I think the quality over all is better. That said 6 plus years ago I choose a Janome over a Bernina because it seemed Janome was more in touch with quilting needs. (large throat space, automatic push button thread cutter, quilters package, feet included and knee lifter) I would look at all the features and what you want and test drive both. By the way my dealer has both Bernina and Janome. She actually recommended the Janome to me because of the quilting features. I do have a vintage Bernina 830 also. I do think Janome quality is good too. I run my Janome 6500, Janome Gem Silver, and two other Janomes hard and for years now and they are all in excellent shape.