Janome Quilt Maker Pro 20 Versa vs Handi Quilter Amara ST Longarm Quilting Machine

These two are close siblings on paper: both give 20 inches of throat, 2,500 stitches per minute, 4 to 24 stitches per inch, a 7-inch touchscreen, stitch regulation and a needle laser. The Amara ST is the stronger package for most buyers because it includes a stand-alone bobbin winder, an M-class bobbin rotary hook, a magnetic tool collar and a published 10/5/5 year warranty on casting, electrical and mechanical parts. The Janome Quilt Maker Pro 20 Versa counters with a low bobbin estimator and an upper thread sensor, which the Amara ST does not list. Owners of both report smooth stitch regulation and quiet running; the Amara ST is the more established name in stationary longarm quilting, and the Janome is the better pick if you want thread and bobbin monitoring built in.

• Choose the Janome Quilt Maker Pro 20 Versa if you want built-in upper thread and low bobbin sensors and a machine that can sit on an electronic lift table set to your own height.
• Choose the Handi Quilter Amara ST if you want an included stand-alone bobbin winder, an M-class bobbin hook, a magnetic tool collar and a clearly stated long warranty.