Singer Sewer, I own the Babylock Spirit and just love it. Yes it is more costly than the Brother one and yes Babylock does also the Brother machines. I would suggest that you test each out. If it is a matter of finances I'd go with the Brother. I got my Babylock Spirit at a "baby shower" in a lqs and got a great deal on it since I traded in my Babylock Ellure plus and she gave me a wonderful price. Good luck on your decision, its what your happy with!