training Videos Yes Yes
    Warranty Terms Yes 3 year warranty

     

    1)The price of Brother VR embroidery machine 1.05-1.13 times cheaper than Elna Expressive 940 embroidery machine.

    2)Not only will you find many Brother VR and Elna Expressive 940 embroidery machines, unboxing videos and hands-on tutorials on YouTube/Facebook/Instagram/TikTok and other social media available to learn and watch for free, but you will also be able to see for yourself the impeccable stitching precision and intricate designs of these embroidery machines.

    3)Both Brother VR and Elna Expressive 940 embroidery machines have over 1 years warranty time for users.

    5. User Reviews

    5.1 User Reviews About Brother VR Embroidery Machine

     

    5.2 User Reviews About Elna Expressive 940 embroidery machine

    1) The Elna Expressive 940 is a dream. Yes, this machine comes with a loaded bobbin installed, which is great because you receive an extra bobbin and stock photos are included, which is just for enjoyment. The best part of this machine is that it is very easy to use. Threading, spool installation, and designing transfer directions are all simple. If anyone has a problem, just google it. Everything is explained. The first thing I did was create the above. Looking forward to more.

    2) The Elna Expressive 940 is a very cool machine and it was easy to figure out how to use it. I do think I received a refurbished machine rather than a new one because there is a pre-wound bobbin in the bobbin holder and the machine's screen saver randomly shows a picture of a dog and a grandmother posing with her grandchildren - so I was a little disappointed that I didn't receive a new machine. Also, one of the needles broke on arrival. Overall, the machine is easy to use.

    3) I have an Elna Expressive 940. If you are used to automatic threading machines, you may be shocked to learn that you have to thread each needle (4) yourself, and even knotting and pulling through doesn't work sometimes. It's a very loud machine. Other than that, once you get the needles threaded, it's fantastic. I use it mostly for large designs or repetitive designs grouped into a large frame. The only problem is that I haven't gotten service on it yet, but I'm sure it needs it. It is quite heavy and takes two people to lift it. I keep mine on a kitchen island cart.

    4) I have an Elna Expressive 940 and love it. I have no problem threading the needle and love that I can set it up in four colors and make it work. I find that the large 240 x 200 hoop is perfect for multiple designs and the machine will select the correct needle based on the color set in the design. I also purchased the Durkee hoop for this machine.

    6. Purchase Advice

    6.1 Users with a limited budget

    If you are a personal embroidery enthusiast or family handicraft, you want to buy your first embroidered machine, or you want to add an embroidered machine to handle the demand for daily small orders and the budget is within 5,000 US dollars. We recommend that you buy a Elna Expressive 940 and  Brother VR embroidery machine. It is a good choice.

    6.2 Users who prefer a high-end embroidery experience

    For professionals, if you want to pursue a high-end embroidery experience, the embroidery process is more stable, the embroidered patterns are higher quality,  please don't miss the Brother VR embroidery machine.

    6.3 Users who have demand/preference for specific embroidery functions

    If you have special needs for high garments and fabrics embroidery quality, you can choose Elna Expressive 940 embroidery machine are good choice.

    7. Compatible SewTalent Magnetic Hoop Sizes

    Sewtalent Mangetic Hoop is super cost-effective and of the highest quality in the world and has many magical advantages:

    1) Super Time Savings and Productive

    There is no need to re-hoop, saving you a lot of time and releasing you from adjusting traditional hoop screws back and forth. You just need to place fabrics on the lower hoop and lay the upper hoop over, then the upper and lower hoop will clamp the fabric automatically.

    2) Protect Fabric Very Good

    This magnetic design holds your fabric in place securely with a strong magnetic force, reducing the hoop burns which are caused by traditional hoops, and won’t leave stretch marks on your fabric.

    3) Working Pretty Stably

    These magnetic hoops will not pop open during embroidery, and you do not need to worry about fabric slippage. A powerful magnetic force can prevent fabric shifting when connecting your designs or embroidering large areas.

    4) Very Widely Use

    It can hoop over most kinds of fabrics, especially suitable for quilts, towels, jackets, pockets, and some other thick fabrics which traditional embroidery hoops can not do.

    High quality Sewtalent Mangetic embroidery Hoops in some kinds sizes are available and adapted to the Elna Expressive 940 embroidery machines. SewTalent Magnetic Hoop sizes are as follows:

    Hoop Inside Dimension (Mm / Inch) Approximate Embroidery Field (Mm / Inch) Elna Expressive 940 Plastic Hoop Sku Elna Expressive 940 Plastic Hoop Inside Dimension (Mm/Inch)
    100×100 mm  /  3.9×3.9 inch 80×80mm / 3.1×3.1 inch JA-M3 50x50mm
    2"x2"
    100×320 mm  /  3.9×12.8 inch 80×300 mm / 3.1×11.8 inch / /
    130×130 mm  /  5.1×5.1 inch 110×110 mm / 4.3×4.3 inch JA-M2 126x110mm
    5"x4.35"
    150×200 mm  /  6.0×8.0 inch 130×180 mm / 5.1×7.1 inch JA-M1 240x200mm
    9.46"x7.88"

     

    High quality Sewtalent Mangetic Hoops in some kinds sizes are available and adapted to the Brother VR embroidery machines. SewTalent Magnetic Hoop sizes are as follows:

    Hoop Inside Dimension (Mm / Inch) Approximate Embroidery Field (Mm / Inch) Brother VR Plastic Hoop Sku Brother VR Plastic Hoop Inside Dimension (Mm / Inch) Magnetic Hoop Application
    100×100 mm  /  3.9×3.9 inch 80×80mm / 3.1×3.1 inch PRH / EPF60 40x60 mm  /  1.6×2.4 inch perfect for left and right chest logo / sleeves cuff embroidery,embroider where it is narrower and mount over zippers
    100×320 mm  /  3.9×12.8 inch 80×300 mm / 3.1×11.8 inch / / perfect for back lettering / karate or judo belts
    130×130 mm  /  5.1×5.1 inch 110×110 mm / 4.3×4.3 inch PRH / EPF100 100x100 mm  /  4×4 inch perfect for Polo shirt / t-shirt left and right chest logo embroidery,beanies logo,aprons logo,stockings logo
    165×165 mm  /  6.5×6.5 inch 145×145 mm / 5.7×5.7 inch / / perfect for in allround or intermediate size
    150×200 mm  /  6.0×8.0 inch 130×180 mm / 5.1×7.1 inch PRH / EPF180 130x180 mm  /  5×7 inch perfect for in allround or back size
    175×175 mm  /  6.9×6.9 inch 155×155 mm / 6.1×6.1 inch / / perfect for in allround or intermediate size:canvas bag,Back Packs,patches
    195×70 mm  / 7.6×2.7 inch 175×50 mm / 6.8×1.9 inch / / perfect for sleeves and trouser legs
    215×230 mm / 8.5×9 inch 195×210 mm / 7.6×8.2 inch / / perfect for in allround or back size
    195×315 mm / 7.7×12.5 inch 175×295 mm / 6.8×11.6 inch PRH360 200x360mm  /  8×14 inch perfect for pillow/Vest/Jacket/Hoodies/Sweatshirts back embroidery
    220×130 mm / 8.7×5.0 inch 200×110 mm / 7.8×4.3 inch / / perfect for in allround or back size

     

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