I'll add my vote for a brother or Janome in that price range-I actually have a low end Walmart Brother-the CS6000i (or I did I gave to a granddaughter, still going great after 7 yrs) and the Janome Jem Silver from approx 12 years ago, the ASG Anniversary model. Also still going strong, gave that one to another granddaughter & bought a used one for a 3rd granddaughter. I also keep a low end Brother at my daughter's house on the other side of the country.
Janome now makes Elna & Necchi-both lines have machines that are the same as the Jem's. The Necchi TM8, Travelmate, is the same machine as the Jem Silver. I missed the ones I gave away so much I recently bought the Necchi for $199. These are great machines especially if space is limited or if a machine is needed for classes or travel. I do a lot of sewing everyday so must admit those machines were not my main machine but I still love them, never let me down and often used.