As has been mentioned, there is no 'one size fits all' *best* machine. How much money do you have to spend? What kind of sewing do you plan to do? I would stay away from the Big Box stores, as they have no tech support for you. Go to some real sewing stores and try out different brand and model machines. BabyLock, Juki,... etc. They are always happy to let you try out the machines and to help you find something that is right for you. Sometimes they have gotten a trade-in that they can offer you at a better price than new. You need to get out and look. Have fun!