Which of these sewing machines would you pick?

It looks like the most expensive machine has feed dogs that will drop so you can free motion quilt. (not that you'd want to with that short free arm. ) It looks like it has variable stitch length as well, which can be important. The little lightweight one does not. They both are pretty similar in built in stitches and both have the same four step button hole process. The more expensive one comes with more feet.

I would pick the Magnolia. Actually I did pick it last Spring after agonizing on it for quite a while. I haven't sewed a ton on it yet but it is easy to use (except threading the needle, I'm far sighted...it does not have the auto threading thing) and my 9 year old was able to sew on it without much help as well. The machine gets great reviews and the instruction books is easy to understand, I had it set up in and ready to go in 5 minutes.

I bought a babylock 9 for $200. It is all metal. It is a very basic model , but I am not a fancy seamstress So it suits me fine.

For me a drop in bobbin is a must-have. I've had both and hated the front loading bobbin. I've never used my machine's needle threader but I know a lot of people consider that a must-have as well.

I have a feeling I'll need to use the needle threader one of these days.

I had a wonderful Janome that I loved. I had it many years

I am laughing. I never used my needle threaer in the past but I gotta tell you, I couldn't live without now. When the eyes get tired...... my favorite thing on my machine is my automatic thread clipper - it is the little things that make a difference:)

I think you should NOT start with a basic machine. You will outgrow it in no time. IMO, get the best one you can afford.

Do you have a sewing machine store nearby? One where you can test drive a few machines and brands in your price range? A local store might have some deals in the next few days, too.

To some degree this is true but a lot depends on what you anticipate using it for.  I have one of the Janome Hello Kitty machines (very similar to the Magnolia) and it has everything I need and is a powerhouse (plowed through long fake fur with no issues at all)  Also, many of the higher end machines are computerized which I think is something to think about as well.

I bought my first machine barely being able to sew, it is a husqvarna Viking emerald 118. It's got a drop down needle threader that I absolutely love! Not automatics but that's ok, basic stitches. Adjustable stitch length. It can handle 8 layers of denim with the proper needle, feed dogs can be dropped. I had to have it serviced because something inside was plastic and I wore it out, lol, i've had it for almost 15 years and love it,

My dad gave me an old Morse machine and that sucker is amazing! All metal, weighs a ton, workhorse. No automatic anything. A different foot for ruffles, zigzags. Haven't explored everything on it yet as I'm a bit intimidated,

Get as much machine as you can afford and you'll be happy.

I have a mid range Janome that I have had for years and I love it. I do like the drop in bobbin. The needle threader broke a long while ago and I never bothered to replace it. I have had my machine for 19-20 years and it has a lot of miles on it and it's never given me a problem.
Enjoy what ever machine you choose.

Go for the Magnolia. It'll give you room to grow as a sewer, with the features the other 2 don't have. The stitch length adjustment is also really nice to have!

If you live in an area that has a sewing machine (often with vacuums too) store, you might stop in and take a look. Often they have slightly used machines at a good price, and you can try them in store before you buy it. I bought a new machine last year at a local store - one that had been used twice and then traded in. I got it for half the price of a new machine! I also got 2 free lessons from the store to learn all the features of the machine and how to use them.

I agree to get a bit more of a machine than you need now and, if you have a local store, go check them out. My local store's prices are actually about the same as what I find on sale at Amazon PLUS they toss in free classes including one where they make sure you know how to use your machine. I was the only one there for the one for my sewing machine when I bought my serger. In fact, I was there for about 2 hours for my serger lesson and learned so much.

My price range for my sewing machine was a bit higher. I bought a Janome DC 1050 probably 3. I paid $350ish. I love that machine and use it several days each week. It has the drop in bobbin, thread cutter, and needle threader. My old basic Janome did not have any of that. I wanted more control for stitch length and width and wanted a stretch stitch besides the zigzag. My original machine only had a straight stitch and zigzag and was limited in what stitch size you could use. I ended up finding that frustrating. My current machine includes a bunch of decorative stitches too. Janome 1030

I also agree about the issues with a lighter weight machine. I was given my mom's old Singer. Yuck, yuck, yuck. All plastic, lightweight and bouncy. It was not an old Singer, but one from the 1990's probably. Her good one went to my brother.